4 answers
Sadhana
Student
Birmingham, Alabama
1
Question
Asked
800 views
What are some good majors in college if you wanna become a pediatrician?
I'm a sophomore rn and I wanna become a pediatrician.
Login to comment
4 answers
Michel Davis
Medical student
171
Answers
Cranston, Rhode Island
Updated
Michel’s Answer
Always a good question. There is no pre med major but there are majors that a lot of people flock to when looking at wanting to go into medicine. A huge major that a lot of people go towards is Biology the reasoning behind this is because it knocks out of all the pre reqs that you will need to get into medical school. If you choose a major such as Physics you may need a couple more classes in things like Biology and Biochemistry to apply and be accepted into medical school. Some of the major requirements that you will need to satisfy are a year of Biology with a year of lab. A year in general chemistry with lab. A year in organic chemistry with lab. A year in physics with lab. Some schools want Calculus some are okay with just Stats all case dependent. A semester of Psych and they like a semester in abnormal psych which is also helpful for the entrance exam. A Biochemistry class is highly recommended. A semester of Genetics is also recommended. A semester of sociology is typically also required. These are all classes that you will need and the nice thing about the Biology degree all of these classes will be included.
That being said you don’t have to be a Biology major you can major in anything you want, but if you want to become a Peds doctor you will need these before you apply to medical school.
Hope this was helpful
That being said you don’t have to be a Biology major you can major in anything you want, but if you want to become a Peds doctor you will need these before you apply to medical school.
Hope this was helpful
Thank u so much for giving me helpful advice ❤️!
Sadhana
Fred Rosenberger
Data Analyst
481
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Fred’s Answer
A pediatrician is a medical doctor with a specialty. So, you will have to go to med school, then (I think) do an internship and residency in pediatrics.
So basically, you are asking "what is a good major if I want to go to med school". It is a common misconception that you can major in "pre-med" - there is no such thing. Most pre-med students major in biology, or possibly anatomy and/or chemistry. There is some talk about pre-med students sometimes majoring in more liberal art areas, like communication or humanities, but these are rare.
You may want to talk to your high school guidance counselor for more advice.
So basically, you are asking "what is a good major if I want to go to med school". It is a common misconception that you can major in "pre-med" - there is no such thing. Most pre-med students major in biology, or possibly anatomy and/or chemistry. There is some talk about pre-med students sometimes majoring in more liberal art areas, like communication or humanities, but these are rare.
You may want to talk to your high school guidance counselor for more advice.
Thank u so much for giving me some helpful advice ❤️!
Sadhana
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Sadhana,
Response:
Your choice of a college major is a critical step if you're planning to become a pediatrician. Although no specific major is mandatory for medical school, some can better equip you for the demanding academics and topics you'll encounter in medical school and your pediatric residency. Here are some recommended majors for aspiring pediatricians:
Biology: A biology major lays a robust groundwork in natural sciences, vital for comprehending human anatomy, physiology, and other biological processes key to pediatric medicine.
Biochemistry: This major merges biology and chemistry, providing a more profound understanding of chemical processes within living beings. It's particularly useful for future pediatricians due to its emphasis on molecular interactions within the body.
Chemistry: Chemistry majors gain a solid grasp of chemical principles and their applications, relevant to various medical aspects, including pharmacology and drug interactions.
Psychology: Pediatricians need to understand human behavior and development as they work closely with children and their families. A psychology major can offer valuable insights into child psychology, cognitive development, and behavior patterns.
Nutrition Science: Considering the significance of nutrition in child growth, a nutrition science major can be beneficial for pediatricians. Understanding dietary needs and their health impacts is vital when caring for young patients.
Public Health: Public health majors provide a wider view of healthcare systems, epidemiology, disease prevention, and community health issues. This knowledge can enhance clinical skills and help pediatricians tackle public health issues affecting children.
Human Development: A human development major can offer valuable insights into children's physical, cognitive, emotional, and social growth stages. This knowledge is crucial for pediatricians monitoring child development milestones and addressing developmental issues.
Pre-Medical Studies: Some colleges have pre-medical programs designed to meet medical school admission requirements. These programs often include coursework for aspiring doctors, including those interested in pediatrics.
While these majors can be beneficial for future pediatricians, remember that medical schools usually require specific prerequisite courses rather than specific majors. These prerequisites often include biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, English, and sometimes biochemistry or psychology courses.
Moreover, gaining clinical experience through volunteer work or internships at pediatric hospitals or clinics can further boost your readiness for a pediatrician career.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): The AAP is a top professional organization for pediatricians in the US. Their resources offer valuable insights into pediatrics and educational pathways for future pediatricians.
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC): The AAMC provides advice on medical school admission requirements and resources for potential medical students exploring various majors and medical career paths.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS offers data on healthcare jobs, including information on pediatricians’ job prospects, educational requirements, and average pay rates.
GOD BLESS YOU!
JC.
Response:
Your choice of a college major is a critical step if you're planning to become a pediatrician. Although no specific major is mandatory for medical school, some can better equip you for the demanding academics and topics you'll encounter in medical school and your pediatric residency. Here are some recommended majors for aspiring pediatricians:
Biology: A biology major lays a robust groundwork in natural sciences, vital for comprehending human anatomy, physiology, and other biological processes key to pediatric medicine.
Biochemistry: This major merges biology and chemistry, providing a more profound understanding of chemical processes within living beings. It's particularly useful for future pediatricians due to its emphasis on molecular interactions within the body.
Chemistry: Chemistry majors gain a solid grasp of chemical principles and their applications, relevant to various medical aspects, including pharmacology and drug interactions.
Psychology: Pediatricians need to understand human behavior and development as they work closely with children and their families. A psychology major can offer valuable insights into child psychology, cognitive development, and behavior patterns.
Nutrition Science: Considering the significance of nutrition in child growth, a nutrition science major can be beneficial for pediatricians. Understanding dietary needs and their health impacts is vital when caring for young patients.
Public Health: Public health majors provide a wider view of healthcare systems, epidemiology, disease prevention, and community health issues. This knowledge can enhance clinical skills and help pediatricians tackle public health issues affecting children.
Human Development: A human development major can offer valuable insights into children's physical, cognitive, emotional, and social growth stages. This knowledge is crucial for pediatricians monitoring child development milestones and addressing developmental issues.
Pre-Medical Studies: Some colleges have pre-medical programs designed to meet medical school admission requirements. These programs often include coursework for aspiring doctors, including those interested in pediatrics.
While these majors can be beneficial for future pediatricians, remember that medical schools usually require specific prerequisite courses rather than specific majors. These prerequisites often include biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, English, and sometimes biochemistry or psychology courses.
Moreover, gaining clinical experience through volunteer work or internships at pediatric hospitals or clinics can further boost your readiness for a pediatrician career.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): The AAP is a top professional organization for pediatricians in the US. Their resources offer valuable insights into pediatrics and educational pathways for future pediatricians.
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC): The AAMC provides advice on medical school admission requirements and resources for potential medical students exploring various majors and medical career paths.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS offers data on healthcare jobs, including information on pediatricians’ job prospects, educational requirements, and average pay rates.
GOD BLESS YOU!
JC.
Pamela Neff
Gynecologist
38
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Pamela’s Answer
If you are interested in a career in medicine you can major in any area that interests you, and with the help of an academic advisor (assigned by your school) you also take necessary prerequisites. This means you could (for example) major in music or dance and take classes necessary to apply to med school (chemistry, etc). Hope this was helpful!
Thank u so much for giving me some helpful advice ❤️!
Sadhana