I am planning on becoming an anesthesiologist and I need a few questions answered.?

Question

First Off I do know you need A bachelors in science or at least a bachelors with the required science classes to get in to Med School. Then the 4 yrs of Med School and then residency. Well I am starting off at a Community College majoring in Diagnostic Medical Sonography for 2 years. Then I am wanting to transfer to a University to finish off my bachelors degree.Would You have any recommendations for me? What would be the best Med School to go to after or University to transfer too?

I live in Lowell, Ma. Also, Is it worth it? I am in this for the long haul, I want to be able to help others, i dont want to go through Life working just to live, I want to be able to help. I have done my research but it would be nice to have a personal answer on average how much do they make and the hours they work? any advice or tips would be appreciated. thanks.

Answer 1

I am copying and pasting this because I hate repeating it over and over to everyone here. Below is what you need. I typed this up yesterday and got great reviews:

Despite what the above people say, its never to late to start volunteering.

It shows a trend from a very early age towards the medical field.

And you are very smart for asking these questions now as opposed to later.

Basically to get into med school you need the following:

A BA/BS degree and the American Medical Association pre-reqs:

1 yr bio,phys, chem, Ochem, w/lab and 1 yr calc and stats. Alot of people do a bio degree or soemthing science related.

But I also know philosophy and history majors who got in as well.

Also you need great letters of Rec., Experience in a hospital (find a training hospital and shadow or volunteer there) and volunteer in school organizations.

Also you need MCAT scores of 40 and above and a 3.5-3.8 GPA for M.D. programs

You can apply to D.O programs as well and they accept lower GPA's and MCAT scores.

Most people take MCAT classes at KAplan or wherever to help improve their score.

When you apply to med school, apply to 10. You only need to get into 1. If you don't get in then go to an AMA approved post-bach school and apply the following year to DO or MD schools and you will probably get in.

Med school is 2 yrs bookwork and 2 yrs of hellish rotations of 60-90hr work weeks in some nasty environments. You will seriously want to quit. Then after that its 3-7 yrs in residency depending on your specialty.

Med school will pay for your housig so you wont have to work unless you want to. This is done through loans.

In residency you will make between 40-65k a year and work alot of hours. Then after residency your pay increases alot but you still work alot of hours.

Its a demanding job and I advise everyone to seriously consider this path.

Some people choose to go into pharmacy for the better hours and very generous pay.

Whatever you do make sure you keep the grades up.

Visit the studentdocnetwork online (google it) and go the the forums for detailed answers

good luck!