How to Become a Pediatrician: Salary & Requirements for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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In 2021, over 5 million children under 4 years old and at least 2.1 million young individuals aged 5 to 24 died worldwide. Many could have been saved with access to quality healthcare (United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation, 2023). Evidently, more expertly trained pediatric healthcare providers are urgently needed. To help aspiring medical professionals address this dire global situation, our team at Research.com created this comprehensive guide on how to become a pediatrician.

Our deep-dive explores the importance of healthcare to the youth, different pediatrics career opportunities, and the requirements for academic, licensure, and certification eligibility.

How to Become a Pediatrician Table of Contents

1. Why pursue a career in Pediatrics?
2. Pediatrics Career Outlook
3. Required Skills for Pediatricians
4. How to Start Your Career in Pediatrics
5. How can I advance my career in Pediatrics?
6. What administrative skills benefit pediatricians in leadership?
7. What is the role of online education in pediatric career advancement?
8. Alternative Career Options for Pediatricians
9. How can pediatricians cultivate mentorship and networking opportunities?
10. How can pediatricians maintain a work-life balance?
11. What other career paths are available to those interested in Pediatrics?
12. How can pharmacists enhance pediatric care through interprofessional collaboration?
13. How can an affordable online healthcare administration program enhance pediatric leadership?
14. How can digital innovations optimize pediatric practice management?
15. How can advanced business education empower pediatric career growth?
16. How can public health education enhance pediatric care?
17. How can additional healthcare certifications enhance a pediatrician's career?

Why pursue a career in Pediatrics?

To fully appreciate the field of pediatrics, one must understand the answer to the question, “What is a pediatrician?" Different doctors specialize in different areas of medicine. Pediatricians focus on children’s health and childhood diseases. They are skillfully trained to assess, diagnose, and treat various physical illnesses and mental, behavioral, social, and developmental issues in individuals from infancy to 16 years of age.

Ultimately, the answer to the question, “What does a pediatrician do?" is this: Considering their specialized expertise, pediatricians help minimize child mortality and ensure health in each aspect of a child’s life. The crucial role that these doctors have in helping save a child’s life and positively influencing their growth and development may feel personally and professionally fulfilling.

Providing top-notch pediatric care supported by efficient healthcare systems likely reduces child mortality rates. In a cross-sectional study of 3,390 deaths ranging between stillbirths and child deaths in sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia (20162021), 77% of the investigated deaths “were deemed potentially preventable" by enhancements in prenatal care up to healthcare for adolescents (Madewell et al., 2022).

For pediatricians, helping secure children’s health for their future may also become financially rewarding. Pediatricians earned a median annual wage of $190,350 in 2022—an increase of $15,040 within 3 years based on 2019 wage levels ($175,310) [US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 2023].

Pediatrics Career Outlook

In 2021, pediatric care professionals had a higher median annual wage than all occupations ($45,760) in the US. That year, registered nurses (RNs) generally earned a median annual wage of $77,600; school psychologists earned $78,780; and pediatricians earned $170,480 (US BLS, 2022).

In 2022, the median annual wages of these specialized pediatric roles increased between $2,720 and $19,870. Pediatricians earned $190,350. Meanwhile, RNs had $81,220, and school psychologists had $81,500 (US BLS, 2023).

Moreover, the employment outlook for pediatricians between 2021 and 2031 is at 3%, which is lower than the 5.3% average growth rate for all occupations during the same period. Fortunately, the forecasted employment growth for RNs and school psychologists is slightly faster than average at 6% (US BLS, 2022). So if you are planning on becoming a labor and delivery nurse, the outlook is favorable.

Required Skills for Pediatricians

The pediatrician job description includes complex requirements and responsibilities. To be a qualified job candidate and be able to fulfill the duties in pediatric care, aspiring professionals must develop and master fundamental and specialized skills throughout their education and employment.

Essential Skills for Pediatricians

• Analytical-thinking Skills. With strong analytical-thinking skills, pediatricians can make informed decisions. These skills are particularly helpful in problem-solving and ethical situations.
• Diagnostic Skills. Pediatricians must develop effective diagnostic skills to correctly identify and treat childhood illnesses. Supported by their analytical thinking, they must be able to carefully assess symptoms, order applicable tests, and reliably analyze and interpret test results to arrive at accurate diagnoses. This skill is also one of the travel nurse requirements to be qualified for the role.
• Knowledge of Healthcare Systems and Processes. US healthcare systems can be diverse and complex. Because of this, pediatricians must be proactive in understanding the intricacies of the healthcare systems they operate in and the processes they must efficiently implement. Knowledge of their industry role enables them to provide quality childcare services.

