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How to Become a Pediatrics: Australian Careers in Nursing

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What is a Pediatrics?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Pediatrics?

Paediatrics is a medical field focused on the health of infants, children, and teens. Paediatricians find and treat conditions from common illnesses to complex disorders. They support healthy growth and address both physical and mental health needs. This career blends medical skill with genuine care for young patients and their families.

Paediatricians carry out a wide range of tasks each day. They examine patients, check growth stages, and give vaccines. They also order tests, prescribe medications, and build care plans for each child. Working closely with nurses, specialists, and therapists ensures each patient gets complete care.

Common tasks include tracking growth, managing chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes, and treating acute illnesses. Paediatricians also play a key role in child mental health. They find and manage conditions such as anxiety, ADHD, and behavioural disorders. Work settings vary from hospitals and clinics to private practice.

A career in paediatrics is both stimulating and deeply fulfilling. Paediatricians help shape the future by supporting the health of the next generation. For those passionate about child health, this is a meaningful and respected career path.

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Career snapshots For Pediatricss

Around 2,500 paediatricians work in Australia, with future demand rated as very strong (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). About 75% work full-time, averaging 46 hours per week. The median age is 41, and 67% of the field is female. Most work in hospitals, clinics, or private practice within the Health Care sector.

Median weekly pay is $4,657, equal to around $242,000 per year (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). Pay grows with experience, sub-field, and location. Paediatricians with RACP fellowship status can pursue roles in general paediatrics, neonatology, or paediatric emergency medicine. Registration through AHPRA is required to practise.

What will I do?

Paediatrics is a vital medical field focused on the health of infants, children, and teens. Paediatricians find and treat a wide range of health issues, from common illnesses to complex cases. They also provide preventive care, educate families, and work with other health staff to deliver coordinated care for each child.

  • Examine and treat newborns – assess and provide care to babies right after birth.
  • Manage premature infants – provide critical care for newborns who need special support.
  • Conduct patient assessments – evaluate children referred by GPs to find the cause of health issues.
  • Perform diagnostic tests – order and carry out lab tests and diagnostic procedures.
  • Analyse medical information – review results and medical history to reach accurate diagnoses.
  • Prescribe medications – administer and prescribe drugs and therapeutic treatments.
  • Maintain medical records – keep accurate, up-to-date records for all patients.
  • Report notifiable diseases – notify government health authorities of specified contagious diseases.
  • Admit or refer patients – decide on hospital admissions or referrals to specialists as needed.

What skills do I need?

A career in paediatrics calls for a unique mix of clinical and personal skills. Paediatricians must be skilled at finding and treating a wide range of conditions in children. They also need strong communication skills to explain health news clearly to both children and parents. Empathy and patience are just as vital as medical knowledge.

Problem-solving and critical thinking are key daily skills. Paediatricians often face complex cases that need quick, careful review. They also work as part of a team, sharing care with nurses, specialists, and other health staff. A drive for ongoing learning rounds out the skill set needed to thrive in paediatrics.

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

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

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.