Anesthesiologist Assistant

• Earn an undergraduate degree and complete all the Anesthesiologist Assistant school prerequisites
• Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) or the GRE
• Apply to Anesthesiologist Assistant Programs (Master's Degree)

While prerequisites may vary from school to school, common prerequisites can include (but are not limited to):

• 8 Credits of Inorganic Chemistry (with labs)
• 8 Credits of Organic Chemistry (with labs)
• Biochemistry
• 8-12 credits of Biology (with labs)
• Calculus
• Statistics (some schools require advance statistics)
• 8 Credits of Physics (with labs)
• 6 Credits of English

The above requirements apply to a majority of Anesthesiologist Assistant programs; however, please reference the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs for a complete list of accredited schools, their specific requirements, and AP credit policies. 

*Additional information is available on the HPAO Canvas Course. Students are encouraged to meet with HPAO if they need help determining which UMD courses can be used to fulfill these requirements. 

Pro Tips:

• Schools generally require a minimum of a C (not a C-) in all prerequisite courses.

• Refer to 4yearplans.umd.edu for specific guidance on how to proceed through these courses while creating your 4-year plan.

• Be sure to take the Math and Physics courses required for your academic major. The Anesthesiologist Assistant program requirement for Physics is generally 8 credits with labs.

• There are many Minors that cover topics critical to expanding understanding of the various determinants of health. Coursework related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion can be helpful in developing cultural awareness, cultural humility, and an understanding of systemic discrimination in the health care system. Even if your academic plan does not permit adding a minor, it is worth reviewing the curated course lists for courses that will stretch you, increase your language for difference and disparity, show your intellectual curiosity, and improve your critical reasoning skills. 

Shadowing is often the first step in deciding if a career in anesthesia is right for you. You can become familiar and comfortable with different clinical environments and talk with physicians, CAAs, and CRNAs about the realities of their day-to-day work. Some schools mandate a minimum number of shadowing hours. 

At least 6 months of healthcare experience. Common clinical experiences include:

• Scribing: These paid positions enable you to work alongside physicians while documenting findings from patient exams and assessments. Scribing allows you to observe doctor-patient interactions and familiarize yourself with medical terminology.
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): Working as an EMT allows for extensive exposure to patients. Although EMTs do not observe doctor-patient interactions, they learn many aspects of medical care and often develop excellent cultural competence and collaborative skills. 
• Medical Assistant: MA positions generally blend administrative and clinical duties, and usually provide opportunities to interact with both doctors and patients. Many offices will train you internally and do not require formal training or certifications.
• Hospital/Clinic Volunteering

Volunteer Work

• Anesthesiologist Assistant schools look for substantive, longitudinal service experiences that show a commitment to your community and a curiosity about the lived experiences of others outside the scope of medicine. 

Paid employment (non-healthcare), leadership, extracurricular engagement, and conducting research are all other ways to diversify your experiences and prepare for a career as an Anesthesiologist Assistant. 

• American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants
• American Society of Anesthesiologists