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Frequently Asked Questions
When is the application deadline?
All application materials must be postmarked by October 1 to be considered for admission to the following Summer semester which begins in June. This includes:
- official transcripts
- statement of objectives
- recommendations
- official Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores. MCAT scores must be submitted as a paper copy containing the Verification Code and AAMC ID Number. The program does not receive scores from the MCAT Test History System.
Does the Master of Science in Anesthesia program at Case Western Reserve University offer a part-time program of study?
No. The MSA program is designed exclusively for full-time study.
Must all prerequisite courses be completed at the time of application (October 1)?
No, however all course prerequisites must be completed prior to the start of the program of study (1st week of June). Verification of anticipated undergraduate sequence of study for the senior year must be presented to the Admissions Committee during the interview process.
Can previous health care or medical course work transfer and/or replace any courses required by the MSA program at CWRU?
No. The curriculum is specifically designed for training the anesthesiologist assistant (AA) professional. Although other course work may be similar, the MSA program offers courses with a unique emphasis in anesthesia and the Anesthesia Care Team (ACT) environment as described by the American Society of Anesthesiologists.
Is credit given for previous clinical experience toward the MSA degree?
No. Students must complete the entire MSA curriculum. The clinical experience is designed for the Anesthesia Care Team environment and anesthesiologist assistant professionals.
May I take another standardized test in place of the MCAT?
No. The MSA Admissions Committee will only accept the MCAT.
When is the MCAT offered?
The computerized MCAT is offered approximately 25 times a year. See http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/reserving/mcatschedule.htm for a listing of dates and times the MCAT exam is offered. The MCAT must be taken prior to the application deadline.
What is the average MCAT score and GPA of students admitted to the MSA Program?
The average MCAT composite score of our 2011 incoming class is 25.5. Their average overall GPA is 3.52, and their average GPA in their prerequisite courses is 3.63.
What is the typical class size?
A class of 22 students at our Cleveland location and 22 students at our Houston location begins the program of study the first week of June. We expect to accept up to 18 students in our Washington, D.C., program.
Are regional anesthesia techniques included in the clinical curriculum?
Yes. Techniques for general, epidural, spinal and peripheral nerve blockade are taught throughout the 2-year program of study.
What is the average salary for a new graduate?
Salaries vary depending on the experience of the individual and the regional cost of living. The average starting salary for a newly graduated anesthesiologist assistant is approximately $120,000 for a 40-hour work week plus benefits and consideration of on-call activity. An increase of approximately 5% to 15% should be expected after the first 1 to 2 years post graduation. Salaries are comparable to compensation paid to Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) employed within the ACT nationally.
Is the job description for the Anesthesiologist Assistant (AA) profession equivalent to that for a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)?
Yes. When AAs are employed within the same organizations as CRNAs, the job description is usually identical. One fundamental difference is that AAs must work under the medical supervision of a licensed anesthesiologist. Conversely, in some unique clinical settings (usually not at tertiary care centers), a CRNA can practice under the medical supervision of any physician (not necessarily an anesthesiologist).
What is the MSA Program's admission criteria?
Admission requirements are available on the Academic Requirements page.
When is the application deadline?
All application materials must be postmarked by October 1 to be considered for admission to the following Summer semester which begins in June.