Paediatrician

To become a paediatrician you'll need to complete:

• a degree in medicine recognised by the General Medical Council
• a foundation course of general training which takes 2 years
• specialist training that takes a minimum of 8 years

You might be able to do a foundation year before starting a medical degree. This will depend on your circumstances and what qualifications you hold.

If you already have a science-based degree, you could take a 4-year graduate entry route into medicine.

Entry tests

When you apply for a course in medicine, you may be asked to take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) .

It tests for skills you'll need on the course, such as:

• critical thinking
• problem solving
• data analysis
• decision making

Work experience

Medical schools will also expect you to have some relevant paid or voluntary work experience. The British Medical Association provides information on how to find a placement.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• at least 5 GCSEs grades 9 to 7 (A* or A), including English maths and sciences

• 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology and chemistry

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
• University Clinical Aptitude Test|https://www.ucat.ac.uk/

You may be able to apply for a place on a Doctor Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship, if you're working in a healthcare setting.

This takes 5 years and you'll need the support of your employer to apply.

On successful completion, you would move on to the 2-year foundation training programme, followed by specialist training.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

Registrations

you'll need to register with the General Medical Council

Career Tips

The General Medical Council has a guide on what it means to be a good doctor. You might find this useful when preparing for medical school interviews.

Professional and Industry Bodies

You could join the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and the British Medical Association for professional development and training opportunities.

Further Information

You can find out more about careers in paediatrics from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and Health Careers .

As a paediatrician, you could:

• assess children who are ill, injured or have disabilities
• refer patients to specialist colleagues for tests, X-rays or scans
• diagnose issues and explain treatments to patients, parents and carers
• prescribe medication, surgery or therapies
• monitor progress and write up patient records
• take part in management and planning meetings
• supervise and train junior medical staff

You could work in an NHS or private hospital, at a health centre or in the community.

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.

You may need to wear a uniform.