Anesthesiologist Career Path is a growing field with a median salary of $228,000! Anesthesiologists’ job is to provide anesthesia for patients before, during, and after surgery, and they also help people through other painful procedures. If you want to be an Anesthesiologist, there are many schools you can choose that will teach you how to do this vital work.  

1. What Is an Anesthesiologist

Anesthesiologists are medical professionals who specialize in preventing and relieving pain via anesthesia, sedation, or analgesia.

Anesthesiologists also aid people through other painful procedures like dental work or childbirth. To become an Anesthesiologist, you need to have at least one year of residency training in either Internal Medicine or Pediatrics; some states require certification by the Board of General Surgery within ten years following completion of board-eligible training in anesthesiology.

2. How to Become an Anesthesiologist?

Anesthesiologists are usually involved in perioperative care, building anesthetic plans, and administering anesthetics. As a career path, anesthesiology has grown steadily over the past few years.

The job duties of an Anesthesiologist include: administering drugs used for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia; monitoring patients’ responses to these drugs; managing breathing passages during surgical operations when necessary; performing tracheal intubation when indicated by circumstances. One might also be called upon to act as a scrub nurse if needed.

To become an anesthesiologist, you will first need to earn a bachelor’s degree, take the MCAT, complete a medical school program, and specialize in a residency program. Once you are done with these steps, you will be required to pursue a fellowship in a sub-specialty and then get a license and become board-certified.

3. Education and Training Requirements for Becoming an Anesthesiologist 

Anesthesiologists are medical doctors who specialize in the use of anesthesia. They administer drugs to induce sleep before surgery and monitor levels of consciousness and vital signs during surgery. Anesthesiologists also manage pain relief for patients with chronic or acute pain unrelated to cancer treatment or an operation.

Anesthesiology is one of the fastest-growing professions in medicine because it offers a wide variety of career opportunities in many settings, including hospitals, private practices, ambulatory clinics, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers.

The education requirements for becoming an anesthesiologist vary widely by country but generally require completion of at least eight years (high school plus four years) at college, followed by four to six years (possibly more) at medical school, and three to four years of anesthesiology residency.

The American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) is the only certifying organization for anesthesiologists in the United States, and certification lasts for a minimum of 10 years. After that time, recertification is necessary to continue practice in any form.

Obtaining an ABA board certification is necessary. The Accreditation Committee on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) is the only accrediting agency recognized by the ABA for anesthesiology residency programs in the United States. Graduates of these programs are eligible to take the board certification exam where passing is required.

4. Best Colleges to Study Anesthesiology

When you decide to work as an Anesthesiologist, it becomes important to gain quality education and training in the same field. In the USA, there are numerous colleges that offer programs and specialized coursework in the same field. However, it might be hard for you to choose the right college that not only meets your need but equip you with the tools you will need as an Anesthesiologist in the future. To make your task of finding the best college for your education easier, we have listed down some of the popular institutions where you may find well-designed residency programs and specialized coursework in anesthesiology. Please scroll down to check out full information about the colleges:

Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore – At Johns Hopkins, you can pursue your passions, meet people who motivate and challenge you, and discover new things that will alter your life—and the world. This college offers an extension of campus, offering learning and cultural opportunities.

Harvard University, Boston –  This university gives you a chance to learn, research, teach, work, and grow all together. It is a research and nonprofit institution dedicated to creating learning opportunities for people from different backgrounds.

University of California, San Francisco– University of California is motivated by the idea of proving the best teaching, research, and patient care to help and heal the world.  With four professional schools and 3,200 students, it has been secured a place in the list of best colleges in the country.

Duke University, Durham– It is a famous research institution with 6,542 undergraduate and 9,009 graduate enrollment. It has been ranked 9 in the list of national universities based on its performance.

University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia – With 4 undergraduate and 12 graduate schools, Penn equips students with an education that is unmatched in terms of diversity, intellectual rigor, research, and the drive to produce new knowledge for the benefit of individuals and communities all around the world.

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor– the University of Michigan is ranked 3 in the list of top National Undergraduate Public Universities by US News and World Report and ranked first in the list of Best US Public Universities by QS World University Rankings.

Washington University in St. Louis– it is counted among the world’s leaders in education, innovation, clinical services, and community service. It has been dedicated to learning and exploration and discovery and impact.

Columbia University, New York– This college has gained a good reputation in education. When it comes to the specialties of Columbia University, its rich history, inclusion in the Ivy League, a prominent location in one of the world’s great cities is what it is especially known for. It has renowned academic programs and holds the title of being one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the U.S., And there is a lot to know about Columbia.

Stanford University– Standford University started in 1891 and now has become home to 15,157 students enrolled in different highly rated programs that this college offers. It is referred to as the best place for learning, discovery, innovation, expression, and discourse.

University of California, Los Angeles– UCLA has been working for the betterment of society through education, research, and preservation. This college is proud to have a vibrant student body and alumni network that is active in communities around the world.

5. Benefits of a Career in Anesthesiology

No doubt, Anesthesiology is a fruitful profession, yet it has some drawbacks. To understand it well, please have a look at the pros and cons that this profession includes:

Pros:

• Anesthesiologists have a very important role in the medical field, which makes their work fulfilling.
• They can earn a good salary.
• There is a lot of job security in this career field.
• They get chance to work with diverse people
• This professional include flexible working hours
• They get instant feedbacks
• They also get exposure to advanced technology and devices

Cons:

• The work can be demanding and stressful.
• Anesthesiologists may have to work long hours.
• There is pressure to succeed in this profession
• They don’t get enough appreciation

6. Salary of the Average Anesthesiologist

The median annual wage for anesthesiologists was about $235,000 in 2016.

