What is the best undergrad major for anesthesiology?

There's no single "best" undergraduate degree for an aspiring anesthesiologist; you can major in anything as long as you complete medical school prerequisites like biology, chemistry, physics, and math. However, Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related life sciences are popular and convenient choices because they naturally cover most core pre-med courses, providing a strong foundation for medical school and the MCAT. A strong GPA, high MCAT score, and clinical experience matter more than the specific major itself.

What major to take for an anesthesiologist?

Many students interested in becoming anesthesiologists choose to pursue premed tracks as they earn their four-year degree. While premed students can major in any subject, most choose a math or science major to complement their premed concentration.

What undergrad do I need for anesthesiology?

Becoming an anesthesiologist requires extensive educational training, with requirements including a Bachelor's degree in Biology or Natural sciences, for example, graduation from medical school, and an anesthesiology residency before becoming fully licensed.

What classes should I take if I want to be an anesthesiologist?

Becoming an anesthesiologist requires 12-14+ years of training: a 4-year bachelor's degree (pre-med), 4 years of medical school (MD/DO), and a 4-year anesthesiology residency, plus optional 1-2 year fellowship for subspecialties (like pain, cardiac, pediatric), followed by state licensure and board certification exams. This extensive path ensures specialized knowledge in administering anesthesia, managing pain, and critical care for complex medical procedures. 

What is the best college to go to if you want to be an anesthesiologist?

Top Schools for Anesthesiology

1. Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Known for its strong emphasis on research and innovation in anesthesiology. ...
2. Harvard Medical School. ...
3. University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine. ...
4. Stanford University School of Medicine. ...
5. Duke University.

The BEST PRE-MED MAJOR | Proven By Med School Acceptance Data

Do anesthesiologists make 7 figures?

With an average annual salary of $450,000, California tops the list of the highest-paying states for Anesthesiologists, followed by New York at $440,000 and Texas at $407,820.

Which major is best for pre-med?

While biology and chemistry are typically considered the best pre-med majors, pursuing a non-traditional path can set you apart from other applicants. Majors such as English, anthropology, or even art history might not seem like the obvious choice, but they allow you to develop a unique set of skills.

Is anesthesiology a hard major?

Overall, becoming an anesthesiologist is a challenging but rewarding career path. With dedication, hard work, and the right training, you can build a successful career in this exciting field.

What is the best pre-med for anesthesiology?

There's no single “best” major for future anesthesiologists. Most pre-med students pursue degrees in biology, chemistry, or biochemistry because they align well with medical school prerequisites.

Is there a lot of chemistry in anesthesiology?

The author's statements that chemistry plays a significant role in anesthesiology and that it is the most widely reflected fundamental science in medicine certainly are truisms.

Is anesthesiology more chemistry or biology?

Chemistry. After biology, chemistry is the next most common pre-med major; in our opinion, it's a more suitable option for aspiring anesthesiologists. Chemistry majors study the properties and behavior of matter, chemical processes, and their involvement in drug development and metabolism.

Why are anaesthetists so highly paid?

Anesthesiologists earn high salaries due to extensive, demanding training (12-15+ years), critical patient safety responsibilities (managing life support during surgery), high demand vs. supply, and complex skills in pharmacology and physiology, justifying their significant risk and expertise in ensuring patient comfort and stability during procedures. Their pay reflects their vital role in maintaining stable vitals and managing pain, requiring constant attention and quick decision-making, with higher pay for complex cases or specialized areas like pain management or pediatrics. 

What A levels do I need for anesthesiology?

Typically, you'll need excellent GCSEs and three A or A* passes at A level including chemistry for a five-year undergraduate degree in medicine. Many medical schools also ask for biology and others may require maths or physics.

Is anesthesiology mostly math?

Although arithmetic is the foundation of anesthesiology, calculus also has some significance, though a smaller one. Anesthesiologists may encounter calculus while studying pharmacology, or the study of how medications move through the body.

Can I become an anesthesiologist with a psychology degree?

Anesthesiologists first need a bachelor's degree to apply for medical school. Students can earn a bachelor's degree in pre-medicine, biology, psychology or a related field. The coursework for these programs will prepare students for medical school.

Is anesthesiology heavy on call?

1. Of those surveyed, 91% of anesthesiologists said being on call is required — the highest of any surveyed physician specialty. 2.

What major should I pick for anesthesiology?

Since you can't major in anesthesiology at the undergraduate level, you may be wondering, “What bachelor's degree should I get to become an anesthesiologist?” You have several options. Many students choose science-related majors — like pre-med, chemistry, or biology — to build a strong foundation for medical school.

How competitive is anesthesiology now?

Anesthesiology is not the most competitive specialty, but it is considered to be in the top 10. In 2025, the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) had a record-breaking number of applicants. Match data shows that 1,804 of 1,805 anesthesiology positions were filled.

Which university is best for anesthesia?

The best universities for anesthesiology consistently feature institutions like Johns Hopkins University, Harvard University, and the University of California - San Francisco (UCSF), known for top research, strong clinical training with early patient exposure, and renowned faculty. Other top contenders often include Duke University, Columbia University, Stanford University, and the University of Pennsylvania, all offering robust programs with extensive resources for aspiring anesthesiologists. 

Can you make 7 figures as an anesthesiologist?

Yes, many anesthesiologists can earn seven figures, especially top earners in high-demand areas, private practice, or specific subspecialties, though the average is lower, typically in the $300k-$500k range, with potential to reach over $1 million with significant hours or ownership. While most earn well below $1 million, high-paying contracts, partnership roles, and extensive work can push salaries into the seven-figure bracket for some.
 

Is anesthesiology oversaturated?

The rapid growth in the number of CRNAs has eased some of the unmet demand, and they now exceed the supply of anesthesiologists, growing at a faster annual rate (9.8%). As of July 2021, in many areas of the U.S., the ratio is greater than 2:1 (mean 1.27:1).

What is the average age of anesthesiologists?

An Aging Population & Workforce

At the same time, the anesthesia workforce is aging. In 2020, the average age of anesthesiologists was 52.6 years, and 45% were over the age of 55. This suggests that a significant portion of the current workforce may retire or shift to part-time practice within the next decade.

Should I double major for pre-med?

A well-rounded student is something all medical schools want. It also makes you unique because few pre-med students are double majors. Medical schools like unique students because it adds to the diversity of their student population. Lastly, it can make you seem more academically prepared than your peers.

What is the most accepted major for med school?

1. Which major has the highest acceptance rate into medical school? Math and statistics majors, humanities majors and physical science majors have the highest acceptance rates into medical school. However, biological science majors remain the highest number of applicants to medical school.

Is a 3.7 GPA too low for med school?

No, a 3.7 GPA is generally considered strong and competitive for medical school, but it's not a guarantee and becomes much stronger when paired with a high MCAT score and a robust science GPA. While MD school matriculant averages hover around 3.8+, a 3.7 is above the applicant average, especially if you show an upward trend in your grades, but a lower science GPA (BCPM) could raise concerns.