Most commonly referred to as an anesthesiologist assistant, anesthesia technologists assist professional physician anesthesiologists in the administration of anesthesia within surgical and operative settings. Duties may include gathering and recording patient information, maintaining an open airway and proper ventilation, monitoring equipment, measuring vital signs and administering drugs. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Educations Programs (CAAHEP) is the regulatory body that accredits all anesthesiologist assistant training programs. Of the seven schools that are accredited by the CAAHEP, two are located in the state of Georgia. The nearest out-of-state program is located in Florida.
Emory University
The School of Medicine at Emory University offers a Master of Medical Science degree in anesthesiology that prepares students to work as anesthesia assistants. Two program tracks are available. The general track is designed for students with a baccalaureate degree that includes prerequisite coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, calculus and English.
This option consists of three semesters of didactic coursework followed by 12 months of clinical rotations. The PA-C track is designed for certified primary care physician assistants who have completed masters-level coursework in anatomy, physiology and pharmacology in addition to baccalaureate-level requirements. This program consists of two semesters of didactic instruction followed by 12 months of clinical rotations. Course topics include pharmacology, anesthesiology, airway management, delivery systems and equipment, instrumentation and anesthesia physics.
Emory University 201 Dowman Drive Atlanta, GA 30322 404-727-6123 emory.edu
South University
South University provides a Master of Medical Science degree in anesthesiologist assisting at its campus location in Savannah. Applicants require an undergraduate degree that includes coursework in English, biology, chemistry, physics and math. This program consists of nine quarters of coursework, including summer sessions. Coursework includes anatomy and physiology for the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, medical terminology, airway management, the physics of anesthesia, pre-anesthetic evaluation, delivery systems and equipment, clinical anesthesia, patient monitoring, pharmacology, renal physiology and laboratory applications. Hands-on practice in a professional clinical setting is also required.
South University 709 Mall Boulevard Savannah, GA 31406-4805 800-688-0932 southuniversity.edu
Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University provides a Master of Health Science degree in anesthesiologist assisting at both its Tampa, Florida, location and its Fort Lauderdale, Florida, campus. Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree that includes coursework in biology, general and organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, calculus and English with a GPA of at least 2.75 or higher. This 27-month program consists of 14 months of didactic coursework in medical terminology, airway management principles, electrocardiography (ECG), anatomy and physiology, clinical anesthesia, pharmacology, medical writing, research methods, epidemiology, biostatistics, medical ethics and laboratory practice. 13 months of practical clinical experience is also required.
Nova Southeastern University 3632 Queen Palm Drive Tampa, FL 33619 813-574-5200 nova.edu
Nova Southeastern University 3200 S. University Drive Fort Lauderdale, FL 3328 800-541-6682 nova.edu
