Anesthesiologists provide pain relief to patients and watch for vital signs during surgery.A great deal of education and expertise is required in order to become an anesthesiologist.Prepare for your career as soon as possible.If you graduate with a liberal arts degree, you can go to medical school and become a board-certified anesthesiologist.
Step 1: You can get your high school degree.
To get into college or university, you need to do one of these things.Prepare for a pre-med major in college by taking high school courses in biology, chemistry, and physics.You can impress both college and medical school admissions officers by taking hard courses and getting good grades.If you live in the US, Canada, or the UK, you can enroll in AP science courses.
Step 2: If you can, enroll in a high school summer medical program.
These programs can be found at Georgetown or the University of Texas, Austin.Some hospitals have research facilities.You can get hands-on lab training with a program that includes it.If you want to do your own research, attend a program that focuses on it.These aren't required, but they are very educational and can do a lot to show that you are a serious and passionate candidate when you apply to college.
Step 3: People volunteering at a hospital.
You can get to know the field by volunteering at a hospital or medical clinic.Discuss with the doctors and medical school students how to prepare for a career in medicine.To impress medical school admissions officers, continue volunteering as long as you can through high school and college.
Step 4: Take your college entrance exams.
The colleges you want to apply to have preferred tests.Obtain official study materials to prepare for the tests.In the US, you can get official SAT prep materials from the College Board.You can improve your score by taking an exam prep course.If you need to improve your score, take the test again.It is possible that this is an option with some exams.
Step 5: A bachelor's degree in pre-med is needed.
In the US, where medicine is a post-baccalaureate degree, you need to complete college before you can get a medical degree.Pre-health or dedicated pre-med programs can be found at the college or university you attend.Take courses in chemistry, biology, and physics.Make sure your science courses have a lab component.Consider taking classes in public health, ethics, and statistics.Discuss requirements for graduation with your advisor.
Step 6: Prepare for the medical school entrance exams.
Take exam prep courses.During the academic year and in the summer, set aside time to study for the exams.If you want to be prepared for the questions, practice exams and read about the changes to the test.You will take the MCAT in the US.Depending on the university where you plan to enroll, you can take the BMAT, GAMSAT, UKCAT, or HPAT.Through the Association of American Medical Colleges, you can find MCAT practice materials.A guidebook, sample tests, and flashcards are included.
Step 7: There's a medical school.
The Doctor of Medicine degree can be found in accredited programs.Either path will allow you to become an anesthesiologist.Pick your school based on criteria that are important to you, such as geographical location, student body and faculty diversity.You might want to look for a program that graduates the majority of students within four years.
Step 8: If you live in the US, you should enroll in a MD program.
There are programs that combine undergraduate study with medical school.The program at Howard University will reduce your time in college and med school.If you attend an accelerated program, you need to be prepared for summer school.If you want to get into these programs, you need to excel on your exams, get good grades in high school, and commit to a career in medicine.Many programs only accept a small number of applicants each year.
Step 9: You have to learn the basics of medicine in your first two years.
You can take courses like neuroscience and pathology.There will be a lab component in these courses.Gain hands-on training in hospitals and clinics by taking courses in your second two years.
Step 10: You must complete a four-year anesthesiology residency.
This is needed if you wish to practice in Canada or the US.During your residency, you will receive clinical training.You will provide medical care to patients.The National Residency Matching Program matches medical school graduates with residency programs.After four years of residency, you should complete an additional one-year fellowship.It's best to focus on a field like cardiac anesthesiology.
Step 11: You can find the requirements for licensing and certification in your country.
You need to demonstrate that you are fit to practice medicine.Determine if this is through a national entity or if it depends on where you live.Look into any required exams.You need to be registered in the UK.Register through the General Medical Council.The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is part of the licensing process in the US.You need to apply for a license in the state where you want to work.Before applying for a license in the province where you plan to work, you need to take the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination Part I and Part II.
Step 12: You can contact your licensing board in the US or Canada.
As soon as you apply, ask for complete information about the process.Information about your medical school studies, licensing exam results, and residency are included in a CV or other list.If you can, connect the licensing board with your medical school or residency program to speed up the process.
Step 13: Become a board certified person.
This is not required if you want to practice in the US.You can demonstrate your commitment to the field through certification.If you want to take the required board certification exam, you have to do it by the ABA or AOBA.Go to the ABA or AOBA websites and search for the Pearson VUE exam instructions and practice tests.
Step 14: Seek work as an anesthesiologist.
There are jobs in hospitals, outpatient surgical centers, private and group practices, urgent care centers and academic medical centers.You can join the military as a medical officer.You should be prepared to work long and irregular hours.There will be an increased demand for anesthesiologists and other medical professionals.