Career roadmap
How to Become an Anesthesiologist
The education, training, certifications and steps it takes to start working as an anesthesiologist, plus how long it takes and where the career can lead.
To become an anesthesiologist: (1) earn a bachelor’s degree, (2) complete medical school, (3) complete anesthesiology residency, (4) pass board exams, (5) consider a fellowship. Most people need about 12–14 years after high school. BLS lists “doctoral or professional degree” as the typical entry-level education.
5 steps to become an anesthesiologist
Earn a bachelor’s degree
Pre-med requirements.
Complete medical school
Four years.
Complete anesthesiology residency
Four years.
Pass board exams
ABA certification.
Consider a fellowship
Pain, pediatric or cardiac.
Education and training requirements
Medical school (MD or DO), a four-year anesthesiology residency and a state medical license are required; many complete a fellowship.
| Typical entry-level education (BLS) | Doctoral or professional degree |
|---|---|
| Related work experience | None |
| On-the-job training | Internship/residency |
| Typical training time | 12–14 years after high school |
Certifications and licenses
- Board certification (ABA): American Board of Anesthesiology.
- State medical license: Required to practice.
- DEA registration: To prescribe controlled substances.
- Pain medicine or critical care subspecialty: Fellowship certification.
Skills to build now
Start with anesthesia pharmacology, airway management, and critical care, and practice calm under pressure and vigilance. Learning the anesthesiologist vocabulary early makes training and interviews easier.
Where the career can lead
- Resident: Train.
- Attending Anesthesiologist: Practice.
- Fellowship-Trained Specialist: Pain, cardiac or pediatric.
- Department Chair: Lead anesthesia services.
Get a head start
Our self-paced Anesthesiologist training gives you a realistic, practical overview of the job (duties, terminology, step-by-step tasks, safety and interview prep) so you can decide with confidence and show employers you’re serious.
Common questions about getting started
How long does it take to become an anesthesiologist?
About 12–14 years after high school.
How long does it take to become an anesthesiologist?
Most people need about 12–14 years after high school of training. Medical school (MD or DO), a four-year anesthesiology residency and a state medical license are required; many complete a fellowship.
Do you need a degree to be an anesthesiologist?
Yes. BLS lists a doctoral or professional degree as the typical entry-level education, and you also need a state license to practice.
What certifications are available for anesthesiologists?
Common credentials include Board certification (ABA), State medical license, DEA registration, and Pain medicine or critical care subspecialty. Physicians need a state medical license after passing USMLE or COMLEX exams and completing residency.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 29-1211 (Anesthesiologists).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Anesthesiologists (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.