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Allergists/Immunologists

Education and Training Requirements

High School

If you are interested in becoming an allergist/immunologist, start preparing for this career in high school by taking college preparatory classes. Science classes, including biology, chemistry, and physics, are especially important. Math and English classes will help you develop skills working with numbers and research. Social science classes can give you a better understanding of people and society.

Postsecondary Training

After earning an M.D. degree and becoming licensed to practice medicine, a process that can take 10 or more years of education and training after high school, allergists/immunologists must complete a three-year residency in internal medicine, pediatrics, or both, then a minimum of two years of training in an allergy and immunology fellowship. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology offers a fellowship training program at https://www.aaaai.org/professional-education-and-training/program-directors/allergy-immunology-fellowship-training-programs.

Other Education or Training

Continuing education opportunities are provided by many organizations, including the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI); American Association of Immunologists (AAI); American Medical Association; and American Osteopathic Association. For example, the AAAAI offers a Practice Management Workshop. The AAI provides introductory and advanced courses in immunology, as well as its AAI High School Teachers Summer Research Program in Immunology.

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