How to Become an Allergist: Is it the Right Career for You?


An allergist wearing a white lab coat and gloves uses a pipette to transfer liquid into a test tube. The lab coat has a name tag and pens in the pocket.

Allergists are medical professionals who diagnose and treat allergies, asthma, and other immune system-related conditions. Their expertise is critical in helping patients manage conditions affecting millions worldwide. Becoming an allergist could be a fulfilling career if you are passionate about medicine and enjoy helping people overcome chronic conditions. This guide outlines the steps to becoming an allergist, salary expectations, career outlook, and resources for those interested in the profession.

Is a Career as an Allergist Right for You?

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What Does an Allergist Do?

An allergist is a specialist who focuses on diagnosing and treating allergies, asthma, and other conditions related to the immune system. These professionals perform tests and provide treatments to alleviate symptoms of allergic reactions, improve lung function for asthma patients, and manage conditions like autoimmune disorders.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Diagnosing Allergies: Allergists use various tests, such as skin prick and blood tests, to identify specific allergens causing symptoms.
  • Managing Asthma: They help patients manage asthma by creating treatment plans that may involve inhalers, medication, and lifestyle modifications.
  • Immunotherapy: Allergists may administer allergy shots or prescribe sublingual treatments to help patients build immunity to specific allergens over time.
  • Treating Autoimmune Diseases: Some allergists treat autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, where the immune system attacks healthy cells.
  • Patient Education: Allergists educate patients on managing allergies, avoiding triggers, and using medications effectively to reduce symptoms.

Allergists typically work in hospitals, private practices, or specialized allergy clinics, and they often collaborate with other medical professionals to ensure patients receive comprehensive care.

Allergist Career Video

How Do You Become an Allergist?

Becoming an allergist is a long-term commitment that involves extensive education, training, and hands-on experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to pursue this specialized career:

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

The first step toward becoming an allergist is to complete a bachelor’s degree. Although there’s no specific major required, pursuing a degree in fields like biology, chemistry, or biochemistry is recommended. This typically takes about four years and provides the foundational knowledge needed for medical school.

  • Key Courses: Focus on biology, chemistry, physics, and organic chemistry. These courses are essential for your future studies in medicine.
  • Additional Tips: In your undergraduate years, strive to achieve a high GPA, especially in science courses, as medical schools place significant emphasis on academic performance.

2. Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)

Before applying to medical school, you must take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). This standardized exam evaluates your knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and critical thinking.

  • Preparation Tips: Dedicate several months to study for the MCAT, using resources such as practice tests, prep courses, and study guides. Scoring well on the MCAT is crucial for gaining admission to a reputable medical school.

3. Complete Medical School

Once you’ve successfully passed the MCAT, the next step is to attend medical school, which typically lasts four years. You’ll learn medicine fundamentals in the classroom and through clinical rotations here.

  • Years 1-2: Focus on foundational courses like anatomy, pharmacology, pathology, and microbiology.
  • Years 3-4: You’ll gain hands-on experience diagnosing and treating patients during clinical rotations. This is when you’ll get a taste of various medical specialties, including allergy and immunology.

4. Complete a Residency Program

After medical school, the next step is to enter a residency program in internal medicine or pediatrics, typically lasting about three years. During residency, you’ll work under the supervision of licensed physicians, honing your skills in patient care and general medicine.

  • Key Skills Developed: Patient diagnosis, treatment planning, and managing common medical conditions. This phase also allows you to confirm your interest in specializing in allergy and immunology.

5. Complete a Fellowship in Allergy and Immunology

Following your residency, you’ll need to complete a fellowship in allergy and immunology, which takes an additional 2-3 years. This specialized training focuses on diagnosing and managing allergic diseases, asthma, and immunodeficiencies.

  • Hands-on Training: You’ll work closely with experienced allergists, treating patients with allergies, asthma, and autoimmune conditions. You’ll also conduct research and learn advanced techniques in immunology.

6. Obtain Board Certification

After completing your fellowship, you can seek board certification from the American Board of Allergy and Immunology (ABAI). While board certification is not mandatory to practice, it’s highly recommended as it demonstrates your expertise to employers and patients.

  • Exam Preparation: Review the latest guidelines and study materials the ABAI provides. Board certification can set you apart in a competitive job market.

7. Maintain Continuing Education

Even after becoming an allergist, your journey of learning isn’t over. To maintain your license and board certification, you must engage in continuing medical education (CME). This may include attending conferences, workshops, and online courses.

  • Lifelong Learning: Allergists must stay updated on new treatments, research developments, and technologies in the field. Continuous education helps you provide the best care for your patients.

By following these steps and leveraging resources like these, you can embark on a rewarding career in allergy and immunology, helping patients improve their quality of life.

How Do I Know If I Should Be an Allergist?

Choosing the right career can be challenging, but there are ways to assess whether becoming an allergist is right for you. Consider your interests, strengths, and personal values.

Use Our Career Test to Guide Your Decision

The Career Fit Test™ is a helpful career test for determining whether a career as an allergist fits you. This test assesses your skills, interests, and values, providing insight into whether a medical profession like allergy and immunology aligns with your capabilities. By understanding your strengths, such as attention to detail, problem-solving, and empathy, the Career Fit Test™ can guide you toward making a wise decision about pursuing this field. You can take the test and explore other career paths at CareerFitTest.com.

