1. Home
  2. ACADEMICS
  3. CareerTraQ
  4. A-Z Index

Pediatrician (MD)

Occupation Information table
Overview: Pediatricians diagnose and treat medical problems and prescribe health care for children from birth through adolescence. Much emphasis is placed on preventative steps to avoid problems through vaccinations, diet and exercise. They examine new born babies in hospitals.
Duties: Pediatricians perform complete physical examinations of babies at time of birth to identify any immediaate problem needing attention or symptoms suggesting future problems.

They evaluate physical development of children to determine if growth of bones, limbs, head, eyes, etc. are following the expected developmental patterns for children of the same age.

Prescribe diets and vitamins needed based on child's age, and eating or digestive disorders. They prescribe medications & treatments for illnesses. Give vaccinations against diseases.

Assess the child's reflexes, eye/hand coordination, dexterity, physical mobility & sensory abilities to assure normal growth. Prescribe exercises and activities to remedy deficiencies.
Degree(s): A.S. Health Sciences 
A.S. Liberal Arts and Sciences (Mathematics and Science) 
Job Outlook: Employment in this field is projected to grow 9% to 13% from 2018 to 2028, which is faster than the average projected growth for all occupations.
Salary Range (National Average): $110,000 to $125,000
Education Level: This occupation generally requires an advanced degree (e.g. Ph.D.). The typical commitment is a minimum of 3 years of study beyond a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree.
Additional Training/Education: All states require pediatricians to be licensed. Licensing involves graduation from a medical school (usually 4 years), passing an examination, and up to 7 years of "residency" graduate medical training in pediatrics. The minimum educational requirement for acceptance to most medical schools is 3 years of college study.
Recommended Skills:
  • Actively looking for ways to help people.
  • Paying attention to what other people are saying, and taking time to understand the points being made.
  • Using your hands to operated fine instruments and precision tools.
  • Being aware of the reactions of others, and understanding why they react the way they do.
  • Ability to identify a problem, review related information, develop and evaluate options, and implement a solution.
  • The ability to understand complex written paragraphs, instructions, or reports.
  • Using logic to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Using scientific methods to investigate and conduct experiments.
  • Talking, giving speeches, or speaking in a group to convey information, explain ideas, or give instructions.
  • Teaching others how to do something.
Recommended Values:
  • Being involved in helping other people in a direct way either individually or in a small group.
  • Being able to decide on how to get something done without significant direction from someone else.
  • Having a level of income that will afford you with luxuries, and which will allow you to become financially independent.
  • Gaining the respect of others by the nature and/or level of responsibility of your work.
 

* National data collected by the Department of Labor in 2014 with projections through 2024. For New York green job information .

* For New York salary data information .

* For New York green job information .

Understanding acquiring positions in this field may be enhanced through continuing academic study (i.e. earning a baccalaureate or a master's degree) and/or work experience in the field, Queensborough Community College has established transfer agreements with other institutions for students who wish to further pursue their educational goals. Students are highly encouraged to meet with one of our Career Services to fully understand the opportunities available through study in their degree program.