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-DEG
Explore health from many perspectives
The field of health is diverse. This online health course offers broad majors, minors, and work based learning to focus your skills and get real-world experience. From psychological science to public health, the choice is yours.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Available majors
- Digital Health,
- Environmental Health,
- Health Promotion,
- Health, Wellbeing and Performance,
- Psychological Science,
- Public Health,
- Rehabilitation Counselling
Undergraduate Certificate in Health Sciences
UndergraduateLAT-HSC-CTF
Start studying health and get ready to make a difference
Build a foundation in health and wellbeing. You’ll study anatomy and learn how to use data. Develop skills used in the health industry. Graduate ready for further study of health majors. Get set for a rewarding career in a fast-growing sector.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
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- 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
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