Pre-Anesthesiologist Assistant
For medical patients undergoing surgery or complex procedures, anesthesia is essential to a patient’s care and comfort. The medicine is administered by licensed anesthesiologists and their teams—made up of anesthesiologist assistants, or non-physician anesthesia providers. The position of an anesthesiologist assistant requires attention to detail, excellent communication skills and the ability to think quickly, as well as a passion for caring for others. Anesthesiologist assistants provide patient care before, during and after anesthesia for quality and continuation of care.
According to the American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants, Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAAs) are highly skilled health professionals who work under the direction of licensed anesthesiologists to implement anesthesia care plans. CAAs work in operating room and intensive care unit settings to ensure patients stay comfortable and safe.
Daily tasks in the profession include performing physical exams and administering diagnostic and laboratory tests so that patients can safely undergo anesthesia and other medications. CAAs assist licensed anesthesiologists in preparatory procedures for administering anesthesia, working with anesthesia delivery systems and monitors, monitoring levels and inducing, sustaining or adjusting levels of anesthesia. Life saving measures are also taught to CAAs so they are able to assist in emergency situations.
Anesthesiology is a growing profession in the medical field that is predicted to increase. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates the job growth for physician assistants, including anesthesiologist assistants, will be 38 percent between 2012-2022.
Take the first step toward becoming an anesthesiologist assistant
Your path to the anesthesiologist assistant profession begins by earning your undergraduate degree and completing any required prerequisite courses at Carroll University. Our advisors will work with you every step of the way to help you succeed. We also provide additional resources to help you build a strong graduate school application, research schools, prepare for graduate interviews and more.