General Skills for Pediatricians

• Interpersonal Skills. Pediatricians must be effective communicators. When communicating with patients, they must be able to talk sensitively, listen attentively, and show empathy. When collaborating with colleagues and professionals from other fields, they must be able to work with them based on professionalism and mutual respect.
• Organization Skills. Organization skills influence each aspect of a pediatrician’s professional life. Organization at work allows doctors to manage their time effectively, document their medical records systematically, and coordinate with other healthcare providers well. These functions enable pediatricians to provide efficient care to their young patients and clients.
• Stress Management. Pediatricians may regularly face difficult situations that involve a child’s life, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, doctors must be skilled at emotional regulation for the well-being of their patients, their patients’ families, and their own. During the Omicron wave of the pandemic from 2021 to 2022, three in five physicians in the US reported at least one symptom of burnout (American Medical Association, Mayo Clinic, Stanford University School of Medicine, & University of Colorado School of Medicine, 2022). This finding is a serious indicator for healthcare organizations to boost their support initiatives for doctors and provide them with adequate resources to fulfill their duty to save lives.

How to Start Your Career in Pediatrics

A pediatrics career can be inspiring and rewarding in more ways than one. In fact, there are more than 10 reasons to pursue a health career. However, aspiring doctors may wonder, “How long does it take to become a pediatrician?" Completing your college degree and medical school may take 8 years. An additional 2 to 5 years may be necessary for pediatric residency and specialty or subspecialty training. Fortunately, individuals may start their careers by applying for entry-level positions in pediatric care or childcare in various industries.

What can I do with an Associate’s Degree in Pediatrics?

Social and Human Service Assistant
Social and human service assistants may also be called case-work aides, social work assistants, or family-service assistants, among other job titles. Their main responsibility involves aiding clients in accessing appropriate benefits and services. Together with social and community service workers, they monitor children’s safety at home by helping parents obtain the necessary resources, including food stamps and childcare.

Median Annual Wage: $38,520

Childcare Worker
Childcare workers ensure the health and safety of children. They must prepare nutritious meals for the children under their care and maintain their hygiene. Childcare workers also monitor and conduct educational and physical activities with children, including reading and playing. Moreover, they must report any indication of developmental, psychological, behavioral, social, and physical issues to the children’s parents.

Median Annual Wage: $28,520

What can I do with a Bachelor’s Degree in Pediatrics?

Registered Nurse (RN)
An RN position is one of the BSN jobs that you may be eligible to attain after graduating from nursing school and passing the RN licensure examination. RNs mainly spend their time in direct patient care. They document patients’ medical information, assess their conditions, and administer their prescribed medications. They also collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide quality care and make necessary adjustments to treatment plans.

RNs may also be trained to operate medical equipment and help conduct diagnostic tests. Moreover, they may concentrate on certain medical areas, such as neonatal, critical care, and cardiovascular, and may further progress in their education and careers by becoming advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).

Median Annual Wage: $81,220

Social and Community Service Manager
Social and community service managers identify, organize, execute, and assess outreach programs and services that benefit community members. They are in charge of the administrative side of these programs and ensure that they achieve the goals and objectives of the stakeholders. At the end of each program, social and community service managers evaluate their effectiveness through data analysis. They then use their generated insights to improve these resources and create the needed budget proposals to implement them better.

Median Annual Wage: $74,240

Can you get a Pediatrics job with just a certificate?

Individuals who do not know how to become a pediatrician may begin by getting certified in pediatrics sub-fields or other related fields, such as childcare and human services. Many entry-level positions in these fields may require only a high school diploma or equivalent, but earning a certificate may increase your employability and income potential.

In 2022, the number of employed social and human service assistants in the US was 399,560. Meanwhile, 459,460 childcare workers were hired across the country in the same year (US BLS, 2023). You may also want to consider venturing into the education sector at this point in your career to enable you to just get started. Several positions in this industry, such as teacher assistants and preschool teachers, are not required to have a bachelor’s degree. However, teacher assistants are expected to have about 2 years of undergraduate coursework, while preschool teachers in various states must have an associate’s degree (US BLS, 2022).

