About Anesthesiology

Anaesthesiology is a specialised field in medicine with broad applications. The main focus of Anaesthesiology is to provide perioperative care to patients. Anaesthesiologists develop anesthetic plans for patients including dosage, duration and effects on patient’s body organs. 

　　Anaesthesiologists are in high demand due their need in every surgical procedure. Anaesthesiologists work in hospitals, health care facilities, outpatient care center and physician’s offices. They can also pursue a more academic paths by teaching in medical schools and training prospective anesthesiologists.  

　　Common course modules students can expect to study are biochemistry, anatomy related to anesthesia, pharmacology, hematology, physiology related to anesthesia, physics related to anesthesia, and pathology. 

　　

Is Anaesthesiology right for me?

Anaesthesiologists are professionals who are detail-oriented. They are able to manage stressful situations and are good communicators. Strong interpersonal skills are particularly important as Anaesthesiologist almost always work in conjunction with other healthcare professionals.

　　If you believe you possess the aforementioned qualities, then Anaesthesiology might be the right career choice for you.

　　

Anesthesiology study options and costs

　　Becoming an Anaesthesiologist requires certain qualifications. If you intend to pursue this field professionally, the first step is to earn a bachelor’s degree which usually takes 4 years. The bachelor’s degree can be done in any field; however, science related fields are most commonly pursued by students. After this you will have to clear the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) to secure admission into a medical school. 

　　In addition to this, a medical degree is required from a medical university which usually takes 4 years to complete in US. Upon its completion, you will either become a Doctor of Medicine or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, both of which qualify you to become an Anaesthesiologist. 

　　After this, an Anaesthesiology residency is required which usually takes 4 years to complete. Many physicians opt for an additional one-year fellowship post residency.  

　　Physicians will be required to clear the state medical licensing exam to practice as a Anaesthesiologist.   

　　

Future outlook

The future of Anaesthesiology is promising as ever. Anaesthesiology is a diverse field with vast implications in the field of medicine. It is a rapidly growing career path and is currently one of the highest paying fields in medicine. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a projected growth in employment of Anaesthesiologists by 4%. There are expected 5,410 new job openings for Anaesthesiologists by year 2029. The demand for certified professionals in the field of Anaesthesiology is constantly on the rise, since Anaesthesiologists are required in every surgical domain — be it heart transplants or cosmetic surgeries.

　　

Career pathways for Anaesthesiology graduates

　　

Anesthesiologist Assistant

　　An Anaesthesiologist assistant is a skilled professional who work under direct supervision of a licensed Anaesthesiologists and helps execute anesthesia care plans. As an Anaesthesiologist assistant, you will work exclusively within the anesthesia care team. The specific job descriptions and duties may vary according to the clinical setting.  

　　

Anesthesia Technician

 

　　An anesthesia technician is not a professional doctor or nurse. They are responsible for taking care of anesthesia equipment and for its maintenance. As an anesthesia technician, you will be required to support the work done by professional Anaesthesiologists. The duties of anesthesia technicians vary depending on the individual expertise and training. Common job roles include maintaining and servicing equipment such as cleaning, sterilising, assembling, requisitioning and recording of inspections.  

　　

Certified Anesthesia Technician

 

　　The certified anesthesia technician is a technician who has cleared the examination requirements put forth by ASATT. A certified anesthesia technician plays a vital role in the anesthesia patient care team. Although the certified anesthesia technician is a certified individual, he cannot work independently, but require direct supervision of a licensed anesthesia professionals.