Career Information

The Occupation

Anesthesiologist Assistants are...

Dedicated to the Anesthesia Care Team concept as defined by the American Society of Anesthesiologists.

Anesthesiologist Assistants are highly educated allied heath professionals who work under the direction of licensed anesthesiologists to develop and implement anesthesia care plans. Anesthesiologist Assistants work exclusively within the Anesthesia Care Team environment as described by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). AA's are trained extensively in the delivery and maintenance of quality anesthesia care as well as advanced patient monitoring techniques.

Anesthesiologist Assistants educational programs are based on the masters degree model and require at least two full academic years. Programs are required to be co-directed by board certified anesthesiologists. AA educational programs accept students who have prior education in the sciences that would qualify the student to pursue careers in medicine, dentistry, or one of the basic medical sciences. Students are taught course work that enhances their basic science knowledge in physiology, pharmacology, anatomy, and biochemistry with special emphasis on the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, nervous, and neuromuscular systems. Clinical instruction educates students extensively in patient monitoring, anesthesia delivery systems, life support systems, and patient assessment as well and in the skills need to provide compassionate, quality care.