In 2022, 1,254,240 teacher assistants from preschool to secondary school were hired in the US and had a median annual wage of $30,920. In contrast, 415,360 preschool teachers were employed in the country that year and had a median annual wage of $35,330 (US BLS, 2023).

How can I advance my career in Pediatrics?

Pediatrics professionals may advance their careers through continuing education and training. They may apply for master’s programs in related fields through cost-effective channels, such as online speech pathology master’s programs, if they need to boost their credentials through affordable means to attain higher-level positions and leadership roles.

Moreover, individuals with master’s level education may consider earning their doctorate in related fields, including the online doctoral program in public health of reputable academic institutions. However, those who want to know how to become a pediatrician must thoroughly explore medical schools to find out about the most appropriate pediatrics programs for them. Completing graduate programs may provide you with opportunities for career development and better compensation.

What can I do with a Master’s in Pediatrics?

Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are APRNs who provide primary healthcare to patients and their families. Compared to RNs, NPs have a more expansive scope of practice. For instance, they are trained and allowed to diagnose, order laboratory tests, and prescribe medications to patients, whereas RNs are not. Moreover, NPs usually focus on specific patient demographics, such as pediatric, geriatric, and psychiatric patients. In 2022, 258,230 NPs were employed in the US (US BLS, 2023).

Median Annual Wage: $121,610

School Counselor
School counselors support students with their academic and developmental needs. They help them understand and face challenges in these areas and the mental, emotional, social, and behavioral aspects of their lives. School counselors monitor and assess student progress, capabilities, and interests through evaluations and interviews and guide students toward the direction appropriate for their educational, career, and relationship goals. They also ensure that students are safe and provide them with access to necessary resources. In 2021, 336,000 school counselors worked in the US (US BLS, 2022).

Median Annual Wage: $60,510

Social Worker
Social workers work with individuals who experience difficult life situations, such as unemployment, homelessness, and abuse. They work with their clients to help improve their quality of life. Social workers provide people with mental health and social services, and they take part in policy and program development and implementation to refine available and accessible resources for underserved and vulnerable communities. In 2022, 54,620 social workers were employed in the US (US BLS, 2023).

Median Annual Wage: $61,420

What kind of job can I get with a Doctorate in Pediatrics?

Pediatrician
Pediatricians provide primary care services, such as assessments, diagnoses, and treatments, to newborns, children, adolescents, and young adults. As taught in schools for pediatricians, they are trained to work under the pressure of different medical situations that vary in levels of severity, from regular health checkups to serious illnesses and injuries.

Pediatricians also specialize in the developmental, behavioral, and psychological conditions of young individuals. Moreover, aspiring surgeons may choose to become pediatric surgeons—diagnosing and performing surgery to treat various health conditions concerning this patient demographic. In 2022, 780 pediatric surgeons were employed in the US (US BLS, 2023).

Median Annual Wage: $190,350

School Psychologist
School psychologists utilize psychological principles and methods to support students personally and academically. They also provide teachers with guidance to improve their abilities as mentors. School psychologists collaborate with educators, school administrators, families, and other relevant professionals to maintain a safe and healthy educational space that fosters healthy relationships among students and their teachers, their families, and their entire community. Aspiring psychologists inspired to work with children may also consider specializing in child psychology. In 2022, 60,250 school psychologists worked in the US (US BLS, 2023).

Median Annual Wage: $81,500

Which certification is best for Pediatrics?

Once aspiring medical professionals graduate from pediatrician schools, they must undergo postgraduate medical training or residency programs. They must also pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) series to obtain licensure to legally practice medicine in the country.

After going through the best pediatrics residency programs, pediatricians either advance their training through pediatric subspecialty fellowship programs or venture into general pediatric practice. Subspecialty fellows may attain board certification from the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) if they complete their training, get competency approval from the ABP, and pass certification examinations (ABP, 2023). Other pediatrics certification boards include the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), the American Osteopathic Board of Pediatrics (AOBP), and the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD).

What administrative skills benefit pediatricians in leadership?

