Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAAs) are master's-level healthcare professionals who work within the Anesthesia Care Team (ACT) model. CAAs are currently licensed in 24 jurisdictions across the US, and that number is actively growing through AAAA advocacy. Learn more from the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and the American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants (AAAA).
Pre-medical science prerequisites required, including Anatomy & Physiology, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and more. Requirements vary by program.
A baccalaureate degree is required for admission. Many programs accept either the GRE or MCAT — verify each program's specific requirements before applying.
The Centralized Application Service for Anesthesiologist Assistants opens annually in spring. Competitive clinical hours required, plus a minimum of 8 anesthesia shadowing hours. Verify current requirements directly with CASAA.
24–28 months, then pass the National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants (NCCAA) certification exam to practice.
Practicing since 1969 — five decades of established clinical history
24 jurisdictions licensed — and actively expanding through AAAA advocacy nationwide
15+ CAAHEP-accredited programs — and growing. Verify current accreditation status before applying
All VA facilities nationwide — federal authorization regardless of state-level licensure