5 answers
Mia
Student
Bossier City, Louisiana
1
Question
Asked
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What high school classes should i take to become a pediatrician?
What electives should i take in high school in order to appeal to colleges? im looking to become a pediatrician, and i need to find colleges that will be best for that.
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5 answers
Suzanne Sorkin
Retired family physician and medical educator
114
Answers
Traverse City, Michigan
Updated
Suzanne’s Answer
Mia, it's great to be planning ahead while still in high school. Becoming a pediatrician can be a wonderful career choice. The process to do so is this:
You finish high school, ideally with a strong academic record, including as much science and math as you can take. If you have the option for AP classes or dual-enrollment in your local community college, I encourage you to do that. Be sure your academic advisors and teachers know what your career goals are so that you can be in the college-prep classes.
Then you go to college for a bachelor's degree which typically takes four years. You can major in any subject which interests you but you need to be sure you take all the "pre-medical" courses required by the medical schools to which you will be applying. Typical pre-med courses include general chemistry with labs, organic chemistry with labs, at least a year of biology, often including biochemistry, math thru calculus, often statistics, often psychology or sociology. Be sure you are in touch with a pre-med advisor as soon as you start college so that you take take all the expected classes.
Then you apply to and get accepted by a medical school. Again, this is typically four years. During this time you do more in-class science work and also begin to do clinical rotations in hospitals and clinics. Some of this will be pediatric time, some time spent with adult patients. Your final year of medical school you apply for your pediatric residency which is done after medical school. This is typically a three year program.
Make an appointment to talk to your high school counselor to discuss your goal of becoming a pediatrician. Be sure to take as much science and math as your school offers. Ask about AP and dual-enrollment options.
Check out this website from the AAMC (American Association of Medical Colleges) written for high school students about how to plan ahead : https://students-residents.aamc.org/aspiring-docs-fact-sheets-get-experience/information-high-school-students
Write back if you have more questions. Best of luck to you!
You finish high school, ideally with a strong academic record, including as much science and math as you can take. If you have the option for AP classes or dual-enrollment in your local community college, I encourage you to do that. Be sure your academic advisors and teachers know what your career goals are so that you can be in the college-prep classes.
Then you go to college for a bachelor's degree which typically takes four years. You can major in any subject which interests you but you need to be sure you take all the "pre-medical" courses required by the medical schools to which you will be applying. Typical pre-med courses include general chemistry with labs, organic chemistry with labs, at least a year of biology, often including biochemistry, math thru calculus, often statistics, often psychology or sociology. Be sure you are in touch with a pre-med advisor as soon as you start college so that you take take all the expected classes.
Then you apply to and get accepted by a medical school. Again, this is typically four years. During this time you do more in-class science work and also begin to do clinical rotations in hospitals and clinics. Some of this will be pediatric time, some time spent with adult patients. Your final year of medical school you apply for your pediatric residency which is done after medical school. This is typically a three year program.
Suzanne recommends the following next steps:
could you give me adive on What high school classes should i take to become a surgon?
Ava
Elaine Purdy
Healthcare administrator and professor at univeristy for healthcare administration undergraduate and graduate level
9
Answers
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Updated
Elaine’s Answer
Taking up a part-time job at a child care center or a summer camp can be a great way to broaden your understanding of children of different ages. This hands-on experience allows you to observe children's behaviors and learn how to adapt to their unique personalities. You'll also get a chance to watch how parents interact with the child care staff, giving you a deeper insight into family dynamics. As a future pediatrician, you'll be treating children directly, but it's also crucial to provide support for the entire family, particularly during challenging times of severe illness or injury. So, this experience can be a valuable step in preparing you for your rewarding career in pediatrics.
Michael Torio
Consultant - Data Reporting & Analysis (HQ Finance)
282
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Mia:
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a Pediatrician career. Physics, chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, geometry and statistics will be needed. The combination of these concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a Pediatrician, communication is essential and critical when dealing with patients, medical personnel and other hospital staff. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills. While in high school, the debate team will provide the opportunity to sharpen communication skills which are backed with research and factual data and information. Another recommendation is to seek the advice from your high school guidance counselor and teachers. They can help guide your educational pathway to becoming a Pediatrician.