Pediatricians increasingly find that leadership and healthcare administration skills play a crucial role in managing healthcare settings, particularly as they move into senior or specialized roles. These skills help pediatricians navigate complex healthcare environments, making their practices more efficient and patient-centered. For pediatricians interested in advancing their careers through administrative expertise, programs such as 1 year MHA programs provide a streamlined path to gaining these skills.

Leadership skills enable pediatricians to manage teams more effectively, contribute to policy-making, and improve healthcare delivery systems. Additionally, knowledge in areas like budgeting, quality control, and patient flow management allows pediatricians to optimize resources, improve patient satisfaction, and reduce operational costs.

What is the role of online education in pediatric career advancement?

In the evolving landscape of healthcare, pediatricians can benefit from online education programs to enhance their knowledge and skills without compromising their hectic schedules. These programs, which range from specialized certifications to comprehensive degree tracks, offer the flexibility to balance career responsibilities while still investing in professional growth.

One notable pathway is leveraging nursing experience and transitioning into advanced pediatric roles. For registered nurses aiming to specialize in pediatrics or explore leadership opportunities, the fastest RN to BSN program online can provide a streamlined approach to upgrading their credentials. These programs build on prior experience, allowing professionals to gain advanced knowledge in patient care and pediatric-specific practices efficiently.

Beyond nursing, pediatricians and aspiring healthcare professionals can explore online programs in healthcare administration, child psychology, or public health to diversify their expertise. For example, obtaining skills in healthcare management or counseling can prepare pediatricians for roles that integrate administrative responsibilities with patient-centered care, ensuring a holistic approach to improving children's health outcomes. Such educational advancements not only foster career progression but also contribute to delivering quality care in increasingly complex healthcare environments.

Alternative Career Options for Pediatricians

Medical school and pediatrics residency programs not only teach aspiring healthcare professionals how to become a pediatrician. They also open these individuals up to a diverse selection of alternative careers.

What else can a Pediatrician do?

• Physician Assistant. Physician assistants are trained to assess patients, request and interpret laboratory tests, and provide patients with diagnoses. They may also treat illnesses and injuries and offer medical and health advice to patients and their families. In 2021, 139,100 physician assistants were employed in the US (US BLS, 2022).
• Physical Therapist. Physical therapists are also trained to assess, diagnose, and create personalized care plans in the areas of functions and movements. They help alleviate the physical pain that patients experience through exercises, stretching, and therapeutic equipment. In 2021, 238,800 physical therapists worked in the US (US BLS, 2022).
• Speech-language Pathologist. Speech-language pathologists specialize in assessing and identifying speech, language, and swallowing conditions. They also develop treatment plans to help resolve difficulties and disorders in these areas. Moreover, they educate patients and their families on managing communication and swallowing issues. In 2021, 159,800 speech-language pathologists were employed in the US (US BLS, 2022).

Help Provide Kids with a Healthy, Bright Future

The featured pediatric careers in this in-depth guide may serve as your steps on how to become a pediatrician. If you are an aspiring medical doctor experiencing financial constraints, you may consider applying for entry-level roles in the medical field first. Doing so may help you gain on-the-job experience while saving up for the education and training necessary to become a board-certified pediatrician. Another legitimate option is exploring accredited online degree programs. Staying committed and honoring your career and life goals may help you provide children with a future that is as healthy and bright as yours. One related career worth exploring is nursing, and you can start by determining how much does nursing school cost so you can weigh your options.

How can pediatricians cultivate mentorship and networking opportunities?

Establishing robust mentorship and networking channels is vital for pediatricians to access novel insights, industry trends, and leadership advice. Building these relationships with seasoned professionals and interdisciplinary experts can lead to guidance in clinical decision-making and career diversification. Engaging in professional associations, attending specialized conferences, and participating in peer-led forums offers practical opportunities to discuss emerging challenges and share best practices. Additionally, leveraging mentorship can serve as a bridge to explore parallel career avenues, such as transitioning into roles aligned with highest paying jobs with a biology degree, without straying from pediatric expertise.

How can pediatricians maintain a work-life balance?

