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How to become an Anaesthetist

Anaesthetist jobs

Anaesthetist courses

Career progression and salary expectations for an Anaesthetist

Trainee anaesthetist

| Up to £33,000

Anaesthetist

| Up to £86,000

Consultant Anaesthetist

| Up to £100,000

The role of an Anaesthetist

What does an Anaesthetist do?

Have you got a knockout CV? Do you love helping people? Then you should become an anaesthetist….

An anaesthetist is a specialist doctor who is responsible for administering anaesthesia and pain management to patients who are having surgery or undergoing other treatment. Patients that an anaesthetist works with can range from babies who may only be a few days old, through to the elderly. An anaesthetist can specialise in three areas; intensive care medicine, pain medicine or pre-hospital emergency medicine (treatment that’s provided outside of a hospital environment). Typical duties of an anaesthetist include:

Assessing a patient to determine if they’re well enough for surgery or treatment
Deciding what type of anaesthetic is suitable for the patient (general or local)
Reassuring patients and answering any questions they may have
Administering the anaesthetic before surgery or treatment
Monitoring the patient’s vitals during the surgery or treatment (e.g. oxygen levels, heart activity etc.)
Resuscitating and stabilising patients in the emergency department

Is a career as an Anaesthetist right for me?

For anyone who wants to become an anaesthetist a thorough knowledge of medicine, anatomy and anaesthetics is a must. It’s also important that you aren’t squeamish as you’ll spend most of your time in operating theatres.

As anaesthetists typically work as part of a wider medical team, consisting of nurses, junior doctors and surgeons, being comfortable working with others and making decisions are important skills to have.

You’ll also need confidence that anaesthetics is the field you want to specialise in once you’ve completed your medical degree, as it’ll take a few years’ worth of training to make the transition. Other key skills for an anaesthetist include:

Ability to make decisions in a high-pressure environment
Strong communication skills
Compassion
Excellent attention to detail
Patience
Leadership

What's it like to be an Anaesthetist?

"Being an anaesthetist isn’t what it looks like on TV. We don’t just sit on a chair and wait for our moment during surgery. In fact, it’s very varied. A typical day starts with checking what medicines and drugs are needed for current patients, followed by checking the procedures for the day and meeting with patients to discuss what’ll happen before, during and after surgery or their treatment. If you’re working in emergency medicine, you must be prepared for whatever comes in and make decisions at speed. The unpredictability and knowing that what you’re doing can make a huge difference to someone’s life are the reasons why I love being an anaesthetist."

Get qualified as an Anaesthetist

You’ll need a medical degree to become an anaesthetist (five years to complete), which is followed by a specific foundation degree (two years). You’ll then have to complete postgraduate training (three or fours) in anaesthesia.

Recommended anaesthetist courses

Anaesthetist Training - CPD Accredited 3 Courses Bundle

Training Express Ltd

3 Courses Bundle | CPD Accredited | Free PDF & Hard Copy Certificate included | Free Retake Exam | Lifetime Access
- Compare
- Online
- 14 hours · Self-paced
- Certificate(s) included
- 30 CPD points
- Tutor support
Great service

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✩ Trusted by Over 10K Business Partners & 1 Million Students Around the World! ✩ This Anaesthetist Training - CPD Accredited 3 Courses Bundle provides you with the required knowledge and skills to achieve a rewarding career in a rapidly growing industry. By enrolling today, y …
£29
Anaesthetist & European Medical Device Regulations - CPD Accredited Training

Cambridge Open Academy

CPD Accredited | Interactive Learning Materials | Gift: PDF Certificate + 1 Free Course | Tutor Support| Lifetime Access
- Compare
- Online
- 6 hours · Self-paced
- Certificate(s) included
- 20 CPD points
- Tutor support
Great service

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...anaesthesia. Explore career opportunities for anaesthetists in the UK and beyond. This Anaesthetist & European Medical Device Regulations - CPD Approved Training Bundle Consists of the Following Courses: » Course 1: Anaesthetist Training » Course 2: Essentials of European Medical …
£25