According to Indeed.com, here are the educational and professional pathways to become a Pediatrician:
11 - 15 Years = Overall Total Years to become a Pediatrician which is comprised of:
- 4 Years = Bachelors Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Specialized Health Sciences or Social Sciences
- 4 Years = Medical School
- Obtain a Medical License
- Complete a Residency Program and Internship
- Consider a Fellowship
- Consider a Board Certification
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-long-does-it-take-to-become-a-pediatrician
According to U.S. News & World Report, here is a link to the Best Colleges and Universities with Pediatric programs:
- University of Pennsylvania (Perelman)
- Harvard University
- University of Cincinnati
- John Hopkins University
- University of California (San Francisco)
- University of California (Los Angeles-Geffen)
- Baylor College of Medicine
- Stanford University
- University of Colorado
- Duke University
- Ohio State University
- University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)
- University of Washington
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
Best wishes for your education and career path in Pediatrics!
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a Pediatrician career. Physics, chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, geometry and statistics will be needed. The combination of these concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a Pediatrician, communication is essential and critical when dealing with patients, medical personnel and other hospital staff. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills. While in high school, the debate team will provide the opportunity to sharpen communication skills which are backed with research and factual data and information. Another recommendation is to seek the advice from your high school guidance counselor and teachers. They can help guide your educational pathway to becoming a Pediatrician.
According to Indeed.com, here are the educational and professional pathways to become a Pediatrician:
11 - 15 Years = Overall Total Years to become a Pediatrician which is comprised of:
- 4 Years = Bachelors Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Specialized Health Sciences or Social Sciences
- 4 Years = Medical School
- Obtain a Medical License
- Complete a Residency Program and Internship
- Consider a Fellowship
- Consider a Board Certification
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-long-does-it-take-to-become-a-pediatrician
According to U.S. News & World Report, here is a link to the Best Colleges and Universities with Pediatric programs:
- University of Pennsylvania (Perelman)
- Harvard University
- University of Cincinnati
- John Hopkins University
- University of California (San Francisco)
- University of California (Los Angeles-Geffen)
- Baylor College of Medicine
- Stanford University
- University of Colorado
- Duke University
- Ohio State University
- University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)
- University of Washington
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
Best wishes for your education and career path in Pediatrics!
Suzanne Sorkin
Retired family physician and medical educator
114
Answers
Traverse City, Michigan
Updated
Suzanne’s Answer
Ava, to clarify my response to Mia: I would recommend taking biology and (if your school offers it) advanced biology, along with chemistry and (if your school offers it) physics. Take as much math as is offered, at least through trigonometry. Colleges will also expect you to have four years of English, a second language, and some social studies.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1737
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Mia !
What a wonderful question and fabulous career choice !
It's great that you do not have to take any classes in high school to "become" a pediatrician, however, you can consider doing human sciences in all your years of high school as that is a good foundation for a human science path once you enroll in college. It is in Medical School that you will learn everything in order to be a pediatrician. Take it a step at a time and high school will be a place that sort of trains you with skills for college but a high school science base will be very helpful for you.
In high school, it will be beneficial for you to take Biology, Chemistry, Psychology and whatever human science your particular high schools offer. You will also have these courses in college at a more advanced level so taking them in high school will be helpful for your knowledge before college. In college, however, you will be able to take Physiology, Organic Chemistry, Early Childhood Development and many other courses that you can explore through the college that you choose, but that may be a while from now. It is good to focus on high school now as you are doing.
It is super awesome that you are interested in preparing for this in high school and there's good news for you ! There is actually a wonderful program by a company called The Apprentice Doctor (link to the website is below) and it is designed for people just like you - in High School. They conduct an online academy with classes, Simulation Kits and Training Events. Yes, there is a financial investment which I will explain later. They also have articles to inform and prepare you for your journey to becoming a doctor and this is something that you can be involved in now. There are very few opportunities to obtain the training you would get through this program, so the investment is something you can consider after discussing it with your parents and exploring if your high school can assist with the cost in any way via referrals or grants.
