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Anaesthetist

Alternative titles for this job include

Anaesthetists are doctors who give anaesthetics and pain relief to patients undergoing surgery or medical procedures.

Average salary (a year)

£40,000 Starter

to

£145,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 45

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on a rota

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through a university course or a degree apprenticeship.

University

To become an anaesthetist, you'll need to complete:

  • a 5-year degree in medicine from a medical school recognised by the General Medical Council
  • a 2-year foundation programme of general training
  • specialist training which can take 7 to 8 years

You might be able to do a foundation year before starting a medical degree. This will depend on your circumstances and what qualifications you hold.

If you already have a degree, you could take a 4-year graduate entry route into medicine.

There is a lot of competition for places, so it's important to check the entry requirements of medical schools before you apply.

Entry tests

When you apply for a course in medicine, you may be asked to take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT).

It tests for skills you'll need on the course, such as:

  • critical thinking
  • problem solving
  • data analysis
  • decision making

Work experience

Medical schools will 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

Apprenticeship

You may be able to apply for a place on a Doctor Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship, if you're working in a healthcare setting.

This takes 5 years to do and you would need the support of your employer to apply.

On successful completion, you could progress to the 2-year foundation training programme, then move on to specialist training.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

More Information

More Information

Registration

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.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the British Medical Association for advice, resources and professional development 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.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of medicine
  • the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
  • concentration skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As an anaesthetist, you could:

  • assess patients' suitability for anaesthetics
  • reassure patients and explain the risks and side effects of anaesthesia
  • attend pre-operation briefings with surgeons and theatre staff
  • work out the type and level of anaesthetic needed
  • monitor patients during an operation and respond to any issues
  • offer pain relief, for instance during childbirth
  • support medical teams like cardiac arrest or trauma
  • provide services for people living with chronic pain

Working environment

You could work in an NHS or private hospital.

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could:

  • become a consultant anaesthetist
  • lead or manage an anaesthesia department
  • teach medical students, trainee doctors, nurses, midwives and paramedics
  • carry out research, for example the development of localised anaesthetics or modelling patient reaction to sedation, using artificial intelligence

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for an anaesthetist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Access to HE Diploma (Medicine)

  • Provider: UNITED COLLEGES GROUP
  • Start date: 08 September 2027
  • Location: London

Access to Higher Education Diploma: Medicine

  • Provider: YORK COLLEGE
  • Start date: 12 August 2027
  • Location: York
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

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