Bachelor's Degree

• If a potential anesthesiologist gains a good enough high school record, his first step to becoming a qualified practitioner in his chosen profession is to pursue a bachelor's degree. Typically he will major in a science subject--biology and physics are among the most common--but he will also take minor courses in math and English, as well as the other sciences.
  
  

Medical School Course

• With a good enough undergraduate degree, an anesthesiologist candidate can then apply for a place at medical school. Competition for places at schools approved by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education is fierce, and candidates must expect to be interviewed, sit for an entrance exam and have her extracurricular activities analyzed for signs of leadership and motivation. At medical school, the first two years are typically spent in the classroom and the laboratory, while the latter two years are passed in medical establishments studying under qualified physicians.
  
  

Medical Residency

• Completion of a course at medical school does not mean that a candidate can practice anesthesiology. Next he must undertake a residency in general medicine. He secures an employment position at a hospital or other medical facility and receives on-the-job training in many aspects of medicine. This period in his training usually lasts for five years and should lead to him gaining his general medical practitioner's licence from his state licencing body.
  
  

Anesthesiology Residency

• It is only after completing a general medicine residency that a candidate can undertake a second residency in the specialist subject area of anesthesiology. This residency, typically lasting between two and three years, involves practical training under the supervision of a qualified anesthesiology physician as well as further study in anesthesiology theory followed by written exams administered by the American Board of Anesthesiology. Successful completion of these examinations enables the candidate to become a licenced anesthesiologist and begin practicing as such.