A master’s degree program at an accredited university is required to become an anesthesiologist assistant (AA), according to the Committee on the Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP). There are currently four states with anesthesiology assistant programs. More established programs, on the other hand, are expected to be implemented quickly in the coming years, according to recent trends.
This profession, which is similar to the more well-known nurse anesthetist, works as an assistant to an anesthesiologist in a variety of health-care settings. Anesthesiology assistant programs prepare graduates for a variety of job responsibilities, including the treatment and monitoring of patients prior to, during, and immediately after an anesthesiology procedure. Anesthesiology differs from analgesia in that pain relief is usually achieved through loss of consciousness rather than reduced nervous system activity, as is the case with the latter. Due to the invasive and potentially life-threatening nature of this medical specialty, all duties performed by a nurse anesthetist or anesthesiology assistant are overseen by medical doctors who are specifically trained in anesthesiology.
Nova South Eastern University in Florida, University of Missouri, Emory, and South University in Georgia, as well as Case Western University in Ohio, all offer anesthesiology assistant programs. These programs are available in states that allow AAs to work in health care. The District of Columbia has joined the growing list of states that have the ability to issue AA licenses.
Although anesthesiology assistant programs vary in their specifics, most follow the same educational guidelines and requirements to complete this master’s degree. One distinguishing feature of anesthetists is that they may have had little or no prior patient experience, whereas nurse anesthetists have typically obtained nursing degrees and worked as nurses in medical settings. However, experience is important in improving your chances of being accepted into an anesthesiology assistant program, as programs are highly selective and prefer candidates with medical knowledge.
The differences between these programs are frequently minor. Accredited programs typically demand that students complete the program, earn at least 60 university-level credits beyond the program (which can be satisfied with a bachelor’s degree), and pass a certification exam in three attempts or less. Furthermore, most programs require that the candidate has completed a satisfactory level of advanced cardiac life support training. Anesthesiology assistant programs work hard to ensure that their students are well-prepared to take on more responsibilities than those listed. Due to the vast nature of this medical specialty, it is critical for those interested in pursuing this career to check on program status on a regular basis.