Becoming a neonatologist requires a medical degree, a three-year residency program, and a three-year fellowship. Students can major in any subject, but pre-medical studies, biology, or health are helpful. After completing training and passing licensing exams, neonatologists can practice in hospitals or clinics.
Neonatologists are licensed pediatricians who specialize in treating babies who are born with health problems. They perform diagnostic tests, administer medications, and provide emergency services when needed. A person who wants to become a neonatologist is required to earn a medical degree, complete a three-year residency program, and participate in an additional three years of special fellowship training. Additionally, a series of licensing exams must be passed throughout training to become a neonatologist.
An individual who believes they might want to become a neonatologist can enroll in an accredited four-year university to earn a bachelor’s degree. A student can choose to major in any subject, although a focus on pre-medical studies, biology, or health is usually the most helpful in preparing for medical school. Toward the end of the baccalaureate program, an individual can begin preparing essays, transcripts, and other necessary documents to be considered for admission to medical school. In addition, most countries require students to take and pass national medical school entrance tests to be eligible for enrollment.
Once a person is accepted into medical school, they may meet with counselors to determine the best course of study to become a neonatologist. A student typically spends the first two years of school in classrooms and laboratories learning about medical terminology, basic diagnostic and treatment techniques, and ethics. The last two years are spent participating in practical internships and research projects to gain hands-on experience. A successful student can earn a doctor of medicine degree and begin applying for pediatric residency programs at hospitals.
Most residency programs last about three years, during which time new physicians have the opportunity to work alongside experienced pediatricians. A resident also receives part-time classroom instruction from practicing physicians to gain a detailed understanding of pathology and patient care in reference to treating infants and children. A new physician may take a national exam near the end of a residency program to obtain a pediatrician’s license.
Many physicians begin practicing general pediatrics after completing residency training, but a person who wants to become a neonatologist must complete additional training in the form of a fellowship. A three-year fellowship program allows the physician to gain supervised experience in intensive care units that work directly with newborns. Typically, it is necessary for a subject to conduct independent research when not treating patients in order to meet licensure requirements and better understand the practice of neonatology.
After completing the fellowship, the physician can take a final licensing exam to officially become a neonatologist. With a license, a doctor can independently start practicing in general hospitals, children’s hospitals or specialized clinics. In addition, many experienced physicians choose to conduct clinical research and teach courses at medical schools in their spare time.
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