Becoming a Pediatrician: Education, Training, and Timeline

Required Pathway

1. Bachelor's Degree (4 years): Any major; complete pre-med prerequisites (biology, chemistry, physics, math, English).
2. Medical School (4 years): MD or DO; preclinical sciences + clinical rotations (pediatrics core clerkship).
3. Pediatrics Residency (3 years): Inpatient, outpatient, NICU, PICU, ER, subspecialty electives; board eligibility.

Total Minimum Time

11 years post-high school (4 + 4 + 3).

Optional Fellowship (1–3 years)

• Neonatology, Cardiology, Critical Care, Heme/Onc, Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Infectious Disease, Emergency Medicine, etc.

Licensure & Certification

• USMLE (MD) or COMLEX (DO) Steps 1, 2, 3
• State medical license
• American Board of Pediatrics certification (after residency)

Combined Programs

• BS/MD (6–7 years)
• Early assurance programs