Start with science and math courses now

Becoming a pediatrician takes about 11 to 15 years after high school, but your path begins in the courses you choose right now. You need a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and mathematics — not just to pass, but to understand the material deeply. Pediatricians use chemistry to understand how medications work in children's bodies and biology to diagnose illnesses. If your school offers Advanced Placement (AP) or honors versions of these courses, take them. The rigor prepares you for college-level science and shows medical schools later that you can handle difficult material.

Beyond the required sciences, take physics if you can. Physics teaches you how to think about systems and forces, which matters in understanding how the body works. If your school offers anatomy or physiology as a separate course, that is even better — it gives you a head start on what you will study in college. Keep your overall grades strong, especially in science and math. Medical schools look at your entire transcript, and a pattern of strong performance in these subjects matters more than a single perfect grade in an easier class.

Key Takeaways

  • Take honors or AP biology, chemistry, and math in high school to build the foundation you will need in college and medical school.
  • Aim for strong grades across all subjects, but especially in science courses, because medical schools review your entire high school record.
  • Volunteer at hospitals, clinics, or pediatric offices during high school to confirm you want to work with children and to build experience for college applications.
  • Plan to attend a four-year college where you can complete pre-medical requirements (biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and biochemistry) alongside your major.
  • Medical school, residency training in pediatrics, and board certification will take 11 to 15 years total after high school graduation.

Get experience working with children and in medical settings

Medical schools want to see that you have spent time around children and in healthcare environments. Volunteer at a pediatric clinic, hospital, or urgent care center. Many hospitals have volunteer programs for high school students, and you can often choose to work in pediatrics specifically. If your area has a children's hospital, that is an ideal place to volunteer. You will see how pediatricians work, what the job actually involves, and whether you genuinely want to do it. This experience also gives you something real to write about in college applications.

If hospital volunteering is not available in your area, look for other ways to work with children: summer camps, tutoring programs, or childcare positions. The goal is to show that you have chosen to spend time with children and understand what the work involves. Keep track of your hours and what you learned. When you explore to college, you will need to describe this experience, and specific details matter more than the total number of hours.

Understand the full timeline and what comes after high school

After high school, you will attend a four-year college or university. During those four years, you will complete pre-medical requirements — specific science courses that medical schools require everyone to take. These include biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and biochemistry. You can major in anything (biology, chemistry, psychology, or even English), but you must complete these courses. Many students major in biology or chemistry because those majors naturally include most of the pre-medical courses.

After college, you will take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), a standardized exam that medical schools use to evaluate applicants. Then you will explore to medical school, a process that typically takes place during your senior year of college. Medical school itself lasts four years. After medical school, you will complete a residency in pediatrics, which lasts three years. During residency, you work in hospitals and clinics under the supervision of experienced pediatricians, and you are paid a salary (though it is modest). After residency, you can take a board certification exam to become a board-certified pediatrician, though this is not legally required to practice.

Choose a college with strong pre-medical advising

When you explore to colleges, look for schools with strong pre-medical advising and a track record of students getting into medical school. Ask colleges directly: How many students complete pre-medical requirements each year? How many get into medical school? What support do they offer for the MCAT? A college does not have to be famous or expensive to have good pre-medical advising, but you want a school that takes this path seriously.

Also consider whether you want to attend a large university or a smaller college. Large universities often have more research opportunities and more medical school connections. Smaller colleges sometimes offer more personal advising and smaller class sizes in science courses. Both can lead to medical school — what matters is that the school you choose has the courses you need and advisors who understand the path to pediatrics.

Plan for the cost of medical school and training

Medical school is expensive. Tuition and fees at private medical schools can exceed $60,000 per year, and public medical schools typically cost $25,000 to $45,000 per year for in-state students. Many students borrow money to pay for medical school, and graduates often carry significant student debt. However, pediatricians earn a stable income, and loan repayment programs exist for doctors who work in underserved areas or for the government.

During residency, you will be paid a salary, so you will not be paying tuition during those three years. The salary is lower than what a practicing pediatrician earns, but it covers living expenses. Start thinking now about how you might pay for college and medical school — scholarships, grants, and loans are all options. Talk to your school counselor about scholarship opportunities for students interested in medicine.

Consider whether pediatrics is the right fit for you

Pediatricians work with children from birth through age 18. They diagnose and treat illnesses, perform preventive care like vaccinations, and help families understand their child's health. Some pediatricians work in private practice, others in hospitals, and some in public health or research. If you enjoy working with children, solving medical problems, and communicating with families, pediatrics may suit you. If you prefer working with adults or doing research rather than direct patient care, another medical specialty might be a better fit.

Your high school volunteer experience will help you figure this out. Pay attention to how you feel when you are around children and in medical settings. Do you want to do this work? Are you willing to spend 11 to 15 years training for it? These are the questions to answer now, while you still have time to explore other options if pediatrics is not right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take AP or honors science to become a pediatrician?

AP and honors courses are not required, but they help. They show medical schools that you can handle difficult material, and they often give you college credit, which saves money. If your school does not offer these courses or if they are not a good fit for you, strong grades in regular science courses are sufficient. Medical schools care more about understanding the material than about the course label.

What if I do not have access to hospital volunteering in my area?

Volunteer with children in other settings: tutoring, summer camps, youth sports, or childcare. You can also shadow a pediatrician if one practices near you — call local pediatric offices and ask if a doctor will let you observe for a day. Medical schools understand that not all students have equal access to hospitals, and they value any genuine experience working with children.

Can I change my mind about pediatrics after I start college?

Yes. Many students enter college planning to be pediatricians and later choose a different medical specialty or a different career entirely. Completing pre-medical requirements keeps your options open — if you decide medicine is not for you, you can pursue other careers. If you decide on a different medical specialty, you have already done the coursework.

How much does it cost to become a pediatrician?

College costs vary widely depending on the school you attend. Medical school typically costs between $100,000 and $240,000 total, depending on whether it is public or private and whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student. Many students borrow money and repay loans after they start working as pediatricians. Scholarships and grants can reduce the cost.

What grades do I need to get into medical school?

Medical schools typically look for a GPA of 3.5 or higher, though some students with lower GPAs are admitted if they have strong MCAT scores or other compelling experience. Grades matter, but they are not the only factor. Medical schools also consider your volunteer experience, your personal statement, and your performance in interviews.