An anesthesiologist assistant is a physician assistant specialist. The anesthesiologist assistant specializes in the care of patients prior to, during and after surgery. The anesthesiologist assistant formulates the anesthesia care plan for the patient and then cares for the patient throughout the surgical procedure. Anesthesiologist assistants must practice under the direct supervision of a qualified anesthesiologist.  The anesthesiologist assistant monitors the patient's heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and level of consciousness and analgesia. The anesthesiologist assistant adjusts the anesthetic plan, fluids, medications, and other parameters to provide a safe, pain free surgical experience for the patient. The anesthesiologist assistant will take care of patient medical needs during the operation so the surgeon can concentrate on the surgery. After the surgery, the anesthesiologist assistant continues to provide the care necessary to ensure a smooth emergence from the anesthetic and pain control after your surgery.
Anesthesiologist assistants are physician assistant specialists in control of acute pain, chronic pain and are involved in the care of critically ill patients

Education:

          To enter into an Anesthesiologist Assistant program it requires the candidate to complete four years in college (any field of study is acceptable) to earn an undergraduate degree with completion of required premedical prerequisites which generally include:   

         Biology with lab,

         Anatomy and Physiology with lab,

         General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry with lab,

         General Physics with lab,

         Advanced College Mathematics including calculus,

         MCAT and/or GRE admission tests.

Then the perspective anesthesiologist assistant then attends a two year program and earns a Masters of Science degree.

 Currently there are four programs accepting applications with many more to follow over the next months to come!

These programs can be found at:

AnesthesiaAssistant.com

Certification:

          After completing the anesthesiologist assistant training program accredited by the CAAHEP, the anesthesiologist assistant may apply for initial certification which is administered by the National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants (NCCAA) in collaboration with the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME).

The exam is called the Certifying Examination for Anesthesiologist Assistants.  After successfully completing this examination Anesthesiologist Assistants are permitted to use the designation AA-C to indicate that they are currently certified. 

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Kentucky AA Study Released

Kentucky Legislative Research Commission "A Study of Anesthesiologist Assistants"  Read More HERE

Anesthesiologist Assistant Links: