What classes do I need to take to be an anesthesiologist?
I want to be an anesthesiologist but not sure what classes to take or major to select #medicine
2 answers
Richard’s Answer
Pick a major that interests you so you don't mind devoting a majority of your hours to studying. You will need to get good grades in college in order to apply for medical school. At the medical school I attended, the average GPA is reported to be 3.85, so even one or two B's can hurt your chances of acceptance.
Aside from this, any major is acceptable as long as you complete the prerequisite courses. I chose to major in biochemistry because there was overlap with the premed requirements and I wanted to complete my degree in 3 years.
Typical medical school prerequisites include:
Biology: Lecture – 4 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
General Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Organic Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Biochemistry: Lecture – 1 semester
General Physics: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Math: Statistics – 1 semester
English: Rhetoric (Composition) and Literature – 2 semesters
During college study for and complete the MCAT. Devote an entire summer to studying for the MCAT and consider paying for a prep course if you can afford it.
My son used MCAT Complete 7-Book Subject Review 2019-2020: Online + Book + 3 Practice Tests (Kaplan Test Prep) Kaplan Test Prep
It was about $140 and he achieved his goal score.
Apply to medical schools during your last year of college.
Medical school takes 4 years to complete.
After medical school anesthesiologists complete a 4 year residency for additional training.
Lindsey’s Answer
Great question Juanez. I'm sorry it hasn't been answered yet! I thought I'd share some super helpful Q&A threads about anesthesiology for you to read in the meantime:
What education is required to become an anesthesiologist? Tanya said it best: "You do not have to major in science during your college years to become an anesthesiologist or any field of Medicine. The medical field is filled with many people who majored in things they were interested in during their college years. As a pre-med student at any college you will be required to take calculus, biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics. Beyond those classes the choice is yours."
Others to read:
What's it like being an anesthesiologist day to day?
Is anesthesiology a growing specialty?
What are some good medical schools for anesthesiology?