From GPA to Clinical Experience: What It Takes to Get into Anesthesiologist Assistant School

[@Msmabintistar]

Definitely believe I’m a good fit. Just had a difficult time in undergrad and working to retake old prereqs. Thank you for posting this❤

[@CAALifestyle]

No problem, and best of luck on your journey!

[@jellyh8lifts]

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for creating this content. I have been spending my day researching programs and your video gave me the confidence I needed to allow myself to change my mind about following through with med school and take this leap of faith. God bless you.

[@CAALifestyle]

Others before you have felt the same, but myself and others that I know are happy they took this route!

[@kikireviews4990]

Same, before this I wanted to become a dentist and shadowed dentists, but this is a better path for me. I like this kind of job, and also I don’t want to study for 4 years more plus residency and be in more debt and at the end make about the same as an AA.

[@mustang8206]

It's important to note that it's getting more competitive each year

[@CAALifestyle]

Absolutely, which is why I recommend aiming for the best you can do, and if not seeking support to do better.

[@coffeepandacat]

Unfortunately, I didn't take my undergrad seriously and had no idea what I wanted to do at the time, so my GPA is not so hot. Also didn't help to have a bunch of disparaging, crabs-in-the-barrel types of people around me making me feel like I won't amount to anything in life. After up and moving my hometown, and cutting out a bunch of crappy people in my life including family I've gone through this death and rebirth transformation the past few years. Been taking prerequisites to go into pharmacy but recently discovered this path, and I think this is just amazing!! I will probably need some additional experience like respiratory therapy or anesthesia tech to put myself in a better position for CAA school. I've seen people on YT get into PA school with a 2.8 gpa because they had really interesting, well rounded back grounds, high grades in prerequisites, and high entrance exam scores. My prerequisites especially in math and science are going to be my saving grace as well.

[@CAALifestyle]

Good luck with your journey!

[@LoniLoni11]

It’s you! You from the CNBC feature!

[@nicolehudiburg6957]

It’s incredible how thorough are. You have an increíble gift for teaching if you ever were interested in that! Thanks for the advice!

[@CAALifestyle]

Thank you :) I get to teach students in clinicals and that's been a really great experience so far.

[@janiyajohnson543]

Yes, Your videos have inspired and help me assure myself this career is for me. I am starting undergrad this fall and originally wanted to go to college on the Pre-PA track. But now I am going to school this fall as a Biomedical Sciences major Pre-Med in hopes to eventually apply to CAA school! I’m so grateful to have come across your videos, thank you for your transparency regarding everything! It has truly put so much into perspective for me and reassured my faith that I can truly work towards the life I’ve always known was possible for me to have!

[@CAALifestyle]

Best of luck :)

[@janiyajohnson543]

@@CAALifestyle thank you! Hopefully one day I'll be back to the comments to let you know that I've made it to CAA school lol!!

[@katherinebrooke7511]

@@janiyajohnson543Hey I’m fresh out of highschool and hopping that this will be my future career , i’ve been accepted to community college and I have no idea where to start to get my pre med classes to apply to AA program. Definitely would like an opinion of someone also going through this process

[@jacobsittig4361]

I am a registered respiratory therapist and plan to apply to NOVA’s AA program in the fall after finishing up my final pre req’s this summer and have been nervous. Your video explained as well as helped so much. Thank you!

[@CAALifestyle]

Good luck!!

[@mike_zilla8604]

Did you complete majority of your pre-reqs after you became a respiratory therapist?

[@jacobsittig4361]

yes i did!@@mike_zilla8604

[@jacobsittig4361]

@@mike_zilla8604sorry for the late reply but yes I did!

[@Hypoxicck]

Do tell?

[@whitsondougher]

Thanks for the insight! I'm starting the cardiovascular sonography program this May at NSU, but I'm thinking of applying to the AA program later down the road after a couple of years working as a sonographer. I feel like being an AA might be more my style.

[@CAALifestyle]

That's so cool, good luck with your journey!

[@echotrocute7212]

I’m finishing my BS in biology with a relatively high gpa very soon. I have volunteer hours and research in local anesthetics. The only thing I don’t have is direct patient care outside of shadowing. I consider myself to be very social and enjoy communicating. I’m just worried I won’t get accepted into the program.

