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How to Become A Pediatrics

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What is a Pediatrics

Paediatrics is a vibrant career focused on child health from birth to the teen years. Paediatricians find and treat a wide range of conditions, from chronic illnesses to growth disorders and acute injuries. Their work covers direct patient care, health checks, and ongoing family support. It is a great fit for anyone who loves working with children.

The role is varied and engaging. Paediatricians examine patients, check growth stages, and give vaccines. They also read test results, prescribe drugs, and build tailored care plans. They work with nurses, specialists, and therapists to give children the best possible care.

Day-to-day tasks include routine check-ups, managing acute illnesses, and treating chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes. Paediatricians also respond to emergencies and care for seriously ill children. Clear talk with both children and parents is a key part of the job.

A career in paediatrics offers the chance to make a lasting impact on children and families. With a focus on health promotion and disease prevention, paediatricians help shape the future of healthcare. For those with compassion, drive, and a love of learning, this is an exciting career path.

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Career Outlook for Pediatrics

A career in paediatrics offers strong job security and growing demand. Around 2,500 paediatricians are employed in Australia, with future demand rated as very strong (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). About 75% work full-time, with a typical week of around 46 hours. Employment can be permanent or contract, with most roles based in hospitals or clinics.

Median weekly pay is $4,657, equal to around $242,000 per year (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). Pay rises with experience, sub-field focus, and location. The median age in the field is 41, and 67% of paediatricians are female. This career offers strong pay and a real chance to make a lasting impact on children and families.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become a Paediatrician

Step 1: Complete a Medical Degree

Enrol in an approved medical degree at an Australian university. Most programs lead to a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS). Some offer a combined Bachelor of Medical Studies and Doctor of Medicine (BMedSci/MD). These degrees take four to six years to finish.

Step 2: Complete a One-Year Internship

After graduating, complete a one-year internship at an approved hospital. This is a legal must before practising as a doctor in Australia. The internship gives hands-on experience across clinical settings and builds core medical skills under guidance.

Step 3: Register with the Medical Board of Australia

Apply for medical registration through AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency). Full registration is required to practise medicine on your own in Australia. Once registered, apply for specialist training through the RACP.

Step 4: Complete RACP Basic Training in Paediatrics and Child Health

Apply to the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) for Basic Training in Paediatrics and Child Health. This three-year program covers care of infants, children, and teens. It gives exposure to a wide range of paediatric sub-fields.

Step 5: Complete RACP Advanced Training in Paediatrics

Apply for Advanced Training in a chosen paediatric discipline, such as general paediatrics, paediatric cardiology, or paediatric emergency medicine. Advanced Training takes a further three years. It involves supervised clinical work and prepares trainees for independent practice as a consultant.

Step 6: Achieve Fellowship of the RACP (FRACP)

Complete all requirements to be admitted to the Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP). This fellowship is the recognised qualification for consultant paediatricians in Australia. It opens pathways to careers in hospitals, private practice, and research across the country.

What does a Pediatrics do?

A typical day in paediatrics starts with patient check-ups and reviews. Paediatricians examine children, find the cause of illness, and build care plans. They read test results and work closely with other health staff. A key part of the role is teaching parents about their child’s health, food, and growth. Paediatricians may also manage hospital admissions and care for newborns with serious health needs. The work is fast-paced and always changing, with new challenges every day.

Tasks

Paediatrics is a dynamic field focused on the health of children from birth through to adolescence. Paediatricians diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, from common illnesses to complex medical cases. Their work calls for strong clinical skills, clear communication, and genuine care for young patients and their families.

  • Examine and treat newborns – assess and provide care to babies right after birth.
  • Manage premature infants – provide critical care for newborns in distress or born early.
  • Conduct patient examinations – evaluate children referred by GPs to find the cause of health issues.
  • Perform diagnostic tests – order and read lab tests to help reach a diagnosis.
  • Analyse medical information – use test results and patient history to make informed diagnoses.
  • Prescribe medications – manage treatment plans, including drugs and therapies.
  • Maintain medical records – keep accurate, up-to-date records of each patient’s health and care.
  • Report notifiable diseases – tell health authorities about contagious diseases as required.
  • Admit patients to hospital – arrange admissions or referrals for further treatment when needed.

Skills for Success

Paediatrics calls for a unique blend of skills that make a real difference in children’s lives. Strong clinical skills are needed to find and treat a wide range of conditions. Clear talk is just as vital, helping to explain health topics to both children and parents. Empathy and patience are key for building trust with young patients.

Working as part of a team is a central part of the role. Paediatricians link up with nurses, specialists, and allied health staff to provide full care. Medical knowledge moves fast, so a love of learning and growth is a must. These qualities help paediatricians grow throughout a long and rewarding career.

Skills & Attributes

  • Strong clinical skills in diagnosis and treatment
  • Clear communication with children and families
  • Empathy and compassion
  • Patience and calm under pressure
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving
  • Teamwork and collaboration with health professionals
  • Knowledge of child development and growth milestones
  • Attention to detail in record-keeping and care
  • Ability to build trust with young patients
  • Time management and prioritisation
  • Understanding of medical ethics and legal obligations
  • Commitment to ongoing learning and professional development
  • Sensitivity in handling difficult or emotional situations

Average Salaries

The median salary for a paediatrician in Australia is around $242,000 per year. This is based on median weekly earnings of $4,657 (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). Job ads report a typical range of $210,000 to $230,000 per year (SEEK, June 2026). Pay increases with experience, subspecialty focus, and location.

min $180 K

max $350 K

av $220 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.