3 answers
jayleen
Student
West Haven, Connecticut
1
Question
Asked
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What courses should I take as a 10th grader wanting to major in Anesthesiology ?
I'm in 9th grade and I like medical things. I really like music which is why I go to an Arts school. I really want to be in the medical field but I don't know what classes I would need to take next year and the years after that. I'm currently taking 3 honors classes (Algebra 2, Biology, and English 1).
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3 answers
Michael Torio
Consultant - Data Reporting & Analysis (HQ Finance)
341
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Jayleen:
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a career in Anesthesiology. Physics, chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, geometry and statistics will be needed. Other classes to take will be anatomy, physiology, computer applications and food and nutrition. The combination of these concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As an Anesthesiologist, communication is essential and critical when dealing with patients, medical personnel and other hospital staff. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills. While in high school, the debate team will provide the opportunity to sharpen communication skills which are backed with research and factual data and information.
The educational pathway to become an Anesthesiologist will require a Bachelor Degree which takes 4 years to complete. Then, medical school will be 4 years. Anesthesiology residency and licensure will follow thereafter. In total, it can take 12-15 years to become an Anesthesiologist.
According to U.S. News & World Report, here are the top colleges and universities to consider for Anesthesiology:
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-medical-schools/anesthesiology-rankings
- Harvard University
- John Hopkins University
- Duke University
- University of California - San Francisco
- Columbia University
- Stanford University
- University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
- University of Pennsylvania - Perelman
- University of California - Los Angeles (Geffen)
- Washington University in St. Louis
- Mayo Clinic School of Medicine (Alix)
- Vanderbilt University
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There will be a application fee to pay for when submitting college applications. The amount of application fee will depend on the college that you are applying to. If there are questions about the college application process, please reach out to the college's Registrar Office.
College and scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. College and scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of college and scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship and to gain entry to the college of your choice, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
There should be no limit on the amount of scholarships that one can apply to. It will take time to fill out the scholarship applications and provide all of the necessary required information. Also, there should no fee and no cost to fill out and submit scholarship applications. If there is a fee or cost that is associated with a scholarship application, then please do not send this particular scholarship application in. It will be a scam and money will be lost.
Hope this helps and best wishes for your education and career in Anesthesiology!
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a career in Anesthesiology. Physics, chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, geometry and statistics will be needed. Other classes to take will be anatomy, physiology, computer applications and food and nutrition. The combination of these concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As an Anesthesiologist, communication is essential and critical when dealing with patients, medical personnel and other hospital staff. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills. While in high school, the debate team will provide the opportunity to sharpen communication skills which are backed with research and factual data and information.
The educational pathway to become an Anesthesiologist will require a Bachelor Degree which takes 4 years to complete. Then, medical school will be 4 years. Anesthesiology residency and licensure will follow thereafter. In total, it can take 12-15 years to become an Anesthesiologist.
According to U.S. News & World Report, here are the top colleges and universities to consider for Anesthesiology:
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-medical-schools/anesthesiology-rankings
- Harvard University
- John Hopkins University
- Duke University
- University of California - San Francisco
- Columbia University
- Stanford University
- University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
- University of Pennsylvania - Perelman
- University of California - Los Angeles (Geffen)
- Washington University in St. Louis
- Mayo Clinic School of Medicine (Alix)
- Vanderbilt University
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There will be a application fee to pay for when submitting college applications. The amount of application fee will depend on the college that you are applying to. If there are questions about the college application process, please reach out to the college's Registrar Office.
College and scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. College and scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of college and scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship and to gain entry to the college of your choice, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
There should be no limit on the amount of scholarships that one can apply to. It will take time to fill out the scholarship applications and provide all of the necessary required information. Also, there should no fee and no cost to fill out and submit scholarship applications. If there is a fee or cost that is associated with a scholarship application, then please do not send this particular scholarship application in. It will be a scam and money will be lost.
Hope this helps and best wishes for your education and career in Anesthesiology!
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
jayleen
Brett Schlifstein
Anesthesiologist
15
Answers
Pittsboro, North Carolina
Updated
Brett’s Answer
Hi Jayleen,
I'm happy to hear that a high school student is interested in the field of anesthesiology - I can't keep doing this forever!
For high school, take the most challenging science and math classes that are available. Any exposure you can get to the medical field will be helpful. Lots of people change their minds, and that's ok. As you transition to college, you will need to fulfill all of the pre-requiste courses required to be admittted to medical school, and take the MCAT exam. Needless to say, the better the GPA and standardized test scores, the better. It's also important to be well rounded both for your application, as well as your own well being.
