To work as an allergist or immunologist, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have a bachelor's degree;
• graduate from medical school;
• pass a state licensing exam;
• complete a residency program in either internal medicine or pediatrics;
• complete a fellowship in an allergy or immunology training program; and
• pass additional exams to become board certified.

Education after high school

You usually need a bachelor's degree to get into medical school. While you do not need to be a pre-medicine or science major, these programs are good preparation. If you earn a liberal arts degree, be sure to take courses in physics, biology, and chemistry.

To become a doctor, you must complete medical school. Medical schools grant a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DOM) degree. You spend the first two years of medical school in classrooms and labs studying anatomy, biochemistry, and medicines. You also learn how to take a medical history, examine patients, and diagnose illnesses. During the next two years, you care for patients in hospitals and clinics under the supervision of doctors.

After completing medical school, you must complete three years of additional training in either internal medicine or pediatrics. Following this residency, you must pass an exam. Finally, you must complete a two-year fellowship in allergy or immunology training.

On-the-job training

While in medical school, you spend much of the last two years working in a clinical setting. Clinical work emphasizes diagnosing and treating patients. After completing medical school, you complete three years of additional training as a resident in either internal medicine or pediatrics. More training is gained during a fellowship.

Military training

The military provides advanced training for doctors. However, it does not provide the initial training to become a doctor. Scholarships for advanced medical training are available in return for a required period of military service.