How To Become A Paediatrician In Australia?

Do you love working with children, assisting people, and being interested in medicine? If so, a career as a Pediatrician might be perfect for you.

The paediatrician is a medical practitioner providing specialist medical services to children from birth to adolescence. They examine, diagnose and treat illnesses and disorders in children and offer health advice to parents.

To become a paediatrician in Australia, you need a Medical Doctor qualification, Registration with the Medical Board of Australia, and specialist Pediatric training and fellowship with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

Understanding this profession and the exact entrance requirements is helpful before committing to a career. This blog discusses what a Pediatrician is, their daily duties, essential personal attributes, ATAR, how long it takes, average salary, employment prospects, and how you can become one in Australia.

1. What Is A Paediatrician?

Paediatrician is a medical doctor who treats various ailments, injuries, and conditions in infants, children, and teens that affects their physical, behavioural, and mental development.

Some of these include:

• Cancer

• Genetic disorders such as Down syndrome and Cystic Fibrosis 

• Developmental delays

• Acute ailments such as diabetes

• Disabilities like Cerebral Palsy

• Infectious diseases like Meningitis

• Asthma 

• Allergies

• Autism spectrum disorder

2. Pediatrician's Duties

• Listen to the concerns of parents and answer their queries.

• Provide care for the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of children

• Perform lab tests and diagnostic procedures to determine the patient's medical condition

• Analyse test reports and other medical information to diagnose the condition

• Prescribe and administer treatments such as medications, remedial treatments, therapies, and vaccination to treat different types of disorders, injuries, or illnesses 

• Write prescriptions and recommend them to specialist healthcare practitioners when required.

• Educate parents and caregivers about proper care, disease management, and hygiene

• Maintain patient's medical records 

• Report specified infectious diseases to government health and immigration authorities

• Discuss with other medical specialists about the best treatment for a medical condition

• May admit patients to hospitals.

• Examine and treat newborns and manage the treatment of premature babies.

• Perform regular checkups to track the child's emotional, physical, and social development.

3. Pediatrician Skills

Is this the right profession for you? Here are the most common skills that successful paediatricians have:

• Excellent people skills 

• Cultural competence

• Communication skills

• Compassionate 

• Caring

• Patience 

• Teamwork

• Critical thinking

• Resilience

• Adaptability

• Scientific inquiry

• Ethical 

• Responsible 

• Physical and mental stamina

• Problem-solving skills

• Leadership and Organisational skills

• Able to remain calm in a high-pressure environment

Don't worry if you don't have most of these skills. You can find several courses and training programs that can help develop/refine these skills and prepare you for this role.

4. What Tools And Technologies Do Paediatricians Use?

As an aspiring paediatrician, you need to be familiar with various medical tools, including:

• Forceps and clamps

• Laryngoscopes (infant)

• Medical oxygen masks (neonate, infant, child)

• Medical software

5. Pediatrician Qualification In Australia

A paediatrician generally requires a medical degree and postgraduate training to become certified. Here are the steps to qualify for this role:

• Complete a six-year full-time accredited medical degree such as a Bachelor of Medical Studies / Doctor of Medicine. Those with an undergraduate degree in another discipline, such as a Bachelor of Arts, Design, Commerce, Philosophy (Honours), or Science, can consider completing a postgraduate Doctor of Medicine to qualify as a doctor.

• Complete a 1-year internship program to build professional skills and industry experience 

• Register as a Medical Practitioner with the Medical Board of Australia.

• Apply to the Royal Australasian College of Physicians for three years of Basic Pediatrics and Child Health training. 

• Complete a supervised three years of full-time Advanced Training in a Pediatric discipline such as general paediatrics, pediatric emergency medicine, pediatric rehabilitation medicine, or pediatric cardiology. It prepares you to run your independent practice as a Consultant. 

• Successful trainees who completed basic and advanced training get admitted to the Royal Australasian College of Physicians Fellowship.

• Have a Working with Children Check from the Department of Communities and a National Police Certificate to work as a qualified Pediatrician in Australia.

6. Steps To Become A Pediatrician In Australia

If you like the work profile and have the necessary skills, the next step is finding out how to become a paediatrician from high school.

Step 1: Complete A Bachelor Degree In Medicine

As paediatricians are a specific type of doctor, they need a medical degree from an accredited Australian university to work in the field. 

Recent high-school graduates can study for an undergraduate "Doctor of Medicine" degree. Entry into this qualification depends on the below criteria:

• Your ATAR

• Your score on University Clinical Aptitude Test

• Your score in universities-led oral assessments or interview

However, a test checks mature-age students' entry qualifications. The GAMSAT is a standardised exam that evaluates the capabilities of the candidate.

