Anesthesiologist Assistants (AAs) work alongside licensed anesthesiologists to manage patients under anesthesia by performing tasks such as inserting catheters, calibrating equipment, performing blood draws, and much more. In addition to a bachelor’s degree, AAs typically complete a 24-28 month masters program. AAs enjoy a growing job field, work life balance and a robust starting salary. The American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants offers a wealth of information about this job field for those looking to learn more.

Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants are currently able to practice in 15 states including Wisconsin. The Medical College of Wisconsin has the only accredited program for a Master of Science in AA in Wisconsin. The application cycle in this field begins in June of the year before an applicant intends to start a training program.

Program Admission Prerequisites

In addition to selecting a major and completing your bachelor’s degree at Beloit College, students interested in CAA training need to complete:

• Five courses in Chemistry: Introductory Chemistry (CHEM 117), Environmental, Analytical, and Geochemistry (CHEM 220), Organic Chemistry I (CHEM 230), and Nutrition and Metabolism: Biochemical Mechanisms (CHEM 260)
• Two introductory Biology courses: Zoology (BIOL111), Botany (BIOL 121), or Topics in Introductory Biology (BIOL172), and Microbiology (BIOL 208)
• Cell Biology (BIOL 237) or Genetics and Evolution (BIOL 289)
• Anatomy (BIOL 256) and Human Physiology (BIOL 257)
• Calculus (MATH 110)
• General Physics I and II (PHYS 101 and 102)
• At least 8 hours shadowing an anesthesiologist assistant
• MCAT or GRE scores

More Information

If you think a career as an anesthesiologist assistant might be for you, the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs can help you find an accredited program.