There are different costs for the various items. The simulation kits range from $75.00 to $200.00 depending on the part of the body or procedure taught. Their most expensive item is the mannequin which is $1,499.00, but you actually wouldn't need that just yet. Their yearly subscription to unlock all of their online courses costs $199.00. There are also options for monthly at $39.00 with a three day free trial or a 3 month subscription for $99.00 every three months with a three day free trial. They offer a free gift of a Preparatory Organizer that will help keep track of your activities and plans for your career. This is also something that you can put on a resume as well as on college applications as having participated in. The company is located in Upstate New York and their contact information is provided at their website.
Most all of the Grants and Scholarships in your state are for college and I do not see any for High School Students. I don't know your family's circumstances, but I would like to suggest how you can obtain assistance if you choose to do The Apprentice Doctor while you are in High School. First, you can double check with your school Social Worker. Explain what you are planning to do and ask if there is financial assistance for students at your school for special projects and if not, ask for referrals to some community based social service agencies that may be able to assist you. I hesitate to suggest the next way and that is that your parents can try for a One Shot Deal at the Department of Social Services if they qualify. Some towns and cities offer One Shot Deals which is a grant and form of welfare for one time only for a specified amount for a specific need. Your local DSS office may not offer this, but it's worth a try if you have certain circumstances.
Whether or not you do The Apprentice Doctor, it is important that you've asked about the courses to take in high school. Always aim for high grades and learn everything you can one step at a time. I hope that this was informative and also helpful and I wish you all the best for a great school year !
THE APPRENTICE DOCTOR TRAINING AND RESOURCES FOR TEENS https://theapprenticedoctor.com/
What a wonderful question and fabulous career choice !
It's great that you do not have to take any classes in high school to "become" a pediatrician, however, you can consider doing human sciences in all your years of high school as that is a good foundation for a human science path once you enroll in college. It is in Medical School that you will learn everything in order to be a pediatrician. Take it a step at a time and high school will be a place that sort of trains you with skills for college but a high school science base will be very helpful for you.
In high school, it will be beneficial for you to take Biology, Chemistry, Psychology and whatever human science your particular high schools offer. You will also have these courses in college at a more advanced level so taking them in high school will be helpful for your knowledge before college. In college, however, you will be able to take Physiology, Organic Chemistry, Early Childhood Development and many other courses that you can explore through the college that you choose, but that may be a while from now. It is good to focus on high school now as you are doing.
It is super awesome that you are interested in preparing for this in high school and there's good news for you ! There is actually a wonderful program by a company called The Apprentice Doctor (link to the website is below) and it is designed for people just like you - in High School. They conduct an online academy with classes, Simulation Kits and Training Events. Yes, there is a financial investment which I will explain later. They also have articles to inform and prepare you for your journey to becoming a doctor and this is something that you can be involved in now. There are very few opportunities to obtain the training you would get through this program, so the investment is something you can consider after discussing it with your parents and exploring if your high school can assist with the cost in any way via referrals or grants.
There are different costs for the various items. The simulation kits range from $75.00 to $200.00 depending on the part of the body or procedure taught. Their most expensive item is the mannequin which is $1,499.00, but you actually wouldn't need that just yet. Their yearly subscription to unlock all of their online courses costs $199.00. There are also options for monthly at $39.00 with a three day free trial or a 3 month subscription for $99.00 every three months with a three day free trial. They offer a free gift of a Preparatory Organizer that will help keep track of your activities and plans for your career. This is also something that you can put on a resume as well as on college applications as having participated in. The company is located in Upstate New York and their contact information is provided at their website.
Most all of the Grants and Scholarships in your state are for college and I do not see any for High School Students. I don't know your family's circumstances, but I would like to suggest how you can obtain assistance if you choose to do The Apprentice Doctor while you are in High School. First, you can double check with your school Social Worker. Explain what you are planning to do and ask if there is financial assistance for students at your school for special projects and if not, ask for referrals to some community based social service agencies that may be able to assist you. I hesitate to suggest the next way and that is that your parents can try for a One Shot Deal at the Department of Social Services if they qualify. Some towns and cities offer One Shot Deals which is a grant and form of welfare for one time only for a specified amount for a specific need. Your local DSS office may not offer this, but it's worth a try if you have certain circumstances.
Whether or not you do The Apprentice Doctor, it is important that you've asked about the courses to take in high school. Always aim for high grades and learn everything you can one step at a time. I hope that this was informative and also helpful and I wish you all the best for a great school year !
Michelle recommends the following next steps: