did you know?
- 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.
Anesthesiology Assistant Application Preparation
- 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.
Online Resources:
Common Requirements:
- General Chemistry with Labs (1 year)
- General Biology with Labs (1 year)
- Organic Chemistry with Labs (1 year)
- Physics with Labs (1 year)
- Biochemistry (2 quarters)
- Anatomy & Physiology (2 quarters)
- Math: Calculus I & Statistics
- Upper-Division Biology with Lab (1 quarter)
Requirements that Vary:
- 1 year of Writing Composition
- 3rd quarter of Anatomy & Physiology
- Biochemistry Lab
- Calculus II
- Advanced Statistics
- Recommended Courses: Intro to Sociology, Intro to Psychology, Biopsychology (for MCAT Prep); Molecular Genetics, Cell Biology
Sample 4-Year Plan
The chart below illustrates one way Anesthesiology Assistant program’s prerequisites can fit into a 4-year plan. Keep in mind 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. Pre-Health Advisors are here to help you create a graduation plan that works best for you!
Prerequisite Overview Video COMING SOON!
Year One | fall | winter | spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| CH 221z: General Chemistry I | CH 222z: General Chemistry II | CH 223z: General Chemistry III |
| CH 227: General Chemistry Lab + CH 217: Chemistry Tools | CH 228: General Chemistry Lab + CH 218: Chemistry Tools | CH 229: General Chemistry Lab + CH 219: Chemistry Tools |
| MATH 112Z: Pre-Calculus II | Math 251: Calculus I | Math 252: Calculus IIi |
| PSY 202: Intro to PSY II (SS)ii | SOC 204: Intro to SOC (SS)ii | HPHY 211: Medical Termiv |
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Year two | fall | winter | spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| BI 221z: General Biology I - Cells | BI 222z: General Biology II - Organisms | BI 214: General Biology IV - Biochem |
| CH 331: Organic Chemistry I | CH 335: Organic Chemistry II | CH 336: Organic Chemistry III |
| CH 337: Organic Chemistry Lab | CH 338: Organic Chemistry Lab | HPHY 212: Scientific Investigations in Physiologyiv |
| SOC 207: Social Inequality (SS, US)ii | PSY 201: Intro to PSY Iii |
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Year three | fall | winter | spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| HPHY 321: Anatomy I | HPHY 323: Anatomy II | HPHY 325: Anatomy & Physiology IIIi |
| HPHY 322: Physiology I | HPHY 324: Physiology II | STAT 243z or Math 425 iii |
| PSY 304: Biopsychologyii |
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Year four | fall | winter | spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHYS 201: General Physics I | PHYS 202: General Physics II | PHYS 203: General Physics III |
| PHYS 204: General Physics Lab | PHYS 205: General Physics Lab | PHYS 206: General Physics Lab |
| CH 461: Biochemistry | CH 462: Biochemistry w/ Metabolism | Any Upper-Division Biology with Lab |
| CH 467: Biochem Labi |
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- Prerequisites vary by school: While some programs require this course, others may not. Research individual programs to determine whether you would like to add this course to your graduation plan.
- These courses are helpful for MCAT preparation but may not be required by MSA schools.
- 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.
- These courses are prerequisites for Anatomy and Physiology. They are not typically prerequisites for MSA programs.
Note:
This page lists all the common prerequisites for programs. Research individual programs to identify additional courses you may need to take. Work with your pre-health advisors for any alternate course options.
Questions? Email pre-health advisors.