Following reputed universities offer relevant courses to pursue a Pediatrician course in Australia:

Bachelor of Medical Studies - The University of Adelaide

The Medical program at the University of Adelaide has a 6-year full-time duration that leads to the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Doctor of Medicine. 

High school graduates can gain admission to this course and continue with a Doctor of Medicine course.

• Doctor of Medicine - The University of Western Australia

• Doctor of Medicine - The University of Sydney

Step 2: Become A Registered Medical Practitioner

Graduates with a Bachelor of Medicine must complete an internship in a public hospital to gain practical post-degree experience. 

Once you complete the training, you can apply for registration with the Medical Board of Australia. All qualified people must maintain their medical registration throughout their careers.

Step 3: Complete Specialised Training In General Paediatrics

Now that you have become a Medical doctor, you need to apply to the Royal Australasian College of Physicians to become a paediatrician. You must undertake three years of full-time Basic Training in Paediatrics & Child Health. It is the start of the minimum 6-year training program.

RACP training is an opportunity to gain practical paediatrics experience while interacting with patients and learning from experienced professionals. Follow it up with 3-years of full-time Advanced pediatric training in various clinical settings.

After completing the six years of training, you gain the Royal Australasian College of Physicians Fellowship. It recognises your specialist training in Pediatrics and your competency in a paediatrician role.

With this certification, you can apply for paediatrician jobs at a hospital or clinic or run your independent practice as a paediatrician. It is mandatory to meet the requirements of a Continuing Professional Development program every year to keep your registration active.

7: Steps To Become A Pediatrician Assistant In Australia

Step 1: Complete a Bachelor's degree in physician assistant, behavioural Science, or biological Science.

Step 2: Gain hands-on clinical experience, preferably paid, in a role related to your undergraduate degree or medical training. Knowing the following areas will boost your career prospects:

• Paramedic

• Emergency medical technician 

• Registered nurse

• Radiology technician

• Medical assistant

• Nurse assistant

Step 3: Complete an Accredited Physician Assistant Program or a 2-year relevant Master's degree program. 

Many medical schools, universities, community colleges, and hospitals offer this program. It comprises 1-year classroom learning and 1-year of clinical training in a range of areas, such as:

• Patient evaluation

• Pathology

• Human Anatomy

• Clinical pharmacology

• Behavioural Science

• Medical ethics

• Family medicine

• Diagnostic methods

• Stages of life

• Emergency medicine

Step 4: Depending on your state/territory requirements, you may need to fulfil licensing and other requirements. Check with your state/territory to learn about the same and get certified to work in this role.

8. Pediatrician Courses In Australia

To know how to become a paediatrician in Queensland, consider completing an Online/Distance (1 year) Graduate Certificate in Paediatric Nursing course at Griffith University. 

It enables registered nurses to develop specialist skills and advanced knowledge in a pediatric nursing environment. Alternatively, consider completing a Graduate Certificate in Paediatric Nursing Studies at the Australian College of Nursing. 

It is a 1-Year Part-time course that is delivered online. So, those who want to know how to become a paediatrician in Melbourne can consider taking this course. 

9. How Long Does It Take To Become A Pediatrician In Australia?

You need to invest substantial time in formal education and training to become a qualified Pediatrician.

The learning pathway includes:

• Six years of full-time accredited medical degree like a Bachelor of Medical Studies / Doctor of Medicine

• One or 2-year internship and residency program 

• At least six years of training with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians 

So, it takes at least 13 years for high school graduates to become pediatricians. Some paediatricians spend another 2 to 6 years training to subspecialise in this field.

10. How Much Do Pediatricians Earn In Australia?

PayScale says the average paediatrician salary in Australia is AU$98,970 per year. 

The compensation depends on the industry, work location, experience, and specialisation. The starting paediatrician salary may be lower than the average salary but increases with experience.  

Based On Experience:

• Early career General Paediatricians (1-4 years of experience): AU$99,850 p.a.

• Mid-career General Paediatricians (5-9 years of experience): AU$147,395 p.a.

Highest Paying Cities For Paediatricians

• NSW South Coast NSW: $300,000 per year

• Canberra ACT: $210,127 per year

• Bega NSW: $199,034 per year

• Illawarra NSW: $184,962 per year

• Sydney NSW: $172,469 per year

• Brisbane QLD: $144,853 per year

• Townsville QLD: $144,853 per year

11. Work Conditions For Pediatricians

Most paediatricians work in either private or public settings or a combination of both. 

Some work in small practices, while others work in larger hospitals as part of a team, including physiotherapists, General Practitioners, social workers, nurses, and other related health professionals.