What Is the Salary of an Allergist?

The salary of an allergist can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and the type of practice. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for physicians and surgeons, including allergists, is around $208,000. However, allergists in private practice may earn more due to the potential for a more extensive patient base and higher earnings from specialized treatments. The median salary for allergists may vary by state and region, with some areas offering more competitive wages due to higher demand for specialists.

The salary can also increase with experience, and many allergists earn substantial bonuses or other benefits, mainly if they work in academic settings or hospitals.

What Is the Labor Market for Allergists?

The labor market for allergists is robust and expected to continue growing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for physicians, including allergists, is projected to grow by 3% from 2021 to 2031. This is roughly in line with the average for all occupations, driven by several factors:

  • Rising Prevalence of Allergies and Asthma: The increasing number of people diagnosed with allergies and asthma is one of the main drivers of demand for allergists.
  • Aging Population: As the population ages, there is an increased need for healthcare professionals who can manage age-related conditions, including asthma and other immunological disorders.
  • Advancements in Medicine: As treatments for allergies and immune system-related conditions improve, allergists are needed to administer these therapies and manage chronic conditions.

Urban areas with larger populations tend to have a higher demand for allergists. However, many allergists also practice in suburban and rural regions where their services may be less readily available.

What Are Related Jobs for an Allergist?

If you’re considering a career as an allergist but want to explore related roles within the medical field, several professions focus on similar areas of patient care or share overlapping skills. These include:

Clinical Researcher: Clinical researchers in allergy and immunology focus on studying new treatments, therapies, and interventions for allergies and immune system-related diseases. These professionals work in research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, or academic settings. If you want to explore clinical research roles, you can read more about these careers on the ONET website.

Immunologist: Immunologists specialize in studying and treating diseases related to the immune system, including allergies, autoimmune diseases, and immunodeficiencies. Immunologists often work in research or clinical settings, focusing on conditions like lupus, HIV, and other immune system disorders. You can learn more about the role of immunologists on the ONET website.

Pulmonologist: Pulmonologists focus on lung conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which often overlap with many conditions allergists treat. They work with patients suffering from respiratory issues and collaborate closely with allergists to manage conditions like asthma. For more information about pulmonologists, visit the ONET website.

Rheumatologist: Rheumatologists specialize in autoimmune disorders and inflammation, managing conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other chronic conditions that affect the joints and immune system. Many allergists work closely with rheumatologists to treat patients with overlapping conditions like autoimmune disorders. Learn more about rheumatology careers on the ONET website.

What Types of Jobs Can Allergists Pursue?

As an allergist, you have multiple career paths to choose from, including:

  • Private Practice: Many allergists open their practice, where they can directly care for patients and manage their business.
  • Hospital or Medical Center: Allergists may work in hospitals or healthcare systems, collaborating with other specialists to provide comprehensive patient care.
  • Academic Medicine: If you’re interested in research or teaching, working in educational settings allows you to teach medical students and conduct clinical research.
  • Consulting: Experienced allergists may choose to consult pharmaceutical companies or healthcare organizations, offering their expertise in allergy-related fields.

How Can I Learn More About a Career as an Allergist?

If you’re considering a career as an allergist, there are several excellent resources available to help you explore this profession further and determine if it’s the right path for you:

  • Career Test: Start by taking the Career Fit Test™ to assess if becoming an allergist aligns with your skills, interests, and values. This test is designed to help you identify your strengths and find a career that fits you best, giving you greater confidence in your decision-making. The Career Fit Test™ will also help you to learn more about being an Allergist.
  • ONET: Visit the ONET website for detailed information about allergists’ career profiles. ONET provides comprehensive data on job duties, necessary skills, education requirements, and industry trends for various healthcare professionals.
  • American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI): The ACAAI is a professional organization that offers resources for those pursuing a career in allergy and immunology. You can find information on training programs, board certifications, conferences, and job opportunities.
  • American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI): The AAAAI provides many resources for practicing and aspiring allergists, including continuing education courses, research publications, and networking opportunities. Their site is an invaluable resource for staying updated on advancements in the field.

Utilizing these resources and tools like the Career Fit Test™, you can understand what it takes to become an allergist and how to succeed in this rewarding and specialized medical field.

Conclusion

Becoming an allergist is a gratifying career for those passionate about helping patients manage allergies, asthma, and immune system disorders. This profession requires years of specialized medical training, a strong commitment to patient care, and a dedication to ongoing learning in the ever-evolving field of allergy and immunology.

If you’re considering this career path, taking a career test, also known as a career aptitude test, can help determine if becoming an allergist aligns with your skills, interests, and values. The Career Fit Test provides personalized insights into your strengths and top career matches, giving you the clarity and confidence to pursue a fulfilling medical career.

With a growing demand for allergy specialists and advancements in treatment options, now is an excellent time to enter the field. By following the steps outlined in this guide—earning the necessary education, completing medical training, and gaining hands-on experience—you can build a successful career as an allergist and impact patients’ lives.