How to become an anaesthetist
Deliver critical care, pain management and anaesthetics to patients before, during and after surgery.
What does an anaesthetist do?
In Australia and New Zealand, anaesthetists are physicians who deliver direct medical care (anaesthesia) to patients needing general or local anaesthesia for surgery and related procedures.
Duties and tasks
Determine anaesthetics to be used during the procedure based on critical factors including type of operation and patients current medical condition.
Expertise in Health and Safety operations.
Knowledge and understanding of pain management.
Monitor patients pre and post anaesthesia.
Perform anaesthetic care for medical surgeries.
Work alongside the surgical team during operations.
Professional bodies
Australian Society of Anaesthetists (ASA)
The Australian Society of Anaesthetists (ASA) exists to promote and protect the status, independence and best interests of Australian anaesthetists.
To practise as an Anaesthetist you will be required to be registered or licensed. Your licensing and registration authority is the Medical Board of Australia.
Related jobs
Intensive care anaesthetist
Obstetric anaesthetist
Pain management specialist
Discover related courses
Undergraduate Certificate in Health Sciences
UndergraduateCUR-CHS-CTF
Take your first step towards a career in health—including nursing
Start building your foundational knowledge of human health and healthcare. Explore human bodies. Get to know health practice. For graduates of this online health course, the pathway to health careers and further studies is open wide.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
UndergraduateLAT-HSC-DIP
3, 2, 1… start your career in health sciences
Whether you want to do further study or start work straight away, this diploma is a great entry point. Learn the basics of health sciences, from human structure and function to health data. Earn up to 1 year's course credit for the bachelor's degree.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Available majors
- Digital health stream,
- Environmental health stream,
- Health promotion stream,
- Health, wellbeing and performance stream,
- Psychological science stream,
- Public health stream,
- Rehabillitation counselling stream
Graduate Diploma in Workplace Mental Health and Wellbeing
PostgraduateUON-WMH-GDI
Insight and skills to support mental health in the workplace
Explore mental health and build counselling skills specifically for the workplace. Consider Indigenous Australian’s holistic perspective. Recognise psychosocial hazards. Help build resilience. Gain confidence to support change and help colleagues in need.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
Graduate Certificate in Workplace Mental Health and Wellbeing
PostgraduateUON-WMH-GCE
Support mental health in any workplace setting
Step into high demand support roles and foster wellbeing in the workplace. You’ll learn how to identify and respond to mental health challenges. Build counselling skills. Unpack healthy mental functioning and ill-health. Make work safe and healthy.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
Need help making study choices for your career?
Need help making study choices for your career?
Our student advisors will turn your aspirations into a clear study path.
They'll help you with:
Choosing and enrolling in the right course for your desired career, including pathway options.
Mapping a study plan that allows you to balance work and home commitments.
Understanding eligibility for funding, including HECS-HELP loans.
Get unbiased advice at no cost today.
Looking for other ways to start the conversation? Contact us
Step up your career with these resources
8 undergraduate certificates that will help you get into a bachelor degree
Don’t meet the requirements for your dream course? These undergraduate certificates could be your ticket in.
Here’s what everyone else has been studying this year
Curious about the most popular courses of 2025? It’s not too late to jump in and enrol in one of these courses this year, or early next.
8 subjects you’ve never heard about (but should have)
Break away from the well-trodden path and find a course as unique as you are. From uncovering your inner palaeontologist, to studying the intricacies of Japanese culture, these eight subjects offer something a little different.
These are the most in-demand health roles right now
Wondering where to go next in your healthcare career? Take a look at these numbers.