What degree do you need to be a pediatrician?

Pediatricians are medical doctors who specialize in the health needs of babies, children, adolescents, and young adults. Most are general practitioners, but some specialize in treating more serious medical conditions or pediatric surgery. Aspiring pediatricians must first earn a four-year bachelor's degree.

There is no specific degree that is needed for your bachelor's degree. Most people either go pre-med or minor in child psychology. When planning their coursework, students should keep in mind that most medical schools will require that students have taken a certain number and type of science courses, such as chemistry, biology, and physics, to be eligible for admission.

The next step toward a pediatrician career is to attend medical school and earn a medical degree. Students can earn either an M.D. or a D.O. Coursework and methodologies for an M.D. and a D.O. is similar, but D.O.'s take a more holistic approach to medical practice and place a greater emphasis on the musculoskeletal system and preventative care.

Most medical school programs are four-year programs, with the first two years focused on coursework and the second two years focused on clinical experience.

Coursework will include a thorough study of the human body at all levels, medical practice, patient care, and medical ethics. In the third year, under the supervision of physicians, students will care for patients and collaborate with other physicians in a variety of settings.

The next phase of pediatrician training is residency. Aspiring pediatricians are required to complete a three-year residency. The residency will generally be in a hospital setting. The subspecialties that residents can experience will depend upon the hospital. During their second and third year, residents may focus on their subspecialty.

Candidates must take a standardized national license exam to practice medicine in the U.S. M.D. candidates/graduates will take the U.S. Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE). D.O. candidates/graduates will take the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Exam (COMLEX-USA).

Both of these exams consist of three parts, which are generally taken at three different times. The first two parts are generally taken while in medical school. The final part is typically taken during the candidate's residency.