Anesthesiology Assistant

• Certified Anesthesiology Assistants are not licensed to practice in all states. Currently, CAAs can practice in 22 states: Alabama, Colorado, D.C., Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.
• In the remaining states, the duties of a CAA are normally performed by a Nurse Anesthetist (which requires different training). There are also Anesthesiology Technicians in all states that are also part of the Anesthesiology Care Team.
• CAA programs are 2-year Master’s-level programs (MSA); there are only 20 programs in the nation.
• Common majors pre-Anesthesiology Assistant UO students pursue: Multidisciplinary Science, Biology, and Human Physiology 

• Applying to an MSA program is a year-long process and completing the prerequisite courses is just one aspect of the process. Applicants must also have a well-rounded application consisting of experience (shadowing, volunteer work, undergraduate research, life experience, etc.), letters of recommendation, and a strong admissions essay.
• Some schools require the MCAT exam, though some accept the GRE. In addition, some schools may also require the CASper exam.
• Shadowing any member of an anesthesiology team is highly recommended, if not required at most programs. 8-10 shadowing hours is common and there are many MSA programs where you can request shadowing opportunities prior to applying. Each program has a specific form that they use to log shadowing hours, so please look closely at those requirements. They may require a signature from the Anesthesiologist specialist that you shadow.
• Some requirements may vary, and many schools have a list of “highly recommended” courses that will enhance the competitiveness of your application.
• AP credit is not always accepted, and some life science classes may expire after 5-7 years.
   

The chart below illustrates one way common requirements can fit into a 4-year plan. 

• Keep in mind that a graduation plan is as unique as the student following it - Math placement, major, transfer credits, application timeline, and other factors will help shape your graduation plan and timeline. 
• Following the "common requirements" list above will allow you to cast a wide net when applying to Anesthesiology Assistant Graduate Programs. 
• The list above outlines "requirements that vary" and "highly recommended" courses. It is recommended that students explore programs to ensure their graduation plan captures all of the requirements they need for their programs of interest.
  • Use Anesthesia OneSource to explore Anesthesiology Assistant Graduate Programs.
• Work with a pre-health advisor to solidify your graduation plan! 

i These courses are prerequisites for Anatomy and Physiology. They are not typically prerequisites for MSA programs.

ii Some programs may require elementary or advanced statistics. STATS 243z does not count as advanced. MATH 425 cannot be taken if you’ve already received credit for STATS 243z. Other advanced statistics courses at UO are PSY 302, SOC 312, and ANTH 470.

Questions?

Email pre-health advisors