[@CAALifestyle]

Good luck with your journey!

[@sjf1216]

Social skills are needed. Introverted vs extroverted is irrelevant.

[@biancacarrasco20]

I have a 3.84 gpa which includes a minor. An Mcat score of 497 which is low, but I took it 8 month pregnant and I was high risk. I applied to CWRU in July and haven’t heard anything back. It is becoming increasingly competitive. A student in the program informed me that she interviewed two students with a 4.0 gpa, 507 MCAT and a 3.8, 505 MCAT and they were excepted.

[@CAALifestyle]

I understand, it's become more and more competitive! You can send me a DM on instagram.

[@solar5018]

Oh man it really is now that more people are knowing about it through social media. Have you heard anything back yet or did u get any acceptance from other AA schools if u don’t mind me asking?

[@kristinn3367]

Accepted, not excepted.

[@sk-ju1mz]

The NSU post baccalaureate is a great idea !

[@CAALifestyle]

I have a reel about it as well: kzbin.infoWjt6rW_2dZE

[@MoneyMindset20]

Thank you for explaining some of the challenges it takes to become an AA. After being a Financial Controller for years with a Bsc. in Accounting and a MBA from a reputable University here in NY, I've decided to go back to school to become an AA. I started off a few days ago by enrolling in college to pursue a Biology degree which will start this fall. Since NY does not have an AA program and I will need to travel out of state for school...From your experience can you advise on the amount of days required to attend AA school? For example, did you go to school all 5 days?

[@CAALifestyle]

For me, AA school was immersive and I was in class or clinicals 5 days a week. I hope that helps!

[@MoneyMindset20]

@@CAALifestyle Thank you

[@cody1429]

Great video. They aren’t Respiratory Techs though. They are Respiratory Therapists. Respiratory Techs are the equivalent to a CNA. They’re usually Respiratory Therapist students that get a part time job helping clean equipment and have vents set up and ready to go. They don’t have any clinical skills yet. Love your videos though. Hope to be in an AA program in the next couple years. Looking into South and NSU.

[@CAALifestyle]

Thank you for that breakdown :) Good luck with journey!

[@qcouple4930]

Thank you for being honest. Because I do not want to be extraverted. This would not be for me.

[@tessieent.5566]

Can you please make a video about 2nd year rotations and what to expect? I haven’t seen a lot of information about this

[@CAALifestyle]

Hi! I absolutely can! It's been on my to do list just have to make the time for it :)

[@Kepurple13]

Hello😃 Chabely! I want to first off say great work on these videos! So much information you presenting and a lots to take in.My question is regarding can an RT(respiratory therapist) with a bachelor’s degree have a chance of getting into the AA program? Thanks for sharing the love by showing your journey 😊

[@CAALifestyle]

This is my Pre-AA school playlist that covers general questions on pre-reqs: kzbin.info/aero/PLnA73D8ZlTds6fc4l_ZnxPuqYJdinPmz7

[@edieadjabeng976]

Personally an RRT will transition easily into the CAA program. Of course there will be hurdles, but at least, we will have the airway ventilation part of it down. 😂

[@ericsmith3096]

Hey Chabely, I am an endoscopy technician. Do you think that shadowing hours are still necessary if you work with an anesthesiologist on the daily basis?

[@lovellem5768]

Do you think it will matter what college I attend? I want to be a CAA and I wanted to get a degree in Biology, but the most affordable option is to go to a school in my city! It’s not a crazy well known school, so do you think that would hurt my chances when applying to the CAA program? Thank you so much for your help and videos!!

[@U_Lucky1]

I currently have an associates in health science and have an almost 4.0 gpa I recently heard about a CAA and I was wondering if it’s possible for me to get into a CAA program and is there any in California?

[@bryanv.3630]

Just curious, but do you think being fully fluent in Spanish (and having a strong medical vocabulary) would make an applicant more competitive? I’m unsure of it bilingual workers are valued in the hospital still now that there are translation devices. I’ll be graduating with a professional Spanish minor, Latin America studies BA, and have had extensive interaction with my state’s Latino community.

