Master of Science in Anesthesia
DISCLAIMER: Cal State Fullerton does not have an Anesthesia Program. This page serves as a resource for students.
Introduction
Anesthesiologist assistants (AA), also referred to as anesthetists, work cooperatively under the direction of an anesthesiologist to implement the anesthesia care plan. AAs are trained in a professional graduate level program and earn a Master of Science degree.
The Master of Science in Anesthesia is a graduate level program for anesthesiologist assistants. At the completion of the program each student earns a Master of Science in Anesthesia. This is a clinically oriented degree program that provides for additional elective clinical training and knowledge in the senior year, assuring that our graduates stay on the cutting edge of the national trend in AA education. The American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants (AAAA) and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) endorsed Master’s level education for AAs. The MSA Program at Case Western Reserve University feels that the advanced degree produces a graduate not only educated in clinical medicine, but also aware of community and global health issues.
Anesthesiologist assistants provide very important assistance to the anesthesiologist in treating patients before and after surgery. The work of an anesthesiologist assistant (or AA) directly contributes to the success of surgical operations by ensuring the comfort and wellbeing of the patient. AAs perform their duties under the direct supervision and discretion of the supervising medical anesthesiologist. Chief responsibilities include:
- Performing physical exams
- Administering general or local anesthesia
- Monitoring patients under anesthesia
- Inserting invasive monitoring devices
- Operating advanced life support systems
For more information please visit the Case Western Reserve University website.
Academic Requirements
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
The prerequisites listed below must be completed within five years of the application deadline.
Biochemistry: One semester of biochemistry is required.
Human Anatomy with Lab: One semester of human anatomy with lab is required. An advanced course in this subject is preferred and would meet the requirement but is not mandatory.
Human Physiology: One semester of human physiology is required. An advanced course in this subject
is preferred and would meet the requirement but is not mandatory. Courses in mammalian physiology and embryology will not satisfy this requirement.
Calculus: One semester of a course in calculus for premedical or life sciences.
Advanced Statistics: Students typically meet this requirement if they have completed one semesterof an advanced course in statistics for the life sciences; usually this is an applied statistics course and/or a statistics course with a calculus prerequisite. Introductory level courses will not satisfy this requirement.
English with Expository Writing: Students typically meet this requirement if they have completed one semester of an introductory English course with a writing component.
Biology with Lab: Students typically meet this requirement if they have completed a one-year biology course sequence with lab that stresses general concepts.
Chemistry with Lab: Students typically meet this requirement if they have completed a one-yearcourse sequence in general chemistry with lab.
Organic Chemistry with Lab: Students meet this requirement if they have completed a one-year course sequence in organic chemistry with lab.
Physics with Lab: Students typically meet this requirement if they have completed a one-yearcourse sequence in general physics with lab.
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
- All applicants are required to take the MCAT regardless of prior degree attainment.
- The test must have been taken within three years of the application deadline.
- A minimum composite score of 20 is expected. When the MCAT has been taken more than once, component scores from different exams may not be combined.
Resources
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