Monitoring of vital signs helps keep patients safe. Related Articles Anesthesiologist Information Anesthesiologist Vs. Physiatrist What Are the Steps to Becoming an Anesthesiologist Assistant? Anesthesiologist Assistant Vs. Anesthesiologist Nurse What Are The Typical Licenses That an Anesthesiologist Might Hold? Anesthesiologists help relieve pain and keep patients safe before, during and after surgery and other medical procedures. In addition to administering drugs, they monitor the patient's consciousness, breathing, blood pressure and heart rate. The rigorous requirements for a career as an anesthesiologist include a bachelor's degree, a medical degree, a residency and a state medical license. Anesthesiologists earn a high income suitable to their weighty responsibilities and lengthy preparation. Ads by Google ITT Tech - Official Site Associate, Bachelor Degree Programs Browse Programs Now & Learn More. www.itt-tech.edu Undergraduate Degree Prospective anesthesiologists must finish a four-year bachelor's degree before medical school. No specific major is necessary, but pre-med courses usually include organic chemistry, calculus, physics, biology and English. Volunteering in a health care environment during college also helps in the competition for medical school admission. Medical Degree After the bachelor's degree, an anesthesiologist needs a professional degree as an M.D., doctor of medicine, or D.O., doctor of osteopathy. During the first two years of professional school, students take classes in basic subjects, such as biochemistry, anatomy and medical ethics, and learn patient care and diagnostic techniques. The final two years are spent working in clinics or hospitals. Under the supervision of licensed physicians, students gain experience through rotations in various specialties, such as surgery, family practice and pediatrics. Related Reading: The Duties of the Anesthesiologist During Surgery Residency and Fellowship After the medical degree, anesthesiologists must compete a residency in anesthesiology to become specialists. The National Residency Matching Program, or NRMP, helps students find residency programs in a specialty. Anesthesiologists generally complete a one-year general internship plus three additional years as residents in anesthesiology. A minimum of four years after medical school is necessary for U.S. board certification. Some physicians also pursue an optional fifth year in a fellowship position in a sub-specialty, such as cardiac anesthesiology. Licensing and Board Certification All states require licensing of anesthesiologists and other physicians. Each state sets its own criteria, but in general you must complete an accredited medical degree and residency in addition to passing national examinations and fulfilling state requirements. Osteopathic physicians must pass the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination, while M.D.s take the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination. After completing their residencies, anesthesiologists can receive optional board certification by passing oral and written exams from the American Board of Anesthesiology. Earnings and Outlook Anesthesiologists earned an average hourly wage of $112.96 as of May 2011, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This equaled an annual income of $234,950 for a year of 40-hour weeks. The BLS predicts rapid job growth for physicians and surgeons, with a 24 percent increase from 2010 to 2020. Demand for physicians will be especially great in lower-income and rural locations. Sponsored Links https://www.asahq.org/.../H...