[@CAALifestyle]

I did my best to highlight what I’ve heard can make an applicant competitive in this video. Your experience sounds unique and I wish you the best of luck :)

[@shloola1953]

How did you receive private tutoring? Did you find them through networking with friends and teachers or did your parents just set it all up? Was it through a website that you found the tutors? Being an AA is my dream occupation but I fear the pre-reqs (physics, calculus and organic chem). Please let me know your process and experience with this. Thank you for making these helpful videos!!!

[@katherinebrooke7511]

same here

[@biancascoggin205]

Same 😖

[@monicvargas126]

Hi, can you please make a video of how to transition from being an RT to a respiratory therapist 🙏🙏🙏

[@dimitraroth]

What would you say as far as being a tech? What is a day in their life like compared to an assistant and as far as pay as well?

[@1andreajones]

Thank you for sharing everything that you have so far, so motivating and inspiring. If you have a different major like finance, English, human services on a bachelor's program, you can take the pre-reqs and apply to get into the AA program or pre AA program? Do you have to have a masters to be AA? Thanks for your help

[@CAALifestyle]

Yes it is possible. Check out my schooling playlist and my video about a nontraditional student for more information: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJWTpKmQhZpnoZY

[@samr.1073]

Hi, of those who failed out of school, do you have any idea what they are doing now? It would be a difficult financial position to recover from

[@CAALifestyle]

I believe one person went back into healthcare (in a different role).

[@T2FAKE]

When you disccused having atleast above a 3.5 GPA, are you reffering to overall GPA or Science GPA?

[@CAALifestyle]

They're both important!

[@cassidymottola941]

What do you think is a competitive GRE score?

[@BenKitzmiller]

Hey Chabely! I love your videos and both my wife and I are interested In becoming CAAs. As far as the GRE goes, my wife took it a year ago and got a 153 on quant, 156 on verbal and a 4.5 on writing. Her GPA is 3.96 but she is wondering if she should still go back and retake the GRE for the lower quant score. What do you think? Also do you think that being a Physical Therapy technician and having 600-700 hours of direct patient care experience would look good on an application? I ask because PT is so different from the CAA route. Thanks!

[@cassienichole4813]

I have to ask, would you be willing to review my personal statement? I'm a little hesitant to have other applicants review it, its so competitive! I'd love a CAA to give input.

[@CAALifestyle]

DM me on instagram! @chachabely

[@josemanuel7249]

I consider myself an smart individual and I truly am fully shocked on how those GPAs are anyhow obtained. 3.5/4 means basically you score perfect for every test during 4 years. I don't know anyone in my surroundings who ever accomplished anything like that. I don't know if in the USA is easier due A-D grading system, but in Spain is flat out borderline impossible. Usually people don't get such high degrees with a 1-10 scoring system. I just don't understand really.

[@jho2124]

Hi love you videos! It is really inspiring and I hope ill be a CAA someday. Do you know if they would accept international students? Like graduates from asia to be specific. Thank you so much

[@jordanebrown5973]

Could I still get in with a really good senior year and internships + good GRE? I.E. Recent academic achievement

[@candacequintero876]

Would getting a bachelors in business from WGU (accredited university) look bad for an applicant? Should I finish my bachelors at a different university and do the pre reqs there too? I assume it also matters where I go to get my pre reqs for the program/and transfer to the AA program? Are there certain colleges that the AA programs won’t accept credits from? (It’s 3am bare with my sentence structure Lol)

[@bryanboyd5878]

How long did it take you including the pre req and AA school. I get a mix of 24-28 months and another 6-7 years

[@Bel-wg3pp]

Does having a Master’s degree already make you more competitive or does it not matter?

[@palaksharma4521]

Hello how are you? I am currently in my junior year for college and i was planning to do BSN RN but after watching your videos i prefer the CAA career because i can connect more towards it. I don’t know how to start this journey because I’ve already wasted 2 nd a half year of my college with an undecided major so what would you suggest dear would be the best major for me to decide now and what program in NY should i start searching. Also if you could please tell me if NY has CAA jobs available as well i work as a FD and call centre in a GI hospital as if now. Please do guide me

[@CAALifestyle]

I mention my thoughts on which major is "best," and I don't know of any CAAs working in NY.

