To become a pediatrician you will need to attend medical school and earn a Doctor of Medicine degree (MD). Most medical schools require applicants to have at least 2 to 3 years of undergraduate university education, including the completion of several key science courses. However, because admissions are highly competitive, most applicants have a 4 year bachelor’s degree, and some even have a master’s degree.

Some medical schools also require applicants to write a standardized exam, called the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). They usually consider things like character, leadership qualities, and extracurricular activities as well. It is not uncommon for people to apply to medical school 2 years in a row before being accepted.

Medical school takes 4 years to complete and provides a general medical education. After earning your MD you must then complete a period of residency training. Residencies are periods of on-the-job training that take place in hospitals or other medical settings. Pediatric residencies generally last 4 years. If you want to specialize in a specific area, such as pediatric surgery, you will need to complete additional years in residency.

All doctors must pass medical licensing exams including certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) or the Corporation professionnelle des médecins du Québec (CPMQ) in Quebec. They also have to meet provincial registration and licensing requirements.

Related College & University Programs

Medicine (MD)

Medical Science, General

Other Suggested Qualifications

Experience working with children (for example, as a camp counsellor or babysitter) is valuable because it lets you to see if working with kids suits you. Similarly, volunteering in a hospital or medical clinic gives you valuable experience dealing with people who need help and allows you to decide if you would enjoy a career in health care. Compassion, patience, and a love of children are essential for pediatricians.

Even after so many years in university, doctors never stop learning. The rapid changes occuring in the medical field mean pediatricians are constantly updating their knowledge and skills by reading medical journals and attending courses and conferences.

Suggested High School Subjects

Grade 12

English

Algebra & Geometry

Calculus

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

Social Studies

Computers

during your last year of high school you should try to take an AP science course because this will give you some advance college credit which will help when you’re trying to fit in your pre-med courses along with the courses you’ll need for your major (which can be anything, though i would suggest majoring in something that you enjoy and something you’re good at since a high GPA is an important factor in medical school admission decisions).

Good luck.