Education · 1 of 5

The path

Twelve years after high school before you practice independently.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Biology, chemistry, physics and math, with the grades to get into a competitive college program.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   4 years

   Any major, but you must complete the pre-medical science courses and take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).

3. 3

   Medical school

   4 years

   Classroom science then hospital rotations. You graduate as a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO).

4. 4

   Intern year

   1 year

   A general clinical year, usually in medicine or surgery, before anesthesia training proper.

5. 5

   Anesthesiology residency

   3 years

   Operating rooms, intensive care, obstetrics and pain. Paid, supervised, with increasing independence.

6. 6

   Board certification

   During and after residency

   Three exams from the American Board of Anesthesiology, taken in order across residency and after it.