[@CAALifestyle]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHWwpoyll6ypetk In this video I have a map explaining the states CAAs work in.

[@mairaux]

You didn’t specify how many Clinical hours are good to apply to CAA school and be competitive…?

[@CAALifestyle]

I talk more about clinical hours here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKfOZXV7f5iAqLs

[@Billy4theWin11]

Is there a video about this for post bacc students?

[@CAALifestyle]

My Pre AA to AA school playlist may be helpful!

[@Billy4theWin11]

@@CAALifestyle thank you so much!!

[@gessicamolinetcalderin3436]

Did you put HS experience in your application? I worked as a Pharm Tech and also had hundreds of volunteer hours…

[@CAALifestyle]

I would reach out to the school for their thoughts. There are many open houses (including virtual options) throughout the year :)

[@Gowsika-ve1xq]

Which place sister l aslo become a bsc anesthesia assistant

[@IlovemydogTeddy143]

Do CAA decide on drugs for the patient or anesthesiologists? That always confuses me. I’m researching if this is the right career for me!

[@CAALifestyle]

Check out this video for more info: kzbin.infoax6Qq_FWWIY?si=tnmNZpujA5qVv8nc

[@emily_endicott]

How old is too old to start in your opinion?

[@CAALifestyle]

I believe the oldest person in my class was 45 years old when they started the program.

[@LaKeshaWilson-rq4kc]

It's doesn't matter the age it's never to late don't give up go for it💯💯💯

[@MaryJane17217]

Chabely, thank you so much for sharing!! Can you go over the certification/recertification process please? I would like to know more about that. Thanks! 😊🫶

[@CAALifestyle]

Yes definitely!

[@ethanli8118]

Could you make a video about how you prepared for boards?

[@CAALifestyle]

yes, definitely!

[@krise.johnson4882]

Is a 3.77 an extremely competitive GPA?

[@F30jo]

I am an icu rn with a 2.9 gpa I have 3 years of experience . Do you think with a higher gre score I could possibly get in?

[@Amanda-pd4fm]

Definitely but I think you’ll get questions like why AA school instead of CRNA school

[@aliaisabel2923]

At what point does one start shadowing? After the bachelors degree?

[@katherinebrooke7511]

I am wondering the same , or are we suppose to shadow during school

[@theweepingwillow5444]

What if as an AA, your spouse wants to live in another state you don’t practice in. Will the AA license be useless?

[@CAALifestyle]

Fair question, I am in this situation currently, and I'm doing long distance. It's a very personal decision to make.

[@ethiohope690]

Thank you for this video, i am BSC anesthesia proffesional with 5 years experience live in Aferica And I Have Interested Continuing My Career In Anesthesiologist Assistance . Do You Think I Could.?

[@CAALifestyle]

This post covers more information on international students: instagram.com/p/CtG3UZyO_tW/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

[@KingLouie850]

Quick question can CAA work in all 50 states

[@alyssakool]

No, only 20 states. But all 50 in the VA system

[@chase9339]

Would a bsn degree work for prerequisites?

[@CAALifestyle]

I would ask the schools if there were any questions about pre-reqs satisfying the requirements.

[@supreme5998]

If you have a BSN you might want to go CRNA route

[@hidayatullahkhan5894]

Can i also apply for AA, im from Pakistan and im an Anesthesia technologist (BS in Anesthesia). Can u tell plz? 😊

[@CAALifestyle]

Reach out to the schools would help answer that :)

[@CAALifestyle]

This post covers more information on international students: instagram.com/p/CtG3UZyO_tW/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

[@kristinn3367]

I disagree with the implication that introverts don’t have social skills. Introversion vs extraversion is not a matter of social skills. In fact, your comments about needing to go home and recharge after interacting with people all day is the classic definition of an introvert. Extraverts are energized by interacting with people and don’t need their quiet time like introverts.

[@CAALifestyle]

Introverts absolutely have social skills. I’ve come across prospective applicants and shadowers that very quiet and seem to prefer less social interaction, so I want people to be aware that this is a very social job before committing to a career in this profession.

[@stethoscopedoctor2441]

Can i access ur WhatsApp

[@palaksharma4521]

Also what’s your instagram handle dear ? I tried looking for it but I couldn’t find it