To become an allergy specialist, also known as an allergist/immunologist, it takes a long time. Before enrolling in two residency programs, you must typically complete college and medical school. Most people must pass examinations after completing their training in order to be board certified in this field.
Those interested in this field can get a head start in high school by studying math up to calculus level, preferably in advanced placement courses that offer college credits. Chemistry and biology are also important subjects to study. If students are unable to take advanced placement courses, they should not be discouraged. College classes compensate for this in the first few years, and a student with strong math and science skills may be well-suited to these studies.
Students will need to earn an undergraduate degree in college, which usually takes four years to complete. Because medical school is the ultimate goal, it may be best to major in one of a few specific fields — pre-med is a good option, or some students study microbiology, biochemistry, biology, or chemistry. The knowledge you’ll need to pass the Medical College Admission Test® (MCAT®), which is usually taken in the early part of senior year, should be reflected in your classes.
You can apply to medical school if you have good test scores and a high GPA. After being accepted, you will study for three more years and then complete an internship for a year before becoming a doctor. If you did well in school, you should start looking for residencies that will help you become an allergy specialist during your final year. There are two possible residencies, and the most appealing one is determined by the population of people you want to serve.
Doctors could primarily serve a pediatric or adult population (ages 0 to 18). You must first apply for a pediatric residency if you want to work with children. Internal medicine residencies will appeal to physicians who want to work with adults. Both residencies take about the same amount of time, which is usually three years. You remain in training after completing one and becoming a board-certified internist or pediatrician.
A two-year residency in allergy/immunology is one of the final requirements for becoming an allergy specialist. Additional certification exams may be required, as well as proof of training, in order to become board certified. In countries such as the United States, you should check with the American Board of Allergy and Immunology to see if you’ve met all of the requirements and are eligible for certification.
A total of 13 years of training is required to work as an allergy specialist, including college undergraduate studies. This field is in high demand, and many of these doctors are well compensated for their efforts. Because people become general physicians, then pediatricians or internists during training, it is also possible to have less training and still practice medicine. Some doctors discover that they enjoy these fields of medicine so much that they do not pursue careers as allergists.