How to Become an Allergist or Immunologist: Training, Salary, and Career Guide

Thinking about becoming an allergist or immunologist? With allergies affecting more than 50 million people in the United States each year, demand for specialists in this field continues to grow. Allergy and immunology may not be the most common medical specialties, but they offer a rewarding career path filled with opportunities to make a lasting impact on patients’ lives.

If you’re considering this field, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to become an allergist, the education and training required, career prospects, and why this specialty might be the right fit for you.

Looking for a premed, medical or PA internship abroad? Inquire here. 

Step 1: Explore Whether Allergy and Immunology Fit Your Interests

Allergists diagnose and treat conditions like asthma, food allergies, eczema, and immune system disorders. Before committing to this path, ask yourself:

• Do I enjoy long-term patient relationships and helping people manage chronic conditions?
• Am I interested in conditions that overlap internal medicine, pediatrics, and immunology?
• Would I like a career where patient education is as important as treatment?

Shadowing doctors or joining global health internships can help you explore your interest early. Observing real-world cases of asthma, allergic reactions, or immune-related conditions in diverse clinical environments is an excellent way to confirm your passion and strengthen your application.

Step 2: Complete a Bachelor’s Degree

Like all medical specialties, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree before applying to medical school. While your major can vary, you’ll need to complete prerequisites such as:

• Biology
• Chemistry (general and organic)
• Physics
• Math
• English

It’s best to review medical school admission requirements early to ensure you meet all necessary coursework. These classes will also prepare you for the MCAT.

Step 3: Take the MCAT

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is required for nearly all U.S. medical schools. Students typically dedicate at least three months of focused preparation. Competitive applicants often retake the exam to achieve a higher score, especially if aiming for schools with high averages.

Step 4: Apply to Medical School

Applications usually go through the AMCAS (for MD programs) or AACOMAS (for DO programs). Beyond your GPA and MCAT scores, schools look for:

• A strong personal statement
• Letters of recommendation
• Clinical and shadowing experience
• Secondary essays and interviews

Global internships, such as those offered in Kenya and Tanzania, can help demonstrate initiative, cultural competence, and direct patient exposure—qualities highly valued by admissions committees.

Step 5: Earn an MD or DO Degree

Medical school typically lasts four years:

• Years 1–2: Core science and foundational courses
• Years 3–4: Clinical rotations in specialties like pediatrics, internal medicine, and surgery

During this time, you’ll complete USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 (or COMLEX for DO students).

Step 6: Complete a Residency in Internal Medicine or Pediatrics

Allergists and immunologists begin with a residency in internal medicine (3 years) or pediatrics (4 years). This provides broad training in managing patients before advancing to subspecialty care.

Residency matching is competitive, so strong applications, research, and meaningful clinical experience—particularly exposure to underserved healthcare systems—can set you apart.

Step 7: Finish an Allergy and Immunology Fellowship

After residency, you’ll enter a 2-year fellowship in allergy and immunology, where you focus specifically on diagnosing and treating allergic conditions, asthma, and immune disorders.

Fellowships are selective, so prior exposure to the specialty, research, and strong recommendations are critical. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) provides a directory of accredited fellowships.

Step 8: Obtain Licensure and Board Certification

To practice as an allergist in the U.S., you’ll need to:

• Pass the final USMLE Step 3 (or COMLEX Level 3).
• Earn board certification through the American Board of Allergy and Immunology (ABAI) after completing fellowship.
• Apply for state medical licensure in the state(s) where you plan to practice.

How Long Does It Take to Become an Allergist?

The path to becoming an allergist is one of the longer medical journeys:

• 4 years: Bachelor’s degree
• 4 years: Medical school (MD or DO)
• 3–4 years: Residency in internal medicine or pediatrics
• 2 years: Allergy and immunology fellowship

Total: Approximately 13–14 years after high school.

Allergist Salary Outlook

According to recent U.S. data, allergists earn an average salary of around $276,000 per year, with top earners making over $350,000 depending on location, experience, and practice type.

This places the specialty above the overall physician median salary, making it both financially and professionally rewarding.

Career Demand for Allergists

With only about 4,500 board-certified allergists in the U.S. and a growing population with allergies, the field faces a shortage of specialists. This translates into strong job security and opportunities across the country, from large cities to underserved rural areas.  

Benefits of a Career in Allergy and Immunology

• High demand and career stability
• Competitive compensation
• Opportunities for long-term patient relationships
• A balance of clinical practice, research, and education
• Ability to work in private practice, hospitals, or academic settings

FAQs About Becoming an Allergist

#1. Do allergists and immunologists need to go to medical school?

Yes. An MD or DO degree is required.

#2. Are allergy fellowships competitive?

Yes, they are selective, but applicants with research, shadowing, and specialty experience have a strong advantage.

#3. How long does training take?

On average, 13–14 years after high school.

#4. What’s the difference between an allergist and an immunologist?\

The terms are interchangeable. Both refer to physicians trained in allergy and immunology.

Final Thoughts

Becoming an allergist requires years of dedication, but it leads to a fulfilling and impactful career. If you’re drawn to helping patients manage chronic conditions, improving quality of life, and exploring an in-demand specialty, allergy and immunology may be the right path.

If you’re in the early stages of your journey, consider gaining global clinical exposure through a pre-med internship abroad with Go Elective. Hands-on experience in diverse healthcare settings not only deepens your skills but also makes your medical school application stand out.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives, MCAT/MSAR/USMLE, Med Schools,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Sep 12, 2025