4 answers
David
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
4
Questions
Asked
1345 views
To become an anesthesiologist, will it take more or less than 12 years?
I was wondering about this certain thing because after doing some research it says that it would take around 12 years. Does this mean that I am able to finish all of my college in less than 12 years or will it take me more?
4 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hi David, as Karin explained, if everything goes smoothly, becoming an anesthesiologist typically takes about 12 years. That’s broken down into:
• 4 years for your undergraduate degree
• 4 years of medical school
• 4 years of residency training
It is also right that while 12 years is the ideal timeline, real life might add a few extra steps—like taking time to study for the MCAT or navigating personal challenges. On the flip side, if you can pick up some college credits in high school (through dual enrollment programs, for example), you might actually finish a bit quicker.
Beyond the numbers, here’s some further advice:
Plan Ahead: Keep your academic record strong and get involved in pre-med activities early on. Every bit of experience counts.
Stay Flexible: Life often throws curveballs, so be prepared to adjust your timeline if necessary.
Network and Seek Mentors: Whether through your school or professional groups, connecting with people in the field can provide invaluable insights and support on your journey.
Keep the Big Picture in Mind: Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint. Every step—from undergrad classes to residency—is building your foundation as a future anesthesiologist.
Good luck on your journey, David! Stay focused, be patient with the process, and keep pushing toward your goal, all the best buddy! 🤗
Start by exploring pre-med clubs or shadowing opportunities now, while you're still in high school. It’ll give you a feel for the field and help you build experience for when you apply to college and medical school.
You could explore taking relevant college courses early, like anatomy or physiology, to get a head start on medical knowledge. This can help you see if the material excites you before fully diving in!
• 4 years for your undergraduate degree
• 4 years of medical school
• 4 years of residency training
It is also right that while 12 years is the ideal timeline, real life might add a few extra steps—like taking time to study for the MCAT or navigating personal challenges. On the flip side, if you can pick up some college credits in high school (through dual enrollment programs, for example), you might actually finish a bit quicker.
Beyond the numbers, here’s some further advice:
Plan Ahead: Keep your academic record strong and get involved in pre-med activities early on. Every bit of experience counts.
Stay Flexible: Life often throws curveballs, so be prepared to adjust your timeline if necessary.
Network and Seek Mentors: Whether through your school or professional groups, connecting with people in the field can provide invaluable insights and support on your journey.
Keep the Big Picture in Mind: Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint. Every step—from undergrad classes to residency—is building your foundation as a future anesthesiologist.
Good luck on your journey, David! Stay focused, be patient with the process, and keep pushing toward your goal, all the best buddy! 🤗
Dr recommends the following next steps:
Heidi Nichols, CRNA
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologist
2
Answers
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Heidi’s Answer
Hi there! If anesthesia is of interest to you, you may also want to consider being a nurse anesthetist. I am a CRNA (certified registered nurse anesthetist). It is an amazing career! Schooling is not quite as long as the medical doctor route and you have the same scope of practice. In metropolitan areas my job is different than in the rural setting, you work collaboratively with the anesthesiologist in a team model but as a CRNA you always are 1:1 with patients. The major difference in our roles is our under grad education, I have a bachelor’s in Nursing with a masters in nurse anesthesia however the requirements have recently changed and it now requires a doctorate degree in nurse anesthesia. You should try to shadow both providers so you can see for yourself how our roles vary and which suits you best.
Good luck to you!!
Heidi
Good luck to you!!
Heidi
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1093
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi David,
An anesthesiologist is a medical doctor, so you need to go to medical school. You first need to get an undergraduate degree (bachelors = 4 years). You need to take the MCAT to apply to medical school. Next, you'll be in medical school for 4 years and graduate with your MD or DO. The residency for anesthesiology is another 4 years, so 12 years total.
If you do everything right on schedule, becoming an anesthesiologist will take you 12 years. It might take longer if you take a break e.g. to study for your MCAT, or for health, financial or any other reasons. You can finish in less time, if you can get some college credits out of the way during high-school (dual enrollment or other programs that might be available to you). Remember, it's a long path with exams along the way culminating in board certification. You might need a break at some point.
I hope this helps. All the best!
KP
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-become-an-anesthesiologist
https://www.asahq.org/education-and-career/career-resources/anesthesia-as-a-career
An anesthesiologist is a medical doctor, so you need to go to medical school. You first need to get an undergraduate degree (bachelors = 4 years). You need to take the MCAT to apply to medical school. Next, you'll be in medical school for 4 years and graduate with your MD or DO. The residency for anesthesiology is another 4 years, so 12 years total.
If you do everything right on schedule, becoming an anesthesiologist will take you 12 years. It might take longer if you take a break e.g. to study for your MCAT, or for health, financial or any other reasons. You can finish in less time, if you can get some college credits out of the way during high-school (dual enrollment or other programs that might be available to you). Remember, it's a long path with exams along the way culminating in board certification. You might need a break at some point.
I hope this helps. All the best!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Katie Alsheimer
Physician
27
Answers
Elmira Heights, NY
Updated
Katie’s Answer
Hi David,
That’s a scary number. I know. I remember researching this and thinking how long of a road it would be. It was long but totally worth it if that’s what you want to do. Most people in medicine really fine medicine to be rewarding. In medicine you face challenges that many other careers do not but many who have decided to pursue this field find those challenges to be rewarding. Part of those years of education they train you to manage those challenges too. Also during that time you will make life long friends and memories that will stay with you forever. 12 years is a long time but goes by fast and is actually very enjoyable. I hope this helps your decision.
That’s a scary number. I know. I remember researching this and thinking how long of a road it would be. It was long but totally worth it if that’s what you want to do. Most people in medicine really fine medicine to be rewarding. In medicine you face challenges that many other careers do not but many who have decided to pursue this field find those challenges to be rewarding. Part of those years of education they train you to manage those challenges too. Also during that time you will make life long friends and memories that will stay with you forever. 12 years is a long time but goes by fast and is actually very enjoyable. I hope this helps your decision.
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