How to Become a Pediatrician?
Discover the pathway to becoming a pediatrician in India, from education to skills required, and the fulfilling job roles in child healthcare
In this Career Outline
Introduction to Pediatrician
"The care of a pediatrician is not just about curing diseases, it’s about guiding children through a healthy life." – Dr. Herbert Ratner
Pediatricians focus on caring for the health of children, starting from infancy through their teenage years. They treat diseases, infections, minor injuries, and communicable illnesses while monitoring physical, behavioral, and emotional development. Pediatricians assess young patients, track medical histories, and help manage chronic conditions by diagnosing and treating illnesses or injuries. They also advise families on healthcare, safety, nutrition, and exercise, prescribe medications, order diagnostic tests, and administer vaccinations.
Steps to Become a Pediatrician:
Step-1
To become a pediatrician, building a solid foundation in science is essential. Subjects such as biology, chemistry, and physics during your 12th grade play a key role in gaining entry to medical school.
Step-2
After completing 12th grade, aspiring pediatricians must clear the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), which is a mandatory entrance exam for getting admission to MBBS programs in India.
Step-3
The next crucial step is to earn an MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) degree, which typically takes five and a half years, including a one-year internship.
Step-4
Once you’ve completed MBBS, you’ll need to specialize in Pediatrics. You can opt for a Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Pediatrics or a Diploma in Child Health (DCH), which usually takes 2-3 years.
Step-5
After your postgraduate degree, you'll undertake a residency in pediatrics, where you'll gain hands-on experience working with children in hospitals and clinics under supervision.
Step-6
In India, pediatricians need to obtain a certification from the Medical Council of India (MCI) after completing their residency.
Step-7
Once certified, you can start your career as a pediatrician by joining a hospital, setting up your clinic, or working in child healthcare services.
Eligibility Criteria
| Eligibility Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Must possess at least 50% aggregate marks in 12th grade from a recognized board (PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC, etc.). |
| Educational Background | High school diploma or equivalent. |
| Undergraduate Degree | You will need to earn an MBBS degree from an accredited institution. |
| Postgraduate Degree | MD in Pediatrics for advanced learning and better career prospects. |
| Entrance Exams | Valid score in NEET, AIIMS, JIPMER, AFMC, DNB CET, or other entrance exams. Colleges like NMIMS, Symbiosis, LPU, etc., and states have their own entrance exams. |
- Must have at least 50% aggregate in 12th from a recognized board (PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC). Cut-offs vary by college.
- Should score well in Entrance exams after 12th like NEET, AIIMS, JIPMER, or state-level exams. Certain colleges, like NMIMS, Symbiosis, and XUB, conduct their own entrance exams.
- An MBBS from a recognized institution is required to become a Pediatrician.
- An MD in Pediatrics is beneficial for advanced learning and career growth.
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Tasks to perform as a Pediatrician:
Knowledge & Skills Required
Pediatricians must possess a wide array of skills to succeed in their careers. Here are the key knowledge areas and skills needed to excel in this field:
| Knowledge Required | |
|---|---|
| In-depth understanding of the body systems in children | Knowledge of vaccines and schedules |
| Understanding of medications suited for children | Understanding children's mental and emotional development is crucial. |
| Ability to identify and manage growth and developmental delays. | Ability to handle critical care situations in children |
| Skills Required | |
|---|---|
| Problem-Solving | Patience |
| Empathy | Adaptability |
| Communication Skills | Attention to Detail |
Understanding What are soft skills? and why is it important,as they complement technical abilities and enhance overall performance in the field of Pediatrician.
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Job roles offered for a Pediatrician:
Once you qualify as a Pediatrician, several career paths are available:
Physicians diagnose and treat illnesses, manage chronic conditions, and offer preventive care. They conduct exams, review patient histories, and prescribe treatments. Licensing is required, and many take additional exams to expand opportunities.
Specialists diagnose and treat patients, run tests, prescribe treatments, and ensure quality care. They also communicate with families about patient progress and oversee facility sanitation.
Oversees daily clinic operations, manages staff, organizes treatment plans, and ensures smooth functioning. Many start as medical assistants or nurse practitioners.
Prepares the operating room, assists in surgeries, and ensures equipment is sanitized. They support the surgical team and may be required to work on-call during emergencies.
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Career Opportunities for a Pediatrician:
Pediatricians can opt for various fields of work in the companies listed below:
| BabyChakra | Good Glamm Group | Klaxon India | Dr. Shroff Charity Eye Hospital |
| Twin Health | Rainbow Hospitals | CRESCENT PEDIATRIC AND NEONATOLOGY CENTER |
| Primera Medical Technologies | SAAOL Heart Center | Manipal Health Enterprises Pvt. Ltd |
| GoodHealth21 Polyclinic |
Colleges offering courses for Pediatrician:
Here is the list of colleges offering the Best courses after 12th:
| VIMS Bangalore - Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center | Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University, Gurgaon |
| NMCH Sasaram - Narayan Medical College and Hospital | Smt NHL Municipal Medical College, Ahmedabad |
| School of Medical Sciences and Research, Greater Noida | Dr BR Ambedkar Medical College, Bangalore |
| SGT Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Gurgaon | Government Medical College, Surat |
| Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Subharti Medical College, Meerut | Maharishi Markandeshwar Medical College and Hospital, Solan |
End Note
Becoming a pediatrician is a rewarding journey that allows you to touch the lives of children and their families. From education to practice, the path requires dedication, compassion, and a lifelong commitment to learning. Ready to take your first step towards this fulfilling career? SetMyCareer is here to guide you in Career counselling after graduation along your career goals—reach out to our experts today!
In this Career Outline
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