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MSA Profession Profile
Anesthesiologist assistants (AAs) are highly educated allied health professionals who work under the direction of an anesthesiologist to help implement the anesthetic plan as prescribed by the anesthesiologist.
AAs work exclusively within the Anesthesia Care Team environment as described by the American Society of Anesthesiologists.
AAs are trained through masters degree professional programs in the delivery and maintenance of quality anesthesia care as well as advanced patient monitoring techniques. Practicing independently or in a primary care setting is NOT included in the AAs scope of practice. AAs usually practice in a hospital setting which uses the Anesthesia Care Team approach and are always supervised by anesthesiologists.
The profession maintains a typical work week with options for on-call, evening or weekend assignments. Salaries, scope of practice and job descriptions are identical to certified registered nurse anesthetists when working within the Anesthesia Care Team. Starting salaries vary by region but typically range from $110,000 - $120,000.
RESPONSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDE:
- Pretesting and calibrating of anesthesia delivery systems and monitors
- Collecting preoperative data and performing physical examinations
- Inserting venous, arterial and other invasive catheters
- Any duties which encompass assistance of the implementation of the anesthetic plan as prescribed by the anesthesiologist
- Airway management including intubation, fiberoptics
- Making anesthetic adjustments using intraoperative monitoring modalities
- Providing safe transition from operating room to recovery area
- Performing functions in the intensive care unit and pain clinic
- Participating in administrative affairs, research and clinical instruction
From the first day of class to graduation day, our students train to be professional and compassionate:
It's my understanding that this profession is not built on routines and careless mechanical acts that so many people use to get through their work day. This is a profession built on passion for helping people, the need for perfection, and a constant drive to become better than you were yesterday...I have never been so sure that this is exactly where I am supposed to be and exactly what I am supposed to be doing!
-Jen Rossire,
Class of 2006