Pediatricians care for the health needs of children.
Pediatricians must complete more than 10 years of additional training after high school in order to obtain a license to practice medicine and provide care to children of all ages.
High School
Basic courses in high school in science and math, such as algebra, geometry, chemistry and biology, offer a firm foundation for students wishing to pursue a career as a pediatrician.
Undergraduate Study
Pre-med students must complete four years of undergraduate study with emphasis on science and math in order to earn a bachelor's degree and apply to medical school.
Medical School
An additional four years of study in medical school will prepare students for the clinical phases of becoming a pediatrician. Courses covering clinical skills, anatomy, medical terminology and medical procedures must be mastered in order to fulfill the requirements to obtain a doctorate degree.
Internship
Before graduating medical school, students must complete one year of internship training under the supervision of a pediatrician in a hospital or clinical setting.
Residency
After graduation from medical school, an additional two years of training as a resident are required. As a resident, the pediatrician will be treating patients as a doctor but under the supervision of a more experienced doctor who can offer assistance or advice as necessary.
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