Anesthesiologist Assistant- from Pre-reqs to Interviewing Q&A

[@CAALifestyle]

*Update* here's the link for the NSU AA post-bach program: healthsciences.nova.edu/rrt/post-baccalaureate-certificate-in-pre-anesthesiologist-assistant-studies/index.html

[@courtneymcneal1710]

Can you do a video on the timeline of applying for AA school? When you applied dates and when did you officially start as school? Thanks

[@CAALifestyle]

@@courtneymcneal1710 I made one, here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2axoqqajbqZgLs

[@lextrelex]

Thank you for finding time out of your day to make videos and help out those interested in the career! I really appreciate all the help you provide. 😊 I messaged you on Instagram about shadowing, hopefully something works out (I won’t be a no-show like that other student you had, haha). I definitely need to shadow even though South University doesn’t require it this cycle because I need to know what I’m getting into before spending the money and time.

[@lullabye20]

How did you manage recommendation letters when applying to both PA and AA programs?

[@Rayman4505]

Thanks for answering my questions!

[@pjnocon7324]

Hello! Thank you for all the helpful information. Im from California and want to get into this field. Im currently researching to get prereqs and volunteer hours out of the way. I want to apply to Colorado and Milwaukee and Florida. My question is have you ever thought or know someone that went from being an AA to an anesthesiologist? If so, how difficult was the process? I am still interested in being an anesthesiologist but maybe being an AA can be a stepping stone later down the line if I still wanna be an anesthesiologist. Thank you again!

[@CAALifestyle]

I know of someone who recently graduated who went back to medical school. It's rare but possible.

[@tylerk7577]

You mentioned a friend that was a UK-trained CAA, have you ever heard of Canadian-trained CAAs working in the US? I'm asking as a Canadian in the AA program and looking to move to the US when I'm done

[@CAALifestyle]

As far as I know all working CAAs in the US, trained in the US even if they held an international degree as an anesthesia provider.

[@olkamarahdorisca123]

Same here I was wondering what the process was as far as switching your license. I’m finishing my Respiratory Therapy program now and I’ll be doing the AA program after. The information on the US end as far as switching license is very limited and is not even mentioned so I’m a little lost here.

[@olkamarahdorisca123]

@@CAALifestyle by trained do you mean had to retake the program all over again?

[@CAALifestyle]

@@olkamarahdorisca123 yes he had to complete his degree in the US. But I believe certain credits translated.

[@robertgarza8161]

If I graduated with a bachelor degree from a technical school. (Radiology) Do all the credits have to transfer for AA school? Could I just do the pre reqs needed?

[@indirabhagam]

do all AA schools accept international applicants?

[@masonweig2746]

I currently work in orthopedic medical device sales, spending 6+ hours a day in an operating room, do you believe they would accept those hours as clinical experience? Or would they require more anesthesia focused shadowing outside of work?

[@CAALifestyle]

One of my students worked in a similar role I believe! But anesthesia shadowing is still a requirement.

[@LoveConquersAll888]

Hi what are the other AA schools in Florida please . Thanks

[@Kencan254]

Do you foresee a time when CAA would be able to practice independently just like CRNA?

[@kingtrevi]

no and i hope not. patients receive the best care when the anesthesia is directed under a board certified anesthesiologist. however most CAAs practice very autonomous when they establish trust with their attending, that doesn’t mean they are independent that just means they don’t call the attending for everything, but they are always available if needed.

[@kingtrevi]

no and i hope not. patients receive the best care when the anesthesia is directed under a board certified anesthesiologist. however most CAAs practice very autonomous when they establish trust with their attending, that doesn’t mean they are independent that just means they don’t call the attending for everything, but they are always available if needed.

[@asparklez]

Hi, I am a recent chiropractor grad. With the amount of work I put in the pay is not justified. Although I feel really good about getting patients out of pain. I have been researching a lot lately about AA and seems to have caught my interest. How do I go about changing my professions? I am 31 what advice can you give me?

[@CAALifestyle]

I recommend shadowing to see if the profession is a good fit. I also have a video about pre-reqs that you may want to check out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKfOZXV7f5iAqLs

[@mikiahshilker6198]

Could you talk about the presence of an anesthesiologist in the room with you. I believe they are there in the operating room in the beginning of the procedure and at the end of the procedure could you go into a little more detail about this

[@CAALifestyle]

added to my to do list!

[@americancircuspodcast]

What settings can a CAA work in? For example, impatient, outpatient, etc.

