Career as an anesthesiologist is both challenging and interesting. We can’t even imagine a surgical operation without an anesthesiologist. Nonetheless, you will need to spend lots of efforts and time to become an anesthesiologist. If you think you have enough capacity to do well in this field, then let’s find out how to become an anesthesiologist.

Undergraduate Program

Undergraduate degree is the first requisite to enter in this field. An undergraduate program should involve varied courses although there is no precise pre-medical degree. Proper knowledge in biology, physics, anatomy, arithmetic and biochemistry is crucial. These courses will offer help for the preparation of MCAT. Usually, all undergraduate programs take four years to complete.

Medical School

You’ll need to spend another four years in medical school. It is mandatory for every anesthesiologist to become a M.D. First. There are 126 medical colleges that are licensed in the USA. Your curriculum will include biochemistry, behavior science, neuroscience, pharmacology and so on. You’ll have to take both theoretical and practical classes. You’ll get your practical experience in hospitals or medical centers under the observation of professionals.

Residency

After getting M.D. Degree, you need to spend 4 more years in residency program. Anesthesiologists need to spend one year in surgical internship and 3 years in anesthesiologist education during the residency. It needs more years of study if any anesthesiologists decide to specialize in a specific field, for example neurology or pediatrics. Many anesthesiologist work as generalist for a few years and then select a particular speciality.

Certification

Upon completing the education and training, anesthesiologists should get certification ahead of being able to work as a certified anesthesiologist. They have to go through a few stages for the certification. First, you will need to pass the US Medical and Licensing Examination (UMLE) after graduating from the medical school. You need to pass another examination during your residency which will test your readiness to become an anesthesiologist. After finishing these tests successfully, you’ll be given a title of Board Certified Anesthesiologist.

Hence, normally it requires 12 years to finish anesthesiologist education. But, the time and effort spent will definitely pay back in future.

The job of anesthesiologist is highly paid in the health care field. Take a look at anesthesia technician salary range and anesthesiologist schooling in Georgia to learn more about anesthesiology education.