Masters of Anesthesiology...anyone have one? Or work with someone who does?

[Fiori]

Hello,

I am looking into Pharmacy and the Anesthesist graduate programs. The graduate program for Anesthesiology Assistant (AA) has truley grabbed my interest. I like that it is 2 years, one gets paid very well and it seems very interesting and of my liking as it has to with drugs and easing pain and providing comfort (as a Pharmacist would).

My question is, are there any AA's on this board? Do you think that the job outook is really that good? I am disapointed to find out that AA's are only allowed to practice in a select number of states..which happens to be few. Also, can you give some insight on your day to day job as an AA and your satisfaction with your career choice?

Also, if there are any Anestehsiologist or Med Students that work with AAs, if you have any comments or opinions on working with them please feel free to write it out.

Thank You.

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[militarymd]

I work with 2.....I find that they are excellent members of my team.

 

[Fiori]

I work with 2.....I find that they are excellent members of my team.

Hello and thank you for your comment.

Do you know anything of how many hours and days a week they work? Also, do you know anything of their job outlook? I am worried because less than 20 states allow for AAs to practice. A lot of websites will say a certain profession is "growing" or is "in demand". But I am still worried since so few states offer the opportunity to practice as an AA. If you can provide any more info on AAs (from what you know or what your AAs say)...or if anyone else has anymore information and can help me in any way I would really appreciate it.


Thank You.

 

[jwk]

Hello,

I am looking into Pharmacy and the Anesthesist graduate programs. The graduate program for Anesthesiology Assistant (AA) has truley grabbed my interest. I like that it is 2 years, one gets paid very well and it seems very interesting and of my liking as it has to with drugs and easing pain and providing comfort (as a Pharmacist would).

My question is, are there any AA's on this board? Do you think that the job outook is really that good? I am disapointed to find out that AA's are only allowed to practice in a select number of states..which happens to be few. Also, can you give some insight on your day to day job as an AA and your satisfaction with your career choice?

Also, if there are any Anestehsiologist or Med Students that work with AAs, if you have any comments or opinions on working with them please feel free to write it out.

Thank You.

I'm your friendly neighborhood AA - I'll try to give you some insights shortly.

 

[Fiori]

I'm your friendly neighborhood AA - I'll try to give you some insights shortly.

Thank You very, very much. I look forward to your insights!

 

[Mac Six]

I know quite a few who provide damn good care.

 

[jwk]

My question is, are there any AA's on this board? Do you think that the job outook is really that good? I am disapointed to find out that AA's are only allowed to practice in a select number of states..which happens to be few. Also, can you give some insight on your day to day job as an AA and your satisfaction with your career choice?

I've been an AA since 1981, so I'm one of the bonafide older farts in the profession, although not the oldest, since the first AA's finished in 1971.

The outlook is very good for AA's. The 5th program opened up this year in KC, and another will be opening next year. Demand exceeds the supply right now, always a good place to be. There is 100% placement of graduates, with most having multiple offers and opportunities from which to choose.

AA's practice in 18 states plus DC, with Oklahoma added to the list this year - it's simply a matter of numbers of graduates that fuels that expansion. We've gone from 40 just a few years ago with two programs to 125+ this year to over 200 a couple years from now as the 6th program gets it's graduates out into the workforce.

We are in the OR's every day, administering anesthesia in ACT practices. We are very well-respected by the physicians we work with.

Hello and thank you for your comment.

Do you know anything of how many hours and days a week they work? Also, do you know anything of their job outlook? I am worried because less than 20 states allow for AAs to practice. A lot of websites will say a certain profession is "growing" or is "in demand". But I am still worried since so few states offer the opportunity to practice as an AA.

Each practice is different. There are outpatient centers that are 7-3 M-F. And there are hospitals like mine that are 24/7 with in-house anesthesia staff. Salaries and compensation packages vary, just like with any other profession, based on experience, location, supply and demand. I generally have a 50-60 hr work week (by choice) on average, including some weekend and evening work.

 

[Matty44]

.

