In this section we will be going over what an anesthesiologist assistant (AA) is, the history of the profession, and how AAs currently operate in medicine. This section will help you learn more about the profession, as well as what exactly an AA does.
What is a Anesthesiologist Assistant?
An anesthesiologist assistant, commonly referred to as an AA, is very similar to a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). The job involves placing patients undergoing surgeries and procedures under anesthesia and monitoring them during the procedure. It is a 2-3 year masters degree, making AAs considered mid-level providers, similar to physician assistants and CRNAs. Most AAs work in hospitals with anesthesiologists who are able to help with procedures in the case an issue arises that an AA is not familiar with. AAs are usually given less complicated procedures than anesthesiologists, considering they do not have the same level of schooling.
History of the AA Profession
The anesthesiologist assistant profession started in a similar fashion to the PA profession, in that there were a shortage of anesthesia providers in the medical field and the industry needed a way to quickly expand. In the 1960’s, three doctors by the name of Dr. Gravenstein, Dr. Steinhaus, and Dr. Volpitto started working on a program which would allow mid-level anesthesiologists linked to medical doctors to be able to practice in the field. In 1969, the first masters programs at Emory University and Case Western Reserve in Ohio started accepting students, and the rest is history. Many AA students entered the field with the intention of later becoming an MD, and that is still a reality today, with about 10% of AA graduates later going to medical school.
Present Day AAs
The AA field is quickly expanding. AAs are currently allowed to practice in 17 states with more states quickly allowing the field. It’s no secret that AAs are cheaper to higher than anesthesiologist for hospitals and surgery centers, which allows these facilities to increase profits. AAs typically provide just as good of a job during procedures (sometimes better), for less than half the price of MDs. Of course the AA salary is still nothing to sneeze at, with AAs typically earning $130,000+ in the United States. As baby boomers retire and the need for healthcare increases, the mid-level provider field which includes AAs will expand with it. As such, there is a huge demand for AAs in the United States, and it is an excellent career choice to get into in current times.