In order to become an Anesthesiologist in the United States, the person needs to have a Bachelor’s degree and complete 8 years of postgraduate education and work.
- A Bachelor’s degree in natural science or a degree that includes courses in physics, organic and inorganic chemistry, as well as biology, are preferable for admission to medical school.
- In order to gain admission to medical school, one needs to pass the Medical College Admission Test or MCAT.
- The person who wants to become an Anesthesiologist has to graduate from the Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (OD) program.
- In order to have the right to practice medicine, one needs to take the US Medical and Licensing Examination (USMLE) .
- After graduation with the medical school diploma, the person needs to complete a 4-year residency in anesthesiology.
- The residency can be followed by a specialized fellowship in obstetrics anaesthesiology, pain management, or pediatric anesthesiology or other anaesthesiology sub-specialties.
- In order to officially practice anaesthesiology, it is necessary to be certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA).
To earn the ABA certification, the prospective Anesthesiologists must complete 3 exams :
- Basic exam: It is taken in the 2nd year of residency and covers the scientific theory of anaesthesiology.
- Advanced exam: This part covers both theoretical and clinical aspects of anaesthesiology. It is taken after residency completion.
- Applied exam: It can be taken in 7 years after completion of the residency. Covers both oral examinations and clinical examinations.
There can also be additional exams for acquiring licensing in anesthesiology subspecialties.
