Who is a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA)?
Certified anesthesiologist assistants (CAAs) are skilled health professionals who work under the direction of an anesthesiologist to develop and implement anesthesia care plans. CAAs work exclusively within the anesthesia care team model as described by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA).
All CAAs have completed premedical coursework, a baccalaureate degree, and must graduate from an accredited CAA program. This comprehensive didactic and clinical training program fulfills the requirements for awarding a Master of Medical Science degree. CAAs participate in the provision of all types of anesthesia including administering drugs, obtaining vascular access, applying and interpreting monitors, establishing and maintaining the patient's airway, and assisting with preoperative assessment and postoperative care.
For more information about the anesthesiologist assistant profession and facts about CAAs, visit the American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants website or the American Society of Anesthesiologists website.
Certification
The National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants (NCCAA) provides the certification process for anesthesiologist assistants in the United States. The certification process involves initial certification by successfully completing the Certifying Examination for Anesthesiologist Assistants, registration of continuing medical education credit every two years, and successfully completing an Examination for Continued Demonstration of Qualifications every six years. Because employment as an anesthesiologist assistant in almost every locale is contingent upon certification, it is the expectation of the Program that each student will plan for, apply for, and take the Certifying Examination in his/her year of graduation.
Additional information is available on the NCCAA website.
Practice
Anesthesiology practices in many states presently employ AAs. Inclusion of AAs in anesthesia care team practices across the country is a dynamic and evolving situation. To get the latest and most accurate information, please contact your state board of medicine or the ASA Washington Office for any questions on the licensure and practice locations of AAs.
Another excellent resource is maintained by the American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants (AAAA). Click here for a map highlighting the states where AAs currently practice.