Anesthesiologist Assistant Studies

Ohio Dominican University's Anesthesiologist Assistant Studies Program will educate and prepare entry-level Anesthesiologist Assistants in cognitive (knowledge ), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains. The ODU AA students will become well-qualified, competent certified anesthesiologist assistants practicing in the anesthesiologist led anesthesia care team.  The ODU AA Program embraces a holistic approach to the pursuit of excellence in academics, research, clinical practice, and community service.

The ODU AA program will provide students with the capability to:

• Provide quality, compassionate and ethical healthcare services.
• Continue to develop as professionals through the Dominican motto: contemplare et contemplate aliis tradere (to contemplate truth and to share with others the fruits of this contemplation).
• Be sensitive to individuals no matter the circumstance or background
• Work collaboratively with other health care professionals.
• Become leaders through continued knowledge, growth and professional advocacy.

The AA Program will achieve its mission of preparing competent entry-level Anesthesiologist Assistants in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains. To maintain program standards with nationally recognized governances, the overall goals for the Anesthesiologist Assistant Studies program are based upon the ODU AA Program's Mission Statement, current and future healthcare requirements of the AA profession. It is further based upon Curricular Guidelines and Competencies for the AA Profession by the Accreditation Review Commission on the Education of Anesthesiologist Assistants (ARC-AA), Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), as well as the National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants (NCCAA) Core Competencies for Anesthesiologist Assistants.

To become a certified Anesthesiologist Assistant, students must take and pass the National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants.

Known as the NCCAA certification exam, this computer-based, multiple-choice test is comprised of questions that assess general medical and anesthesiology knowledge.

The Anesthesiologist Assistant Studies graduate program at Ohio Dominican University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Committee for the Anesthesiologist Assistant (ARC-AA). ODU graduates who complete the Master of Science in Anesthesiologist Assistant studies program are eligible to sit for the National Commission on Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants (NCCAA) exam. Ohio Dominican University’s Anesthesiologist Assistant program satisfies the academic requirements for those credentials and licensure as set forth by the State Medical Board of Ohio.  

Requirements for licensure and/endorsement eligibility can vary from state to state.            

American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants (AAAA) has a concise breakdown of certified anesthesiologist assistants practice authorization at the following: 

https://www.anesthetist.org/info

For students who wish to practice in a state other than Ohio, please contact the appropriate program director/advisor to discuss if you will need to satisfy additional requirements in that state. 

To find out whether a program satisfies requirements from your home state, please visit the ODU Licensure & Certification Programs and State Requirements page.

Peace Hall is the home of ODU's Anesthesiologist Assistant Studies Program. This student-centered building features technologically advanced equipment and expansive classroom spaces.

The facility includes a high fidelity anesthesiology simulation lab, skills lab, lecture hall classrooms, a student lounge and an auditorium.

What do I do if I cannot find an opportunity to shadow?
Due to COVID-19, we realize shadowing opportunities may be difficult. If you need assistance finding shadowing opportunities, please contact the program office to obtain assistance.

What are the prerequisite courses?
The prerequisite courses are listed above. All prerequisite courses must have been taken within the last 10 years.

Do online courses count as prerequisites?
Yes, the program allows online coursework for prerequisites.

Does the AA Program require a specific undergraduate major?
Often students obtain their bachelor’s degree in a science field, however this is not required. Applicants should achieve above-average grades in the required prerequisite coursework.

Can I apply if I have not finished all the prerequisite courses?
Yes, however you must complete all pre-requisite courses, earn a bachelor’s degree, and submit your official transcript before matriculation into the AA program.

Is there a certain amount of healthcare experience required for admission?
Our AA Program encourages applicants to obtain more than the minimum required 8 hours of anesthesia shadowing experience. Applicants that have significant shadowing hours and previous direct patient care experience are valued in considering the admission qualifications of each applicant.

Is preference given to Ohio residents?
Admission preference is not given to in state residents. Tuition remains the same for all students.

Does the Program offer transfer or experiential learning opportunities?
No, the Anesthesiologist Assistant Program curriculum does not offer transfer or experiential learning opportunities. All of the Master of Science in Anesthesiologist Assistant Studies Program curriculum will be completed at Ohio Dominican University.

Does the AA Program offer part-time or online courses?
No, the program does not offer a part-time or online option.

Is there any travel required for student rotations?
During the first three semesters (the first year), students will be located in Columbus, Ohio, in order to attend classes, lab, conduct simulation scenarios, and start clinical experiences. During semesters 4-6, students participate in clinical rotations both in Columbus, Ohio and out of town. If you have a rotation from personal experience or connection, the program will work to obtain an affiliation agreement. In the second year “clinical” phase, students will be asked to fulfill rotations in and around Columbus, Ohio, as well as external rotations outside of Columbus, Ohio.