Anesthesiologists are responsible for providing pain relief to patients, as well as monitoring their vital signs during surgery. The field of anesthesiology is prestigious and lucrative within medicine and requires a high level of education and experience. Start preparing as soon as possible. Ideally, you should take preparatory courses in medicine, but even if you graduate with a liberal arts degree, you can still go to medical school and become a certified anesthesiologist.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare for Medical School
Step 1. Obtain your high school diploma, or an equivalent certificate
You will need one of these documents in order to enter the university. Also, during high school, take biology, chemistry, and physics courses to prepare for a pre-medical course in college. Increase the challenge by signing up for tough courses and getting good grades to impress admissions officers at college and medical school.
Depending on where you live, you can also enroll in advanced science courses
Step 2. If possible, attend a medical vacation program organized by the high school
Look for such programs through the universities in your country. You can also find them in some hospitals that have research centers. Look for a program that includes hands-on training so you can experience the real work that doctors do. If you want to do your own research project, attend a program that focuses on research.
While these programs are not required, they are highly educational and can show that you are a serious and passionate candidate when it comes to applying to college
Step 3. Volunteer to work in a hospital
One way to learn more about the field you want to be in while you're still in school or college is by volunteering at a hospital or medical clinic. Talk to doctors and medical school students you know about preparing for a medical career. Keep volunteering while you are in school and college in order to impress medical school admissions officers by showing your commitment.
Step 4. Take college entrance exams
Pick your preferred exams at the colleges you want to apply to and prepare for them using official study materials if you can get them. Also, consider taking a prep course to improve your test score.
If necessary, take the test again to improve your score. This could only be an alternative with some tests
Step 5. Earn a bachelor's degree in pre-medicine or a related field
If you live in a country where you must have a bachelor's degree to practice medicine, you need to finish college to get it. Look for preparatory programs in medicine at the college you attend.
- He takes courses in organic and inorganic chemistry, biology, biochemistry, and physics.
- Make sure your science courses have a lab component.
- Consider taking courses in public health, ethics, and statistics.
- Check with your academic advisor about your current graduation requirements.
Step 6. Prepare for the medical school entrance exams
Enroll in exam preparation courses. Take time to study for exams during your academic year and in the summer. Take practice tests and learn about changes to the test so that you are more prepared for the questions.
- Keep in mind that the exams you take will vary depending on the university you plan to apply to.
- Look for practice materials at the main universities in your area. These materials include guides, practice tests, and flashcards.
Part 2 of 3: Attending Medical School
Step 1. Find a medical school
Look for accredited programs that offer the degree of Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Choose either one to become a fully licensed physician qualified to be an anesthesiologist. Choose the school you will go to based on criteria that are important to you, such as geographic location, diversity of the student body and faculty, funding, and enrollment data. For example, you could look for a program where the majority of students graduate within four years.
Step 2. Consider enrolling in a program that encompasses a bachelor of arts or science and general medicine
Look for colleges that include programs that combine undergraduate studies with medical school. Look for an accelerated program that cuts down on your overall time in college and medical school. If you plan to attend none of them, be prepared to study in summer school.
- One way to prepare for the programs is by getting outstanding scores on academic aptitude tests, getting very good grades in school, and demonstrating your commitment to a career in medicine (eg, by volunteering).
- Keep in mind that many programs are very exclusive, accepting only a small group of applicants each year.
Step 3. Learn the basics of medicine for the first two years
Enroll in courses such as Physiology, Pathology, Microbiology, and Neuroscience, which will have a laboratory component. Keep taking courses in your second couple of years and also gain practical training by taking shifts in hospitals and clinics.
Part 3 of 3: Complete an Anesthesiology Specialty
Step 1. Complete a four-year residency in anesthesiology
Find out if a residency is a requirement in your country. Take clinical training by working in hospitals during your residency period. You will also need to provide medical care to patients.
- Seek residency through a program that combines a medical school degree with residency programs.
- Supplement your education by earning a scholarship for an additional year after completing your four-year residency. Focus on a specialized field like cardiac or pediatric anesthesiology.
Step 2. Find out the requirements for obtaining a license or certification in your country
Show your fitness to practice medicine and prescribe medication by obtaining a license or certification. Determine if you must do it through a national entity or if you will have to go to the authority of your city. Also find out if any tests are required.
- For example, in some countries, you will need to register through the General Medical Council.
- Elsewhere, as part of the licensing process, you will need to pass a medical licensing exam or an osteopathic medical license exam. With that in mind, apply for the required certification in the place where you plan to work.
- Also note that, in some cases, you will need to take a qualification exam and obtain a license from the Medical Council in order to apply for a license in the city where you plan to work.
Step 3. Contact the entity in charge of issuing licenses in your country
Request complete information about the process so that you can provide all the necessary information as soon as you apply. Create a CV or other list that indicates all aspects of your training in anesthesiology, including that related to your studies in medical school, the results of the licensing exam, your residency and any scholarships you have obtained. Follow up with the licensing board in person and offer to contact them through your medical school or residency program in order to speed up the process.
Step 4. Get certified
Depending on where you want to practice medicine, it is recommended that you obtain a certification, although it is not required. This will allow you to demonstrate your experience in anesthesiology and your commitment to this branch. Therefore, be sure to take the certification exam required by the relevant entities.
Prepare for the exams by visiting the websites of the anesthesiology entities you wish to apply to and looking for links to tutorials and practice tests
Step 5. Find a job as an anesthesiologist
Seek employment in hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, private and group practices, emergency centers, or academic medical centers. You can also become a medical inspector in the military. Be prepared to work long and irregular shifts, sometimes more than 60 hours a week.