Studying to become an allergist

To become an allergist, a specialist in allergies and immunological diseases, requires a rigorous and structured educational background. This profession requires not only in-depth knowledge of immune mechanisms, but also the ability to diagnose and treat a variety of allergic conditions. Let's take a step-by-step look at the milestones you need to achieve before you can practice this specialty, which is essential to the well-being of the French people.

Initial stages of medical training to become an allergist

Before high school

We had outlined the academic path of the allergist in our fiche métier allergologue, but without going any further. In order to enter higher education, the allergist in the making must obtain a scientific baccalaureate. Once this has been completed, students wishing to pursue health studies can choose between two options:

• Le Parcours Accès Santé Spécifique (PASS)

• Introduced in 2020 to replace the former Premiée Année Commune aux Études de Santé (PACES), the PASS is a year of study combining a health major; é a minor from another discipline. This structure makes it possible to diversify skills and offer avenues for reorientation.
• Students are assessed on the basis of continuous assessment and final exams.
• Those who succeed can enter the health sector.
• Those who fail can reorient themselves towards their minor's field of study before, if they wish, trying their luck again.
• The PASS approach relieves the pressure associated with the former PACES single entrance exam, while diversifying the student's skills.

• La Licence avec Accès Santé (L.AS)

• Introduced in 2020 in order to diversify the training offer in health studies, the L.AS is a program combining any major (law, humanities, economics, etc.) with a specific health minor (biology, physiology, etc.).
• At the end of the first, second or third year, and if they have passed the minimum requirements, students can apply for health studies. They then sit specific examinations. Depending on their performance, they will either be rejected or admitted to the second year of medical school.
• The L.AS enables students to follow a diversified pathway, promoting skills and reorientation.

Études générales médicales

Après le PASS ou la L.AS (see above), les études générales de médecine se décomposent en deux parts diplômantes: 

• Le Diplôme de Formation Générale en Sciences Médicales (DFGSM) : three-year curriculum (the PASS and L.AS count as the first) consisting of theoretical courses in medical sciences and clinical internships in hospitals.
• Le Diplôme de Formation Approfondie en Sciences Médicales (DFASM) : A direct continuation of the DFGSM, this is a three-year course of study that includes specialized courses and advanced internships in various hospital departments.

Examen Classant National (ECN)

After six years of study to become an allergist, the student in the health field takes a national competitive examination that unites all medical students. At the end of the examination, students choose their specialty. The order of priority is determined by ranking.

Spécialisation en allergologie

Once this first cycle has been completed, future allergists begin a training phase focused on specialization. This lasts 4 years and is part of a co-DES in internal medicine and immunology. It includes practical internships in pneumology, dermatology, pediatrics and - of course - allergology. This period of specialization enables future allergists to focus on all the thematic and practical fields specific to this discipline, while developing parallel and complementary knowledge. To validate this, they must also support a thesis.

Careers and professional opportunities in allergology

Once their specialization is complete, allergists have a variety of professional opportunities and numerous allergist job offers. They can work in hospitals, private practices or health centers. Some also choose to specialize further, focusing on specific areas such as paediatric allergy, food allergy or immunotherapy. Finally, they can decide to actively participate in research, contributing to the advancement of knowledge about allergic diseases and appropriate treatments.

In conclusion, the path to becoming an allergist is demanding and long, the only way to ensure total expertise in the subject that can put patients’lives at stake. From initial training to specialized studies, each step is crucial to developing the skills required for this profession. In return, allergists will benefit from a stimulating, well-rehearsed and technologically advanced career.

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