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What are the steps to become a neonatologist / neonatal nurse?
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3 answers
Updated
Philomena’s Answer
To become a neonatologist or neonatal nurse one must pursue a degree either as a medical doctor or a nurse, become certified and work more hours in pediatrics unit, then specialize in that sector. In all this you need good grades, perseverance and hard work.
Updated
Richard’s Answer
Take as many AP or IB courses in high school. You have a lot of years of education in front of you and getting college credit in high school can save you time and money.
In the US, to apply to medical school, you need a bachelor's degree. Any 4-year university should suffice.
Pick a major that interests you so you don't mind devoting a majority of your hours to studying. You will need to get good grades in college in order to apply for medical school. At the medical school I attended, the average GPA is reported to be 3.85, so even one or two B's can hurt your chances of acceptance.
Aside from this, any major is acceptable as long as you complete the prerequisite courses.
Typical medical school prerequisites include:
Biology: Lecture – 4 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
General Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Organic Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Biochemistry: Lecture – 1 semester
General Physics: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Math: Statistics – 1 semester
English: Rhetoric (Composition) and Literature – 2 semesters
Try to find opportunities to pursue research.
Volunteer at your local hospital or low-income clinic. Ask physicians, PAs or other clinical providers if you can shadow them.
During college study for and complete the MCAT. Devote an entire summer to studying for the MCAT and consider paying for a prep course if you can afford it.
My son used MCAT Complete 7-Book Subject Review 2019-2020: Online + Book + 3 Practice Tests (Kaplan Test Prep) Kaplan Test Prep
It was about $140 and he achieved his goal score.
Apply to medical schools during your last year of college.
Medical school takes 4 years to complete.
After medical school pediatricians complete a 3-year residency for additional training. This if followed by an additional 3-years of fellowship subspecialty training in neonatology.
In the US, to apply to medical school, you need a bachelor's degree. Any 4-year university should suffice.
Pick a major that interests you so you don't mind devoting a majority of your hours to studying. You will need to get good grades in college in order to apply for medical school. At the medical school I attended, the average GPA is reported to be 3.85, so even one or two B's can hurt your chances of acceptance.
Aside from this, any major is acceptable as long as you complete the prerequisite courses.
Typical medical school prerequisites include:
Biology: Lecture – 4 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
General Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Organic Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Biochemistry: Lecture – 1 semester
General Physics: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Math: Statistics – 1 semester
English: Rhetoric (Composition) and Literature – 2 semesters
Try to find opportunities to pursue research.
Volunteer at your local hospital or low-income clinic. Ask physicians, PAs or other clinical providers if you can shadow them.
During college study for and complete the MCAT. Devote an entire summer to studying for the MCAT and consider paying for a prep course if you can afford it.
My son used MCAT Complete 7-Book Subject Review 2019-2020: Online + Book + 3 Practice Tests (Kaplan Test Prep) Kaplan Test Prep
It was about $140 and he achieved his goal score.
Apply to medical schools during your last year of college.
Medical school takes 4 years to complete.
After medical school pediatricians complete a 3-year residency for additional training. This if followed by an additional 3-years of fellowship subspecialty training in neonatology.
Thank you so much!
Zemira
Updated
Alicia’s Answer
To become a neonatal nurse: 4 years of undergrad education to complete a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN). You can then sit for the NCLEX and, if you pass, you are nationally certified. Then you apply for neonatal jobs. Some hospitals may want prior nursing experience.
To become a neonatologist: 4 years of undergrad to complete a Bachelor’s (BS or BA), 4 years of med school, 3 years of pediatric residency, and 2-3 years of neonatology fellowship.
This is just the bare minimum. In order to get into muring or med school you need good grades and substantial volunteer experience. To get into a pediatric residency you need to score well on your Step 1 exam in med school.
I hope this gives you a general overview :)
I would recommend you sign up to volunteer in the neonatal unit of your local hospital or in any pediatric setting within the hospital. In this way, you’ll be able to talk to nurses and physicians, build relationships, and directly see what their day to day work life consists of.
-Alicia
To become a neonatologist: 4 years of undergrad to complete a Bachelor’s (BS or BA), 4 years of med school, 3 years of pediatric residency, and 2-3 years of neonatology fellowship.
This is just the bare minimum. In order to get into muring or med school you need good grades and substantial volunteer experience. To get into a pediatric residency you need to score well on your Step 1 exam in med school.
I hope this gives you a general overview :)
I would recommend you sign up to volunteer in the neonatal unit of your local hospital or in any pediatric setting within the hospital. In this way, you’ll be able to talk to nurses and physicians, build relationships, and directly see what their day to day work life consists of.
-Alicia