A neonatologist is a medical professional and licensed physician who treats premature and illness-prone newborns. You can find these healthcare professionals in any hospital working in the neonatal intensive care unit, which is an area where babies needing immediate medical attention are brought to. They are responsible in screening newborns for deficiencies and dysfunctions. Neonatology doctors must undergo rigid medical career training before becoming this type of health care professional. Your medical career training begins with an undergraduate degree in medicine -- accredited online universities offer the education you'll need to get started in this exciting field.
Here’s how to become a neonatologist.
- Take a pre-med program. The first step in becoming a neonatologist will start with you earning your bachelor’s degree in a pre-medicine program such as biology, physics, chemistry or psychology. Obviously, since medicine is a field heavy in science, the sciences are the best pre-medicine programs to take. Make sure to choose a reputable and notable school to help you get into medical school to complete your medical training.
- Take and pass the MCAT. After graduating, if you really want to proceed with medical school, then you will need to take and pass the MCAT or Medical College Admissions Test. Passing this test will enable you to start applying to various medical schools. Make sure to choose a reputable and notable medical school. Getting into medical school will be difficult if you did not perform well during your undergraduate program so make sure to get the highest possible marks during your pre-med education.
- Attend and complete medical school. If you are one of the lucky ones that are accepted into a medical school, make sure to do the best you can since the whole training to become a doctor will be rigid, intense and full of pressure. In your third year, make sure to take internship programs focusing on pediatrics and neonatology. In your final year, apply for residency in pediatrics. Residency in pediatrics will provide you with some experience in the neonatal setting.
- Become a licensed physician. Take the state medical board examination to become a licensed physician. Passing this exam will allow you to legally practice medicine and is required for further training to become a neonatologist. It would be wise of you to take review classes prior to the exam to increase the odds of you passing it. Medical board exams are known to be tough and grueling.
- Complete your residency and training. Complete your residency in pediatrics and continue to advance your specialization in neonatology. Around three years of training you will become a certified neonatologist.
- Be certified in general pediatrics. Once you complete your residency, you will need to get certified in general pediatric medicine by the American Board of Pediatrics or ABP. The certification is open to licensed physicians with education from a reputable school and the completion of residency in pediatrics.
- Get certified. After three years of training in neonatology, particularly in the neonatal intensive care unit, you will be eligible to get certified as a neonatologist assuming that you have been certified in general pediatrics by the ABP already. The ABP will certify neonatology doctors as well.
While in residency and under training, it is critical to keep up to date in the world of pediatric care and neonatology. Knowledge is crucial in your development so make sure that you attend seminars and short series of medical courses about the field.