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Anesthesiologist Assistants

Occupational Description
The anesthesiologist assistant (AA) functions as a
specialty physician assistant under the direction of a licensed and
qualified anesthesiologist, principally in medical centers. The anesthesiologist assistant
assists the anesthesiologist in developing and implementing the
anesthesia care plan. The specific job descriptions and duties of anesthesiologist assistants
may differ according to geographic area and local practice.
- Collecting preoperative data, such as taking an appropriate health history
- Performing various preoperative tasks
- Performing airway management and drug administration
- Administering supportive therapy, for example, with intravenous fluids and cardiovascular drugs
- Adjusting anesthetic levels on a minute-to-minute basis
- Providing recovery room care
- Functioning in the intensive care unit
- Assisting in the clinical instruction of others
Personal Skills & Characteristics
Anesthesiologist assistants must have a capacity to understand and
apply scientific findings, the skill to manipulate delicate instruments,
the ability to think critically, and be able to follow directions. Most
importantly, they should know how to deal with all kinds of people and
have a sincere desire to help those needing care and attention.
Anesthesiologist Assistants stress the team approach to patient care
as defined by the American Society of Anesthesiologists. The members of
the Anesthesia Care Team bring unique skills to the group and work
synergistically to provide the best possible anesthesia care for the
patient.
Employment
Anesthesiologist assistants work as members of the anesthesia care
team in any locale where they may be appropriately directed by legally
responsible anesthesiologists. Experience has been that AAs are most
commonly employed in larger facilities that perform procedures such as
cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, and trauma care, given the training in
extensive patient monitoring devices and complex patients and procedures
emphasized in AA educational programs. However, anesthesiologist assistants are used in
hospitals of all sizes and assist anesthesiologists in a variety of
settings and for a wide range of procedures.
Earnings
Starting salaries for 2006 graduates are $95,000 up to $120,000 for
the 40-hour work week plus benefits and consideration of on-call
activity. The high end of the salary range is around $160,000 to
$180,000 for experienced anesthetists.
Job Outlook
Career growth for anesthesiologist assistants should be strong in
the next decade. The position of anesthesiologist’s assistant is
relatively new; thus, there is a greater demand than supply.
Planning Ahead
The Career Center has a team of pre-health counselors to help
students with a preparation and application timeline that fits their
circumstances. Appointments with a pre-health counselor may be scheduled online.
Educational Requirements
There are currently seven (7) anesthesiologist assistant programs in the United States that
offer a master’s of science or a master’s of health science in
anesthesia. The programs range from 2-3 years of post-baccalaureate
study. To see a list of all programs, visit the AnestaWeb's website: http://www.anesthesiaassistant.com/AnesthesiologistAssistantEducation.html
Admissions requirements vary depending on the program. Generally
programs look for general science preparation (biology, chemistry,
physics) and some mathematics background. Speak with a Pre-Health
Advisor at LS&A Academic Advising or visit the individual schools’ websites for more information.
Preparation Beyond The Classroom
Many programs prefer or require experience or exposure to the field
of anesthesia, as well as exposure to the health field in general. To
contact alumni anesthesiologists, you may wish to tap into the Alumni
Networks at: http://alumni.umich.edu/networking-tools
Application Process Overview
The application varies depending on the individual program. See each
program’s website for more in-depth information about application
procedures: http://www.anesthesiaassistant.com/AnesthesiologistAssistantEducation.html
Standardized Tests
Required standardized tests vary by program. Most programs require
either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Medical College
Admissions Test (MCAT). Check with the individual program for more
information.
Medical College Admission Test
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
is a standardized, multiple-choice examination designed to assess
problem solving, critical thinking, and writing skills in addition to
the examinee’s knowledge of science concepts and principles prerequisite
to the study of medicine. Scores are reported in each of the following
areas: Verbal Reasoning, Physical Sciences, Writing Sample, and
Biological Sciences.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
The General Test
measures analytical writing, verbal, and quantitative skills that have
been acquired over a long period of time and that are not related to any
specific field of study.
Reference Letters
Letters of reference are necessary from individuals who know
applicants well and can comment on their suitability and preparation for
a health care career and academic preparation. Such individuals might
include academicians, physicians, anesthesiologists or other health care
providers.
The Career Center’s Reference Letter Service (RLS) offers University
of Michigan students and alumni/ae the opportunity to have letters of
reference on file to use in support of their employment and continuing
education efforts. Open
a reference letter file with the RLS.
Personal Statement Information
Some programs may require a personal statement or a statement of
objectives. Check individual program websites for more information.
A short autobiographical essay should state your reasons for wanting
to become an anesthesiologist assistant and emphasize the applicant’s
civic, social and school activities, achievements, and work history. If
you need assistance getting started on your personal statement or would
welcome feedback on your draft, please schedule an advising appointment at The Career Center.
Resources To Learn More
Links to Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not
constitute an endorsement. General information on Anesthesiologist
Assistant careers is available from:
National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants
PO Box 15519
Atlanta, GA 30333-0519
http://www.aa-nccaa.org/
AnestaWeb
General resource for anesthesiologist assistants (job postings, certification, directory)
www.anesthesiaassistant.com
www.AnesthesiologistAssistant.com
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