[@CAALifestyle]

I’m not sure what implement settings are but yes outpatient, emergencies, dental, endo, etc.

[@jamesaaron4834]

what would be the most applicable prereq to retake or audit? It's been 10 years since I took any premed courses. I also never took Anatomy/Physio.

[@CAALifestyle]

Physiology is a huge part of the schooling/job. I didn't take it before AA school but I could see it being useful to review.

[@invictuous9222]

Does having hundreds of leadership and research hours help offset my lower gpa when applying to programs? Currently I’m at 3.35 with plans to retake courses

[@CAALifestyle]

It all depends! I had a prior student who applied a few times with a lower than average gpa who was eventually accepted.

[@MrLuffy9131]

Sorry if you answered this already but which entry level job would you recommend to get patient experience for AA school

[@CAALifestyle]

Hi! I cover my thoughts on prior healthcare experience in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJWTpKmQhZpnoZY

[@toricason1181]

Hi, you mentioned Orlando and that would make my dreams come true😂 But I can’t seem to find the Orlando location that has the AA program. Are you able to help me?

[@CAALifestyle]

From my understanding students are able to apply this cycle for a January 2023 start date. There may be info within the CASAA application.

[@superbang2pm]

Can you explain the difference between NSU Post Bacc program vs. the Master of Science program?

[@CAALifestyle]

The master of science program in anesthesia is what's needed to be a CAA, the post bacc may be a stepping stone in getting into an AA school program.

[@fatmaamiraemam8280]

do you do regional anesthesia and general anesthesia?

[@CAALifestyle]

both are possible for CAAs

[@fatmaamiraemam8280]

@@CAALifestyle cool!

[@estherscolleges2539]

15:11 how to remember all the drugs ?

[@Kencan254]

How does the salary of a CAA compare to that of a CRNA?

[@CAALifestyle]

I cover that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaPSo6uYYsd3htU

[@tabish6481]

Mam i have done my graduation in anesthesia would it be considered anesthesiologist assistant or i have to do the anesthesiologist assistant program because at here(pakistan) i work as a anesthesiologist assistance?

[@CAALifestyle]

All US practicing CAAs must complete one of the US programs.

[@christineokolo3796]

Hi…. Do masters in AA programs also give Graduate assistant positions to students ??

[@CAALifestyle]

Not that I know of :)

[@nhusstory4168]

can you help me with the shadowing set up?😊

[@CAALifestyle]

I would reach out to AA programs and CAAs on linked in to see where that gets you as a starting point :)

[@babychick398]

What about an anesthesia tech?

[@CAALifestyle]

That's a completely different role/path!

[@babychick398]

@@CAALifestyle I meant as a pre apply job for your application to look good

[@saraengel6846]

What hospital do you work for?

[@trirail812productions8]

i think the or is cool stuff are you in florida i dont work in a hospital but i try to find women like you who flim or stuff or what happends in the or i try to find or stuff in florida

[@eleanorensign5586]

Añeth8ßx8in Indiana what if I wanted to br a phycicisan assistant

[@eleanorensign5586]

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[@eleanorensign5586]

Aa svoli aa shoolan

[@eleanorensign5586]

8m àn maare thool

[@edwardherrera846]

If you want to be dependent on an anesthesiologist for your whole career and essentially shadow the anesthesiologist and take orders from him or her then becoming an anesthesiologist assistant would be a great choice for you. Some people are not cut out for doing things independently and feel the need to always have someone there to tell them what to do and to save them from any issues, then being an AA would be a good choice. If you want independence then either go to med school and become a physician anesthesiologist or go to nursing school, work as a critical care nurse for three years and then apply and graduate as a board certified nurse anesthesiologist. But either of those last two professions you would be an independent provider and thus would have to think critically on your own. You’d have to pull from your precious years as a critical care nurse or as a med student. So think about what it is you want in life and the type of responsibility you desire.

[@CAALifestyle]

Thank you for taking your time on my channel!

[@kingtrevi]

i always laugh reading comments like this

[@Crewserlee]

What is a nurse anesthesiologist? You mean nurse anesthetist?

[@kindasoupie]

“nurse anesthesiologist” bro what

[@ronkethewriter]

Being an assistant does not make one lower in rank or subservient to a ‘boss.’ Assistants are good at serving, are secure in their skills, and confident in their position. Every career has/needs an assistant- research, teaching, physician etc and they work well within the team providing health care. Find your space and do you, so a balanced team can be created.