College

• The first step after high school for any individual wishing to become an anesthesiologist is to attend college and earn a bachelor's degree. A candidate can major in any subject, but most choose a science subject, typically physics or biology. Whichever major a candidate chooses, she should take courses in all science subjects, as well as mathematics, English, pre-medical education and computers. A candidate should talk to the college careers adviser to help them organize sitting the Medical Application Test (MCAT) in the final year of college. Passing this examination, and graduating from college, will allow a candidate to apply to medical school. Programs accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education are considered to have the highest standards.
  
  

Medical School

• Competition for places at medical schools is very keen. Having chosen which school they wish to apply for (the Association of American Medical Colleges has a searchable database of U.S. medial schools on its website -- see Resources), a candidate submits her college results and academic references and usually attends an interview. Having secured a place, the student will undertake four years of study, two in classroom and laboratory settings. He will study subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pathology and medical ethics, and two years in a clinical setting -- usually a hospital -- undergoing practical instruction by qualified medical staff.
  
  

Medical Residency

• After graduating from medical school, an individual must gain a state licence as a general medicine practitioner. They do this by completing a five-year residency in a clinical setting. The residency is a paid employment position that includes instruction by qualified physicians as well as further theoretical study in the classroom. A candidate will typically need to sit an examination administered by her state's licensing body to receive a license, and must undergo continuing education to maintain it.
  
  

Anesthesiology Residency

• Only after having gained an general medical practitioner's license can an individual undertake the specialized training necessary to become an anesthesiologist. He will apply to follow a two- to three-year residency in anesthesiology at a medical facility, working under the supervision of a qualified anesthesiologist. Towards the end of his residency the candidate will sit an examination administered by the American Board of Anesthesiology. Passing this examination, alongside any additional assessment required by individual state boards, will earn the individual a license to practice as an anesthesiologist.