 

[RAMPA]

JWK

I've heard rumors that the 6th program will be run by Nova in Orlando, is this correct?

 

[core0]

Just out of curiousity does the title of this thread conjure up images of JWK running around with a plastic breastplate waving a big sword to anyone else?😀

Carry on

 

[Endee]

JWK

I've heard rumors that the 6th program will be run by Nova in Orlando, is this correct?

This would be GREAT if it was true.

 

[jwk]

JWK

I've heard rumors that the 6th program will be run by Nova in Orlando, is this correct?

No formal announcement has been made regarding a location.

 

[Fiori]

Great Feedback! Thanks JWK. Thanks everyone. I am extremely excited about the AA program! I am only mad I didn't know of it sooner. Because I would have loved to apply this year. But, first, I must do some shawdowing. Got to make sure this is exactly right for me 🙂.


If anyone else would like to share information please do! I am just so excited.

 

[zackmorris fan]

I just met a girl in her second year in AA school. She mentioned to me that she goes to NOVA in florida, so I think it's safe to assume it's open, unless of course she is one sneaky AA.

 

[jwk]

I just met a girl in her second year in AA school. She mentioned to me that she goes to NOVA in florida, so I think it's safe to assume it's open, unless of course she is one sneaky AA.

Nova in Ft. Lauderdale has been open for a little over two years. They are considering another site in Florida as well.

 

[PerolaNegra]

JWK,

Do you know if there are any international opportunities as an (U.S. Certified) Anesthesiology Assistant? Thanks.

 

[jwk]

JWK,

Do you know if there are any international opportunities as an (U.S. Certified) Anesthesiology Assistant? Thanks.

Not that I'm aware of. I would guess that some countries have minimal (if any) licensing or certification requirements for medical professionals, but most of the developed world does. There are some pilot programs in Canada for an AA-type provider and interest in Great Britain, but we're a long way towards any type of reciprocity.

 

[PerolaNegra]

Not that I'm aware of. I would guess that some countries have minimal (if any) licensing or certification requirements for medical professionals, but most of the developed world does. There are some pilot programs in Canada for an AA-type provider and interest in Great Britain, but we're a long way towards any type of reciprocity.

Thank You JWK for your insight.


As much as I love a career as an AA, if there is one thing that I don't like is that it seems very limited in opportunities to advance or work in different settings. Its not going to stop me from applying to AA school but it is a slight downfall for me.

 

[RT2MD]

Just out of curiousity does the title of this thread conjure up images of JWK running around with a plastic breastplate waving a big sword to anyone else?😀

Carry on

That was the first direction that this thread took in my mind... The sword better light up, though... otherwise, it's not even CLOSE to cool enough for him.

 

[PerolaNegra]

Is there any kind of leadership roles or advancement that one can partake in or move up to as an AA? Do AAs do any outreach programs? Is there any kind of "movement" as an AA? Thanks.

 

[fakin' the funk]

I've heard of a guy who's a master of karate...and friendship...for everyone.

 

[jwk]

Is there any kind of leadership roles or advancement that one can partake in or move up to as an AA? Do AAs do any outreach programs? Is there any kind of "movement" as an AA? Thanks.

Depending on where you work and the size of the department, there may be leadership or administrative roles within a group or department. There are a lot in Georgia that are chief anesthetists at their respective hospitals - others are coordinators or supervisors.

In addition, the American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants (AAAA) is the professional organization for AA's. There are numerous leadership opportunities within that group from committee chairperson to president and everything in between.

 

[DMBFan61]

I've heard of a guy who's a master of karate...and friendship...for everyone.

....fighter of the nightman.....champion of the sun...

 

[PerolaNegra]

Depending on where you work and the size of the department, there may be leadership or administrative roles within a group or department. There are a lot in Georgia that are chief anesthetists at their respective hospitals - others are coordinators or supervisors.

In addition, the American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants (AAAA) is the professional organization for AA's. There are numerous leadership opportunities within that group from committee chairperson to president and everything in between.

Thanks for being so helpful with your responses.