Pediatricians often face long hours and demanding schedules, which can lead to burnout if they don't actively manage their work-life balance. Maintaining a healthy balance is crucial for both professional effectiveness and personal well-being. Here are several strategies that pediatricians can use:

• Time management: Developing a structured routine helps pediatricians allocate time for their professional duties and personal life. This can involve setting boundaries for work hours, delegating tasks, and prioritizing important responsibilities.
• Self-care practices: Incorporating self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, and hobbies into daily routines helps reduce stress and prevent burnout.
• Workplace flexibility: Negotiating for flexible working hours, part-time positions, or telemedicine options can give pediatricians more control over their schedules, especially for those with families.
• Support systems: Building a strong support network, including family, friends, and colleagues, can provide emotional and practical assistance in managing the pressures of the job.
• Professional boundaries: Learning to say no and avoiding overcommitment are essential in preventing work from overwhelming personal life. Pediatricians should also seek help when needed and avoid the mindset of having to handle everything independently.

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For individuals interested in pediatrics but not necessarily in becoming a pediatrician, there are various career paths to explore. These careers may involve working directly with children, contributing to healthcare systems, or specializing in related fields. Considering the diverse needs of pediatric care, professionals can find fulfilling roles in nursing, healthcare administration, or social work. To learn more about career opportunities in nursing, including the easiest nursing jobs, one can explore the various specialties and pathways available in this field. By understanding the range of careers related to pediatrics, individuals can make informed decisions about their professional development and how they can contribute to the wellbeing of children and adolescents.

How can pharmacists enhance pediatric care through interprofessional collaboration?

Integrating pharmacists into pediatric care teams can improve medication safety and optimize therapeutic outcomes for young patients. By collaborating with pediatricians, pharmacists can ensure accurate dosing, manage potential drug interactions, and tailor medication regimens to individual needs. This interprofessional approach not only enhances treatment efficacy but also streamlines communication within the healthcare team. Additionally, pursuing specialized training through programs such as Pharm D program online equips pharmacy professionals with the expertise required to support pediatric care effectively.

How can an affordable online healthcare administration program enhance pediatric leadership?

Pediatric leaders can bridge clinical expertise with efficient administrative practices by acquiring specialized training in healthcare management. Developing these skills enables pediatric professionals to streamline operations, optimize resource allocation, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration to improve patient care outcomes. Enrolling in an affordable online healthcare administration program equips pediatricians with strategic planning tools and evidence-based techniques that reinforce effective decision-making and operational excellence in their practices.

How can digital innovations optimize pediatric practice management?

Pediatric practice management increasingly relies on integrating digital solutions to streamline administrative tasks and enhance patient care. Implementing telemedicine platforms, electronic health records, and automated appointment systems can significantly reduce operational inefficiencies. Moreover, improving data management and billing processes through specialized training—such as enrolling in cheap online medical billing and coding courses—can lead to more accurate financial reporting and better resource allocation.

How can advanced business education empower pediatric career growth?

Pediatricians seeking to expand their leadership capabilities and administrative proficiency can benefit significantly from advanced business education. A focused curriculum in healthcare management equips professionals with skills in strategic planning, resource optimization, and effective team leadership. This type of education enhances decision-making and equips pediatricians with a nuanced understanding of operational and financial oversight, which is essential for managing departments and driving innovation in clinical settings. Exploring programs such as affordable online MBA healthcare management can offer a practical pathway to acquiring these competencies while maintaining flexibility in a demanding career.

How can public health education enhance pediatric care?

Integrating public health education into pediatric practice equips professionals with a broader understanding of population health trends and preventive strategies. Pediatricians with public health training are better positioned to identify emerging health risks, design community-level interventions, and collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to improve healthcare outcomes. This approach not only strengthens clinical expertise but also fosters a proactive stance toward disease prevention and health promotion in vulnerable populations. For those interested in advancing this component of their career, exploring the most affordable public health graduate programs can provide a cost-effective pathway to gaining these essential skills.

How can additional healthcare certifications enhance a pediatrician's career?

While completing the necessary education and training to become a pediatrician is crucial, obtaining additional certifications can further enhance your career, making you more competitive in the field and enabling you to provide specialized care. These certifications demonstrate a commitment to continuing education and expertise in specific areas of pediatric medicine, allowing pediatricians to advance in their careers and improve patient outcomes.

