Anesthesiologists

Anesthesiologists are doctors who give patients drugs to relieve pain or put them to sleep during surgery.

During the procedure anesthesiologists monitor patients' temperature, pulse, heart, and breathing rates. They watch for bad reactions to the drugs. In these situations, they change doses or give different drugs to counteract reactions. Anesthesiologists record the types and amounts of medicines they give. They also supervise nurses and operating room assistants. These workers help them check vital signs and monitor the medications and patients.

Preparation

To work as an anesthesiologist, you must:

complete a bachelor's degree
graduate from medical school
complete an internship
complete a four-year residency program in anesthesiology
pass additional exams to become board certified
work well under pressure; and
be able to work as part of a team.

Formal Education
To become a licensed doctor, you must complete medical school. Medical schools grant a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.M.) degree. You spend the first two years of medical school in classrooms and laboratories. You study anatomy, biochemistry, and medicines. You also learn how to take a medical history, examine patients, and make a diagnosis. During the next two years, you work in hospitals and clinics under the supervision of experienced physicians.

Entry into medical school is competitive. You should apply to several schools.

Most students who apply to medical school have a bachelor's degree. A pre-medicine or science major is good preparation. If you earn a liberal arts degree, be sure to take several courses in physics, biology, and chemistry.

On-the-job Training
While in medical school, you spend two years working as an intern in a hospital or clinic. As an intern, you rotate through different medical specialties. These include internal medicine, family medicine, obstetrics, oncology, and other hospital departments.

After medical school, you must complete a four-year residency program in anesthesia. You receive wages while you are a resident. After completing your residency, you take additional exams in anesthesiology to become board certified.

Salary range

Nationally, the average wage for anesthesiologists is about $306,960 per year after expenses.

Wages vary by employer, years of experience, and hours worked. Anesthesiologists earn much less before they complete their residency. Medical residents earn an average of $34,100 to $42,100 per year.

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