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What steps do you need to take to get into anesthesiology?
What classes/tests/preparations/research/community service/ do you have to do
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5 answers
Updated
Brett’s Answer
Hi Jazmin,
You have gotten some great advice above, so I won't repeat it here. I just wanted to point out that there are several paths to a career in anesthesiology that take different routes.
Anesthesiologist - as described above, these are physicians that specialize in the field of anesthesiology. This path involves college, medical school, internship, and residency.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) - These are registered nurses who go back to school after several years of critical care experience, and obtain a masters or doctorate degree. CRNAs usually practice under the supervision of an anesthesiologist.
Anesthesiologist Assistant (AA) - These individuals first earn a bachelors degree, followed by a masters degree. AAs always practice under the supervision of an anesthesiologist. They perform many of the same functions as a CRNA. AAs are licensed in many, but not all states.
Regardless of the path you choose, I would encourage you to take as many high level science and math classes in high school as possible. I always recommend volunteering at your local hospital. This provides a service to the community that you can list on your resume, as well as give you a glimpse into what the world of medicine is like. If you change your mind about your specialty, or even that medicine is not for you, this is not unusual. I also wanted to add that the above advice lists the top anesthesiology programs, but most American residencies will offer you excellent training.
It is a long journey to become an anesthesiologist, and once achieved, one can expect to work a lot, sometimes under difficult circumstances. I have been a practicing anesthesiologist for 30 years, and it has been a very rewarding career, and consider myself very fortunate.
Hope that helps, and good luck in your journey!
Brett Schlifstein, M.D.
Anesthesia Director
ECU Health Roanoke Chowan Hospital
You have gotten some great advice above, so I won't repeat it here. I just wanted to point out that there are several paths to a career in anesthesiology that take different routes.
Anesthesiologist - as described above, these are physicians that specialize in the field of anesthesiology. This path involves college, medical school, internship, and residency.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) - These are registered nurses who go back to school after several years of critical care experience, and obtain a masters or doctorate degree. CRNAs usually practice under the supervision of an anesthesiologist.
Anesthesiologist Assistant (AA) - These individuals first earn a bachelors degree, followed by a masters degree. AAs always practice under the supervision of an anesthesiologist. They perform many of the same functions as a CRNA. AAs are licensed in many, but not all states.
Regardless of the path you choose, I would encourage you to take as many high level science and math classes in high school as possible. I always recommend volunteering at your local hospital. This provides a service to the community that you can list on your resume, as well as give you a glimpse into what the world of medicine is like. If you change your mind about your specialty, or even that medicine is not for you, this is not unusual. I also wanted to add that the above advice lists the top anesthesiology programs, but most American residencies will offer you excellent training.
It is a long journey to become an anesthesiologist, and once achieved, one can expect to work a lot, sometimes under difficult circumstances. I have been a practicing anesthesiologist for 30 years, and it has been a very rewarding career, and consider myself very fortunate.
Hope that helps, and good luck in your journey!
Brett Schlifstein, M.D.
Anesthesia Director
ECU Health Roanoke Chowan Hospital
Updated
Katie’s Answer
Hi Jazmin,
Being a doctor is so rewarding. I’m pulmonary and critical care (lungs and running the intensive care department) and internal medicine (adult medicine over 18). I absolutely love my career choice. I work very closely with the anesthesiologist in the hospital. The field of anesthesiology is growing. My advice is to do well in high school. Go to a college that has a record of getting people into medical school. Some have early acceptance programs. You don’t have to major in a science, in fact some may recommend you don’t so you have something different to talk about in your interview but I would recommend something that you could use if you change your mind.
You will then take the MCAT. Make sure no matter what your major, you complete all the prerequisites for the MCAT and medical school. These are clearly listed and include physics, math, biology, and chemistry; however, I did this some time ago so you will have to double check how many and if anything has changed/different for a particular school. Anatomy may help but they do a good job teaching that in medical school, but it might make your first semester easier. After medical school you will apply for a residency program. This is where you become a radiologist, surgeon, anesthesiologist, etc. These range in lengths. Anesthesiology, at this time, is four years. After that you can go a fellowship to be a cardiac anesthesiologist etc this is not a required step.
It’s a journey but at the end it is so awarding and you meet amazing people along the way. I have great friends from each stage that I can call for anything. I hope this helps. Michael’s advice is great and full of resources too so absolutely check those out.
Good luck!!!!
Katie
Being a doctor is so rewarding. I’m pulmonary and critical care (lungs and running the intensive care department) and internal medicine (adult medicine over 18). I absolutely love my career choice. I work very closely with the anesthesiologist in the hospital. The field of anesthesiology is growing. My advice is to do well in high school. Go to a college that has a record of getting people into medical school. Some have early acceptance programs. You don’t have to major in a science, in fact some may recommend you don’t so you have something different to talk about in your interview but I would recommend something that you could use if you change your mind.
You will then take the MCAT. Make sure no matter what your major, you complete all the prerequisites for the MCAT and medical school. These are clearly listed and include physics, math, biology, and chemistry; however, I did this some time ago so you will have to double check how many and if anything has changed/different for a particular school. Anatomy may help but they do a good job teaching that in medical school, but it might make your first semester easier. After medical school you will apply for a residency program. This is where you become a radiologist, surgeon, anesthesiologist, etc. These range in lengths. Anesthesiology, at this time, is four years. After that you can go a fellowship to be a cardiac anesthesiologist etc this is not a required step.
It’s a journey but at the end it is so awarding and you meet amazing people along the way. I have great friends from each stage that I can call for anything. I hope this helps. Michael’s advice is great and full of resources too so absolutely check those out.
Good luck!!!!
Katie
Updated
Carole’s Answer
There are many ways to “ get into “ anesthesia. You can choose anesthesia assistant, certified registered crna , or anesthesiologist. If you want the MD or DO route , you have to go to medical School 4 years , do a 1 year internship and then a 3 year residency. There are written and oral boards required to become board certified.
Updated
Myrlande’s Answer
Pre-med courses. Med school. Specialize in anesthesiology
Hi Myrlande! Can you add more details?
Sharyn Grose, Admin
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Jazmin:
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!