CAREER SNAPSHOT
Summary
An obstetrician is a physician who manages expectant mothers during pregnancy and childbirth.
Career Level
Salary
National average, per year
$235,240
JOB OPENINGS
Current national estimate
4,844
DEMAND OUTLOOK
Actual salaries can vary substantially based on region, job description and employer expectations; does not include additional compensation. Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statisticcs.
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: May 2019
OVERVIEW
Obstetrician
Obstetricians care for women before, during and after childbirth. Prenatal care is focused on ensuring the mother and baby remain healthy throughout the pregnancy. The obstetrician monitors for potential complications.
When the time comes for the mother to deliver the baby, the obstetrician provides specialized care to ensure both mother and baby are healthy. The obstetrician must have excellent critical analysis skills and the ability to react quickly in case of an emergency.
Obstetricians provide postnatal care to the new mothers. They provide medical care, education and advice. This monitoring ensures continued health for the mother.
Obstetrician Job Responsibilities
Obstetricians may perform the following job duties. Actual duties may vary by job and location.
- Provide prenatal care
- Deliver babies
- Provide postnatal care
- Patient education
- Perform surgery
- Suggest further diagnostic tests
- Prepare official health records and documents
- Make hospital rounds
Obstetrician Salary
The actual salary of the obstetrician can vary substantially depending on region, job description and employer expectations. Most recent data shown.
National average per year: $235,240*
National average per hour: $113.10*
- $216,476 per year, $104.00 per hour**
- $225,235 per year, $108.00 per hour***
- $241,862 to $335,514 per year****
- $237,303 per year, $114.00 per hour*****
* Bureau of Labor Statics
** Indeed.com
*** Payscale.com
**** Salary.com
***** Glassdoor.com
Obstetrician Career Pros and Cons
What are the ups and downs of being an obstetrician? Here are a few items to keep in mind.
Pros
- Job stability
- Excellent salary
- Rewarding to make a difference in someone’s life
Cons
- Long educational path (12 years or more)
- High educational debt
- Long and often irregular work hours
- Stressful conditions, especially during emergencies
CAREER PATH AND TRAINING
How Do I Become an Obstetrician?
If you are considering a career as radiologist, here are the steps you will need to complete.
- Earn your high school diploma.
- Complete 4 years of undergraduate study to earn your bachelor’s degree.
- Complete 4 years of medical school to earn your medical degree.
- Complete 4 years of radiology residency training.
- Pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) to become licensed to practice.
Suggested Career Path
The position of the obstetrician is an advanced level medical profession that can be preceded by other medical jobs. A sample career path could
look like this:
Registered Nurse (RN) > Nurse Midwife> Obstetrician
Typical Minimum Education
Actual requirements may vary by state. Please check with your state government.
- High school diploma
- 4 years of undergraduate study (Bachelor’s degree)
- 4 years of medical school (Medical degree)
- 4+ years of residency training
Typical Work Experience Required
Experience obtained during residency.
Typical Skills Required
Common skills listed. Actual skills required may vary by location.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Critical thinking
- Compassion/Empathy
- Ability to collaborate and work well with a team
- Physical stamina
Obstetrician Certifications
Although not required, it is highly recommended that obstetricians become board certified through the American Board of Physician Specialties.
Obstetrician Licenses
- United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)
- State Licensure
Obstetrician Training and Preparation
After completion of a residency program, the obstetrician must pass the USMLE exam to obtain licensure. Obstetricians also need to obtain a license from the state in which they practice, as each state may have different requirements.
Some obstetricians choose to specialize in a sub-field. There are optional fellowship training programs available that usually last an additional 2-3 years.
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