Hope that helps, and good luck!
Brett Schlifstein, M.D.
Anesthesia Director
ECU Health Roanoke Chowan Hospital
I'm happy to hear that a high school student is interested in the field of anesthesiology - I can't keep doing this forever!
For high school, take the most challenging science and math classes that are available. Any exposure you can get to the medical field will be helpful. Lots of people change their minds, and that's ok. As you transition to college, you will need to fulfill all of the pre-requiste courses required to be admittted to medical school, and take the MCAT exam. Needless to say, the better the GPA and standardized test scores, the better. It's also important to be well rounded both for your application, as well as your own well being.
Hope that helps, and good luck!
Brett Schlifstein, M.D.
Anesthesia Director
ECU Health Roanoke Chowan Hospital
This was super helpful, thank you!
jayleen
Joe L.
Program Manager
88
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Joe’s Answer
As a 10th grader with an interest in anesthesiology, focusing on courses that build a strong foundation in science and math will be helpful. Here are some recommended subjects to consider:
1. Core Science Courses
Biology: Understanding human anatomy and physiology is essential for a career in anesthesiology.
Chemistry: Both general and organic chemistry are critical in medicine. If available, try to take advanced or AP Chemistry later.
Physics: Physics principles are useful in understanding how medical equipment works and in pain management practices.
2. Mathematics
Algebra and Geometry: Master these basics if you haven't already.
Pre-Calculus and Calculus: Calculus will be especially helpful for medical school prerequisites, and it enhances your analytical skills.
Statistics: Useful for understanding data in medical studies and research.
3. Advanced Science Courses (if available)
Anatomy and Physiology: This provides an early look into human body systems, which is directly relevant to anesthesiology.
AP or IB Science Courses: Advanced Placement (AP) Biology, Chemistry, or Physics, if available, will strengthen your application for pre-med programs later.
4. English and Communication
Strong writing and communication skills are essential for medical professionals. Courses in English, speech, and even debate can help improve these skills.
Consider taking AP English courses to improve your critical reading and writing skills, which are useful for standardized tests and medical school applications.
5. Health Sciences and Psychology (if available)
Health Science or Medical Terminology classes can give you a head start on medical concepts.
Psychology: Understanding mental processes and patient behavior is valuable in anesthesiology, where patient comfort and well-being are prioritized.
6. Electives in STEM-Related Fields
Consider joining STEM clubs or taking elective courses in subjects like robotics, computer science, or biomedical sciences, if available. These experiences can build problem-solving skills and show colleges your commitment to a scientific field.
In addition to these courses, getting involved in volunteer work, shadowing opportunities, or summer programs related to healthcare can also strengthen your interest and understanding of the field.
1. Core Science Courses
Biology: Understanding human anatomy and physiology is essential for a career in anesthesiology.
Chemistry: Both general and organic chemistry are critical in medicine. If available, try to take advanced or AP Chemistry later.
Physics: Physics principles are useful in understanding how medical equipment works and in pain management practices.
2. Mathematics
Algebra and Geometry: Master these basics if you haven't already.
Pre-Calculus and Calculus: Calculus will be especially helpful for medical school prerequisites, and it enhances your analytical skills.
Statistics: Useful for understanding data in medical studies and research.
3. Advanced Science Courses (if available)
Anatomy and Physiology: This provides an early look into human body systems, which is directly relevant to anesthesiology.
AP or IB Science Courses: Advanced Placement (AP) Biology, Chemistry, or Physics, if available, will strengthen your application for pre-med programs later.
4. English and Communication
Strong writing and communication skills are essential for medical professionals. Courses in English, speech, and even debate can help improve these skills.
Consider taking AP English courses to improve your critical reading and writing skills, which are useful for standardized tests and medical school applications.
5. Health Sciences and Psychology (if available)
Health Science or Medical Terminology classes can give you a head start on medical concepts.
Psychology: Understanding mental processes and patient behavior is valuable in anesthesiology, where patient comfort and well-being are prioritized.
6. Electives in STEM-Related Fields
Consider joining STEM clubs or taking elective courses in subjects like robotics, computer science, or biomedical sciences, if available. These experiences can build problem-solving skills and show colleges your commitment to a scientific field.
In addition to these courses, getting involved in volunteer work, shadowing opportunities, or summer programs related to healthcare can also strengthen your interest and understanding of the field.
Thank you! I'm in 9th grade and I'm already taking Honors Biology, and also Honors Algebra 2, but my school doesn't offer other science classes like Anatomy or any STEM related things. But thank you anyways!
jayleen