Here are several certifications that can enhance a pediatrician’s qualifications:

• Board Certification: Board certification from the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) or the American Osteopathic Board of Pediatrics (AOBP) is essential for pediatricians looking to practice at the highest level. It shows that a pediatrician has met rigorous standards and is committed to staying up to date in their field.
• Pediatric Subspecialty Certifications: Pediatricians can pursue certifications in subspecialties such as pediatric cardiology, pediatric endocrinology, or pediatric oncology. These certifications require additional training and demonstrate expertise in a specific area of pediatric care, offering pediatricians the opportunity to take on more complex cases and potentially earn higher salaries.
• Advanced Pediatric Life Support (APLS): This certification focuses on the management of critically ill children, particularly in emergency situations. It’s highly valued in pediatric care settings such as hospitals and emergency departments.
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) Certification: Pediatricians who wish to expand their role in patient care, or those interested in working closely with pediatric nurse practitioners, may benefit from this certification. It equips healthcare providers with advanced skills in pediatric health management.
• Pediatric Ophthalmology or Dermatology Certification: For pediatricians looking to expand their practice into specialized areas, these certifications focus on specific health concerns affecting children, such as vision and skin conditions.
• Continuing Education and Online Certifications: Participating in online courses, workshops, or webinars can help pediatricians stay updated on the latest medical advancements. For example, programs like those in ultrasound tech online school provide specialized knowledge that can be integrated into pediatric practice, particularly in diagnosing conditions through imaging techniques.

Obtaining these certifications not only bolsters a pediatrician’s credentials but also increases their ability to offer specialized care, improving both job prospects and patient satisfaction.

Key Insights

• High Mortality Rate for Children: In 2021, over 5 million children under 4 years old and at least 2.1 million young individuals aged 5 to 24 died globally. Many of these deaths could have been prevented with access to quality healthcare.
• Demand for Pediatric Healthcare Providers: The global shortage of expertly trained pediatric healthcare providers underscores the urgent need for more professionals in this field to reduce child mortality and improve overall child health.
• Financially Rewarding Career: Pediatricians earned a median annual wage of $190,350 in 2022, reflecting a substantial increase from previous years, highlighting the financial viability of this career path.
• Career Outlook: The employment outlook for pediatricians is projected to grow by 3% from 2021 to 2031, which is slightly lower than the average for all occupations. However, roles related to pediatrics, such as pediatric nurses and school psychologists, have a faster growth rate.
• Essential Skills: Key skills for pediatricians include analytical thinking, diagnostic capabilities, knowledge of healthcare systems, interpersonal skills, organization, and stress management.
• Educational Pathway: Becoming a pediatrician typically requires about 8 years of education (bachelor’s and medical school) plus 2 to 5 years of residency and specialty training.

FAQ

1. What is a pediatrician? A pediatrician is a medical doctor specializing in children's health and childhood diseases. They diagnose and treat various physical illnesses and mental, behavioral, social, and developmental issues in individuals from infancy to 16 years of age.
2. How long does it take to become a pediatrician? It typically takes about 8 years of education (4 years for a bachelor's degree and 4 years for medical school) plus an additional 2 to 5 years for pediatric residency and specialty or subspecialty training.
3. What skills are essential for a pediatrician? Essential skills include analytical thinking, diagnostic capabilities, knowledge of healthcare systems, interpersonal skills, organization, and stress management.
4. What is the job outlook for pediatricians? The employment outlook for pediatricians is projected to grow by 3% from 2021 to 2031. Related roles, such as pediatric nurses and school psychologists, have a faster growth rate of 6%.
5. What are the median annual wages for pediatric-related roles? In 2022, pediatricians earned a median annual wage of $190,350. Pediatric nurses earned $81,220, and school psychologists earned $81,500.
6. What educational requirements are needed to become a pediatrician? You need to complete a bachelor's degree, attend medical school, and undergo pediatric residency and specialty training. Additionally, passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is required for licensure.
7. Can I start a career in pediatrics with an associate’s degree? Yes, you can begin with entry-level roles such as social and human service assistants or childcare workers, which require an associate’s degree or equivalent certification.
8. How can I advance my career in pediatrics? Advancing in pediatrics involves continuing education and training. You can pursue master’s programs, doctoral programs, or specialized certifications to attain higher-level positions and leadership roles.
9. What are alternative career options for pediatricians? Alternative careers include physician assistants, physical therapists, and speech-language pathologists. These roles require additional specialized training and certification.
10. Which certifications are best for pediatrics? Board certifications from the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP), the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), the American Osteopathic Board of Pediatrics (AOBP), and the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD) are highly regarded in the field.

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