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Anaesthetist
Anaesthetists are doctors who give anaesthetics to patients before, during and after surgery.
Average salary (a year)
£37000.0
Starter
£140000.0
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
41.0 to 43.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
evenings / weekends / bank holidays
on a rota
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through a university course or an apprenticeship.
University
To become an anaesthetist, you'll need to complete:a degree in medicine recognised by the General Medical Council, a 2-year foundation programme of general training, specialist training which can take up to 8 years
A medical degree normally takes 5 years to complete. Some courses have the option to include an extra year if you want to study a subject further. This is called an intercalated year.
You might be able to study a foundation year before starting a medical degree. This will depend on your circumstances or if you have not studied enough sciences. Check with the admissions department where you want to study.
If you already have a degree, you could take a 4-year graduate entry route into medicine. There’s lots of competition and entry requirements vary, so check with the admissions department where you want to study.
Entry tests
When you apply for a course in medicine, you may be asked to take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT).
It tests the skills you'll need on the course, like critical thinking, problem solving, data analysis, communication and scientific knowledge.
Work experience
Medical schools will also expect you to have some relevant paid or voluntary work experience. The British Medical Association provides information on how to find a placement.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
  • 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology and chemistry
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
University Clinical Aptitude Test|https://www.ucat.ac.uk/
Apprenticeship
You might be able to do a doctor degree apprenticeship which will take around 5 years to complete.
The apprenticeship is recognised by the General Medical Council.
You could then progress to the foundation course of general training before completing the specialist training.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
    Volunteering
    You can get valuable caring skills from volunteering in health, education, charity or social care settings. You can find opportunities through:the NHS, The National Council for Voluntary Organisations, Do IT
    More Information
    Registrations
    you'll need to register with the General Medical Council
    Career Tips
    The General Medical Council has a guide on what it means to be a good doctor. You might find this useful when preparing for medical school interviews.
    You can use online resources to find out more about the types of interviews you can expect to get into for medical school.
    Professional And Industry Bodies
    You could join the British Medical Association for professional development and training opportunities.
    Further Information
    You can find more details on how to become an anaesthetist from the Royal College of Anaesthetists and Health Careers.
    What it takes
    Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
    Skills and knowledge
    You'll need:
      The ability to use your judgement and make decisions
      Knowledge of medicine and dentistry
      The ability to work well with your hands
      Thinking and reasoning skills
      To be thorough and pay attention to detail
      Excellent verbal communication skills
      The ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
      Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
    Digital Skills Level
    to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
    Related Restrictions
    What you will do
    Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
    Day to day tasks
    In this role you could
    explain the risks and side effects of anaesthesia, give anaesthetics and monitor patients during surgery, help reduce pain after an operation or during childbirth, manage chronic pain services, help patients receiving specialist treatments
    Working environment
    You could work in an NHS or private hospital.
    You may need to wear a uniform.
    Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.
    Career Path & Progression
    Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
    With experience you could:become a consultant anaesthetist, lead or manage an anaesthesia department, teach medical students, trainee doctors, nurses, midwives and paramedics, become a senior consultant if you have a lot of experience and you're on the General Medical Council specialist register
    As a specialist or consultant, you'll usually earn a much higher salary.
    Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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