They usually work traditional business hours in a clinical setting or medical office. However, they may even work after hours with on-call responsibilities when dealing with emergencies.

As the work involves working in emergency care units in child hospitals, Pediatricians often work in stressful situations.  

12. Where Does A Pediatrician Work?

Paediatricians work in various fields, such as clinical medicine, research, education, population health, etc. 

They provide care to infants, children, and teenagers in surgical wards or emergency units, public, and private children's hospitals, community health centres, maternity units, special care baby units, neonatal intensive care units, and clinics.

After gaining experience, a few start their small practice and work with a team of pediatric nurses and administration staff to assist in the operations.

13. Areas Of Specialisation

Aspiring general paediatricians can undertake further medical school training, internships, and residencies in infant, child, and adolescent care. 

Popular Specialisations in this profession include neonatologists and Paediatric Thoracic Physicians.

According to the University of Sydney, you can consider subspecialising in the following areas:

• Cardiology

• Clinical Genetics

• Clinical Haematology

• Clinical Immunology/ Allergy

• Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine

• Clinical Pharmacology

• Community Child Health

• Dermatology

• Endocrinology

• Addiction Medicine

• Gastroenterology

• Medical Oncology

• Haematology 

• Infectious Diseases

• Neonatal/Perinatal Medicine

• Nuclear Medicine

• Neurology

• Nephrology

• Occupational and Environmental Medicine

• Paediatric Emergency Medicine

• Palliative Medicine

• Public Health Medicine

• Rehabilitation Medicine (Paediatric)

• Respiratory Medicine and Sleep Medicine

• Rheumatology

14. What Subjects Are Needed To Become A Pediatrician In Australia?

To become a Pediatrician, you must complete a Year 12 or undergraduate degree in chemistry, high-level mathematics, physics, biology, and English. Studying these subjects will help you achieve your career goal.

When undertaking medical degree courses, Pediatrics attend lectures and lab work in subjects like physiology, anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology, behavioural Science, and pathology.

The University of Western Australia offers Undergraduate courses to become a Paediatrician. Here are the recommended major/s to pursue this career:

• Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing

• Anatomy and Human Biology

• Exercise and Health

• Genetics

• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

• Indigenous Knowledge History and Heritage

• Neuroscience

• Microbiology and Immunology

• Pharmacology

• Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

• Physiology

15. Job Prospects Of Pediatricians In Australia

The rising number of deaths due to malnutrition, diseases, premature birth, intrapartum complications, and infectious disorders every year contributes to the growth of the pediatric healthcare market.

Additionally, the rise in government funding to perform research on technological progressions will lead to therapies expected to drive the pediatric job market growth over the coming years.

Many states in Australia have reported a shortage of doctors in certain specialities, such as pediatric surgery. Thus, there is a higher scope for job growth in rural regions. The demand for paediatricians is likely to remain stable over the next decade.

ANZSCO Occupation Group: 253321 Paediatricians 

Working Arrangements

Around 78% of employed Paediatricians work full-time for 49 hours per week. (Average of all jobs: 44 hours per week)

Main industries

• Health Care And Social Assistance: 97.7%

• Public Administration And Safety: 1.4%

• Education And Training: 0.6%

• Professional, Scientific, And Technical Services: 0.2%

• Other Industries: 0.2%

Percentage of Employment across Australia

• New South Wales: 31.5%

• Victoria: 26.3%

• Queensland: 18.9%

• South Australia: 6.5%

• Western Australia: 11.9%

• Tasmania: 1.7%

• Northern Territory: 1.5%

• Australian Capital Territory: 1.6%

The Distribution of Paediatricians Is Heavier In Specific Regions of the Most Populated States, such as:

• Perth - Inner

• Melbourne - Inner

• Sydney - Hornsby and North Sydney 

• Adelaide - Central and Hills

• Brisbane Inner City

Worker's Profile - Age and Gender

• Average Age of Employed Professionals: 41 years (mostly between 35 and 44 years) (All jobs average: 40 years)

• Female Share: 60% (All jobs average: 48 years) 

16. Conclusion

Paediatricians focus on improving the health and well-being of children. 

Though the professional journey is long and tedious, it is a good investment in your future.

The skills and knowledge you gain ensure better patient health and help in career progression leading to opportunities in specialist nursing, management, and clinical education roles.

Useful Links to Explore:

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• How to find Part-Time work as a Student in Australia
• Seven Tips for Students on a Budget in Australia
• How to get a Scholarship to Study in Australia
• Driving in Australia as an International Student
• How to change your Course or Institute in Australia
• The Benefits of a Professional Year Program (PYP)
• A Complete Guide to Study in Australia
• Types of Education in Australia
• What to Study in Australia?