This is a change from 2015 where the average salary of Anesthesiologists was about $207,000. The percentage increase in the average salary is 9%, and this has been primarily due to the inflation rate increasing as well as the number of hours worked by employees. This data shows that there are many factors that determine how much money you will make as an Anesthesiologist, such as your experience level and work environment.

The states with the highest annual median wage for Anesthesiologists are as follows: California, New York, Texas, Florida, and Pennsylvania. These states have a higher cost of living which is reflected in the wages of their medical professionals.

Anesthesiologists in the lowest-paying states make less than $180,000 per year. These states are primarily located in the midwest and have a lower cost of living.

The average salary for an Anesthesiologists is $265,000 per year or $62.5 per hour, which is one of the highest salaries out of any medical specialty. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a family doctor is $192,000 per year. Anesthesiologists make more money than plastic surgeons, heart surgeons, and pediatricians.

The reason for this high salary is that Anesthesiologists are in high demand and are needed in most hospitals. They also work long hours, over 12 hours at times. The demand for Anesthesiologists is so high because they are needed to monitor the patient during surgery and provide pain relief medication.

Anesthesiologists who work in ambulatory surgery centers or other outpatient settings typically earn less than those working in hospitals.

The highest-paid Anesthesiologist’s according to the 2016 Medscape Survey, are as follows:

• Florida $423,000 per year or $217.13 per hour
• California $407,000 per year or $205.8 per hour
• Texas $383,000 per year or $192.8 per hour
• New York $382,000 per year or $191.8 per hour
• Pennsylvania $378,000 per year or $189.5 per hour

7. Career Path Options for Those Who Want to Be a Part of This Medical Field

Working as Anesthesiologists can be satisfying because you are working to provide outstanding patient care. There are numerous job options available for an Anesthesiologist, some with modest prerequisites and others that require several years of education and experience. Various career routes in this field may best suit your requirements and qualifications. Below are some famous working options you can expect as an Anesthesiologist.

• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
• Certified Registered Nurse Midwife
• Certified Surgical Technician
• Licensed Practical Nurse
• Paramedic/EMT
• Pharmacy Technician
• Physician Assistant
• Professional Care Tech (PCT) – Medical Office Specialist, Blood Bank or Clinical Laboratory Scientist
• Career Path Options for those who want to be a part of this medical field as support roles only:  – CNA (Certified Nurse Assistant)
• Medical Assistant
• Unit Secretary
• Medical Records Clerk
• Laboratory and X-Ray Technician
• EKG Technician
• Radiology Technician

So, these are some of the career options you will have as a part of this field. The salary and working hours will be varied from one career path to another. The career options given above are in high demand for those who want to make a difference in the lives of others. No matter what role you choose to pursue, it is sure to be both challenging and rewarding.

8. Future of Anesthesiology

As the population ages, more and more people are going to be in need of a good anesthesiologist.

There’s no way around it. A growing number of patients will require anesthesia for surgery as they age, and if we don’t have enough qualified Anesthesiologists available to help them out, things could get pretty ugly very quickly.

In fact, our country is experiencing a shortage of trained professionals right now – both doctors and nurses alike – which is only going to make the situation worse. In order to keep up with demand from aging populations across the globe, we’re going to need a lot more people on board who know what they’re doing when it comes to administering anesthesia safely and effectively!

The future of the anesthesia workforce in the U.S. is bright, however. There is currently more than 42,000 Anesthesiologist Assistant (AAs) practicing across the country today!

These certified professionals play a vital role in helping to keep patients safe during their surgical procedures; they act as expert witnesses for patient cases and continually provide education and training materials to other members of the operating team.

The AA role is not one that should be overlooked by men and women considering a career in this field – it’s an excellent way to get started!

• Anesthesia Care
• Advanced Clinical Research – Master of Research in Health Sciences
• Certified Professional Practice Course for AAs – Anesthesia Care & Pain Management
• Master of Research in Health Sciences
• Clinical Practice in Anesthesia – Certified Professional Practice Course for AAs – Basic Science in Anesthesia
• Residency Program in Clinical Specialties in Anesthesiology

9. Is Anesthesiology a Stressful Job?

Anesthesiology is not a stressful job. Most patients are sedated, so they are unaware of the procedure. It may be stressful for the surgeon if they are trying to complete a procedure in less time because their schedule is tight or they have another surgery.

Anesthesiologists are an integral part of patient care and decision-making before, during, and after surgery or other procedures. Sometimes it can be stressful for the anesthesiologist if some unexpected complication arises.

The vast majority of surgeries are uneventful, but there is always the potential for something to go wrong. The anesthesiologist must stay calm and focused in order to deal with any potential problems.

One of the benefits is that they are always able to work, they can work for themselves, and many who are members of the medical profession enjoy it. One of the drawbacks is that they do not get paid vacations.

Conclusion

If you are interested in pursuing a profession that gives you not only the chance to earn good but also satisfaction, then Anesthesiology could be what you can without hesitating to consider pursuing. It is a rigorous yet exciting medical area that allows physicians to deal with stressful conditions and make quick and smart decisions.