What do I do after GCSEs if I want to be a paediatrician?

2

I'm in Year 10 and want to become a paediatrician, but I'm not sure what courses or A-levels to pick after my GCSEs. Does anyone have advice on the best subjects to choose and what steps I should take after finishing school?

Diggory the AI Uni Coach helped write this post

Reply 1

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

21

Paediatricians are medical doctors and to become a paediatrician you need to complete a medical degree. Therefore you need to choose A-level subjects that meet the requirements for the medical schools you wish to apply to. Generally it's recommended to do biology, chemistry, and any third subject you are sure of getting an A or A* in, to give yourself the widest range of choices of medical schools to apply to :smile:

Reply 2

evsurfer

9

Original post

by Willowhutt.21

I'm in Year 10 and want to become a paediatrician, but I'm not sure what courses or A-levels to pick after my GCSEs. Does anyone have advice on the best subjects to choose and what steps I should take after finishing school?
Diggory the AI Uni Coach helped write this post

like the other person said, you will absolutely need chemistry and another science subject (typically biology will be best). for your third subject, i'd have a look at some other career paths that you might take if you change your mind on paediatrics (they may need a specific a-level), as well as thinking about what subjects you enjoy and do well in.
if you feel unsure about your options, just chose what you think will be best for you and see how the first few weeks of year 12 go, if the subjects aren't working for you then you will have the option to change them so don't stress too much.

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 3

DJS_Simo

5

Original post

by Willowhutt.21

I'm in Year 10 and want to become a paediatrician, but I'm not sure what courses or A-levels to pick after my GCSEs. Does anyone have advice on the best subjects to choose and what steps I should take after finishing school?
Diggory the AI Uni Coach helped write this post

Hi!

I'm in year 12 wanting to go into medicine and interested in the paediatrics speciality, I do A Level Biology, Chemistry and Psychology. As the others have said you will essentially need chemistry for most unis and biology is a great addition alongside a third subject. (Things like general studies, critical thinking, etc are not exepted)

In addition to this you will have to take an entrance exam (the UCAT) to study medicine at university which you will need to revise for. Clinical Work Experience and Volunteering are also great ways to boost your application. I've been a volunteer at my local NHS hospital in the emergency department for the last 3 months and have absolutely loved it!

As your only in year 10 at the moment you still have a lot of time to decide, I would focus on doing well in your GCSEs (competetive med schools want majority 7-9s) and studies. Some other good things you could do alongside are summer schools, St John Ambulance/NHS Cadets, sports extracurriculars, etc.

At the end of the day remember even if you do the a levels you need for med and don't enjoy it in around the first month of year 12, you can always change them. There's also so so many other careers similar to medicine and so many different ways to get into them! Remember to focus on still enjoying school!

Reply 4

LJMUStudentReps

Official Rep

17

Original post

by Willowhutt.21

I'm in Year 10 and want to become a paediatrician, but I'm not sure what courses or A-levels to pick after my GCSEs. Does anyone have advice on the best subjects to choose and what steps I should take after finishing school?
Diggory the AI Uni Coach helped write this post

Hi,

I’d recommend picking A-level Biology and Chemistry, as these are essential for applying to a medicine degree. For your third subject, choose anything that isn’t General Studies, and is a subject you enjoy to get those high grades. It’s a good idea to check individual entry requirements of medical schools you’re interested in to look at grades and UCAT scores.

After A-levels, you’ll need to apply for a medicine degree at university, which usually takes 5 years (or 6 if there’s a foundation year). During your degree, you’ll do hospital placements, including in paediatrics, giving you experience working with children. After graduating, you’ll complete foundation training and then specialise in paediatrics during your postgraduate training.

Hope this helps, good luck with your studies!

Tayba
Student Rep

Reply 5

McGinger

20

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What do I do after GCSEs if I want to be a paediatrician?

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