Medical Education US

I just want to know how long it takes all together to become a pediatrician. I'm contemplating whether or not I should become an RN first, or if I should just go strait to medical school with no money in my pockets.

[ Edited by Admin on 2004/2/9 19:26 ]

First, college which is generally 4 years. Then medical school, which is another 4 years. Finally, a residency in pediatrics is 3 years.

Hi, I thought that after I graduated from medical school that it would be an option to take only 2 years of internship. that the third year was optional is that true?

In order to be a board eligible pediatrician, you need to complete 3 years of a pediatrics residency.

I believe in most states, you can apply for a permanent license to practice medicine with just 1 year of internship. Hardly anyone takes this route, because you are not board eligible in any particular field. There are some places that will hire a doctor who isn't board eligible though.