An anesthesiologist is a physician who obtains specialty residency training in anesthesia. To become an anesthesiologist, one must first receive a Bachelor's Degree from a four year college or university, and then a Medical Degree (M.D.) from an accredited medical school. After graduation from medical school, a doctor will typically apply for a residency in a specialty such as surgery, pediatrics, or anesthesiology. A residency in anesthesiology requires four additional years of training, with the option for further sub-specialization through a fellowship of one to three years. Board certification may be obtained only by successfully completing a complex written and oral examination process which occurs after graduation from a residency program. So, you must first go to a medical school (and there are plenty in NY) and then you get a residency (there are plenty in NY).
An anesthetist is a registered nurse with specialty training who delivers anesthesia, sometimes under the supervision of an anesthesiologist and sometimes as a solo practitioner. CRNAs provide anesthetics to patients in collaboration with surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentists, podiatrists, and other qualified healthcare professionals. When anesthesia is administered by a nurse anesthetist, it is recognized as the practice of nursing; when administered by an anesthesiologist, it is recognized as the practice of medicine.
As advanced practice nurses, CRNAs practice with a high degree of autonomy and professional respect. They carry a heavy load of responsibility and are compensated accordingly.
CRNAs practice in every setting in which anesthesia is delivered: traditional hospital surgical suites and obstetrical delivery rooms; critical access hospitals; ambulatory surgical centers; the offices of dentists, podiatrists, ophthalmologists, plastic surgeons, and pain management specialists; and U.S. Military, Public Health Services, and Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare facilities.
Education and experience required to become a CRNA include:
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or other appropriate baccalaureate degree.
A current license as a registered nurse.
At least one year of experience as a registered nurse in an acute care setting.
Graduation with a master’s degree from an accredited nurse anesthesia program. They range from 24-36 months, depending upon university requirements. All programs include clinical training in university-based or large community hospitals.
Pass a national certification examination following graduation.
I suspect that you are referring to anesthetists, rather than anesthesiologists. Go to the AANA training website below and look at the NY schools.