2 answers
Gus
Student
Kerrville, Texas
6
Questions
Updated
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What are good colleges to become an anesthesiologist
Hi, my name is Gus and my dream jobs is to become an anesthesiologist. I dont know what colleges would be suitable for a career path like this. I would also like to known what I should take in said colleges. #medical #doctor #career
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2 answers
Mary Jane Shroyer
Director of Health Professions Career Community
120
Answers
Grinnell, Iowa
Updated
Mary Jane’s Answer
To become an anesthesiologist, you will first need an undergraduate (Bachelor) degree. Then you will attend medical school to complete an MD or DO degree and receive additional training to become an anesthesiologist.
In the big picture, it really doesn't matter which schools you go to. All medical schools can train you to become an anesthesiologist. All colleges will offer the basic science courses you need to be eligible to apply to medical school. Having said that, as a resident of Texas, your best chance for admission to medical school is going to be with one of the Texas medical schools. Most medical schools at state universities have a strong preference for in-state residents. You can apply to any medical school, but you should definitely apply to med schools in your home state.
For your undergraduate degree, I think you want to be sure you are going to a college that has good science training so you will be fully prepared for med school. How many science students participate in research with faculty? How many students major in the sciences compared to other departments? Do they have tutoring available for science courses? Do they have a pre-health advisor to help you with your med school applications? What is the first-to-second year retention rate? What is the graduation rate? At some colleges, only half the class comes back for a second year or actually finishes with a degree. You can ask about their admission rates to med school, but be aware that some colleges report everyone who applies (even if they aren't competitive) and others report only those students who the college believes are competitive for admission. It can be difficult to compare apples to apples for this reason so I wouldn't put too much stock into this. It would be worth your time to ask how many students get the opportunity to shadow doctors and what other clinical opportunities there are to gain experience. Don't overlook smaller schools--often students have stronger relationships with faculty (who will write letters of recommendation for med school) and it can be easier to get research and leadership experiences because there are fewer students on campus compared to the massive state universities.
In terms of courses, most medical schools want the following:
1 year of introductory biology
1 year of general chemistry
1 year of organic chemistry
1 year of introductory physics
1 year of English and/or writing instruction
Some college math (usually calculus, statistics, or both)
Additionally, the entrance exam for med school, the MCAT, tests psychology, sociology, statistics and biochemistry so most students will take some courses in those areas.
Individual medical schools may have additional requirements. Some will want you to have 1-3 upper-level biology classes (like genetics or anatomy), some will actually require biochemistry, some require or recommend Spanish. Because this is so variable, you should check the requirements of the med schools you'd like to attend to make sure you complete all their prerequisites by the time you finish your undergrad degree.
In the big picture, it really doesn't matter which schools you go to. All medical schools can train you to become an anesthesiologist. All colleges will offer the basic science courses you need to be eligible to apply to medical school. Having said that, as a resident of Texas, your best chance for admission to medical school is going to be with one of the Texas medical schools. Most medical schools at state universities have a strong preference for in-state residents. You can apply to any medical school, but you should definitely apply to med schools in your home state.
For your undergraduate degree, I think you want to be sure you are going to a college that has good science training so you will be fully prepared for med school. How many science students participate in research with faculty? How many students major in the sciences compared to other departments? Do they have tutoring available for science courses? Do they have a pre-health advisor to help you with your med school applications? What is the first-to-second year retention rate? What is the graduation rate? At some colleges, only half the class comes back for a second year or actually finishes with a degree. You can ask about their admission rates to med school, but be aware that some colleges report everyone who applies (even if they aren't competitive) and others report only those students who the college believes are competitive for admission. It can be difficult to compare apples to apples for this reason so I wouldn't put too much stock into this. It would be worth your time to ask how many students get the opportunity to shadow doctors and what other clinical opportunities there are to gain experience. Don't overlook smaller schools--often students have stronger relationships with faculty (who will write letters of recommendation for med school) and it can be easier to get research and leadership experiences because there are fewer students on campus compared to the massive state universities.
In terms of courses, most medical schools want the following:
1 year of introductory biology
1 year of general chemistry
1 year of organic chemistry
1 year of introductory physics
1 year of English and/or writing instruction
Some college math (usually calculus, statistics, or both)
Additionally, the entrance exam for med school, the MCAT, tests psychology, sociology, statistics and biochemistry so most students will take some courses in those areas.
Individual medical schools may have additional requirements. Some will want you to have 1-3 upper-level biology classes (like genetics or anatomy), some will actually require biochemistry, some require or recommend Spanish. Because this is so variable, you should check the requirements of the med schools you'd like to attend to make sure you complete all their prerequisites by the time you finish your undergrad degree.
P N
Physician
12
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
P’s Answer
As the person above said, where you go to school isn’t as important as how you do when you go. A state school with lower tuition and less student debt will free you from having to go into a high paying job you don’t like just because you have loans.
All schools will have a premed track so just follow that track. But do take other non medical classes. Not only to be well rounded but med schools take notice. My oldest and dearest friend majored in Spanish and history and is a doctor now.
Also, there are 6 year programs that combine college and med school into 6 years instead of eight. But I’d caution you to consider that a traditional 4 year college experience allows you to take classes in fields you won’t have a chance to if you fast track. And these things will make you a better physician.
Hope this helps! Best of luck!
All schools will have a premed track so just follow that track. But do take other non medical classes. Not only to be well rounded but med schools take notice. My oldest and dearest friend majored in Spanish and history and is a doctor now.
Also, there are 6 year programs that combine college and med school into 6 years instead of eight. But I’d caution you to consider that a traditional 4 year college experience allows you to take classes in fields you won’t have a chance to if you fast track. And these things will make you a better physician.
Hope this helps! Best of luck!