For many students exploring advanced practice roles in anesthesia, becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is often the first career that comes to mind. However, there is another path within the anesthesia profession that is less widely known: becoming an Anesthesiologist Assistant (AA).
The role of an Anesthesia Assistant is increasingly recognized for its importance in the healthcare industry.
If you are planning for a future in anesthesia care but facing barriers to CRNA school, or if you want to compare your options, this guide explains the role of AAs, how they differ from CRNAs, and what you should consider when choosing your path.
Understanding the responsibilities of an Anesthesia Assistant can help clarify this career path.
What Exactly Is an Anesthesiologist Assistant?
Anesthesiologist Assistants (AAs) are highly trained healthcare professionals who work as part of the anesthesia care team under the supervision of an anesthesiologist. They do a lot of the same work as a CRNA: preoperative assessment of patients, developing and implementing anesthesia care plans, monitoring patients during surgery, adjusting anesthetics, fluids, and medications as needed, postoperative assessment, and pain management support.
An Anesthesia Assistant works closely with surgeons and nurses to ensure optimal patient care.
Training Requirements
While the day-to-day clinical work looks similar, there is a higher barrier to entry for the CRNA path. These are the additional requirements for the CRNA path:
- A nursing degree (one extra year of school beyond a bachelor’s degree)
- Critical care experience as a practicing registered nurse (one year is required, but most accepted applicants have 2-5 years of experience in the ICU)
- DNP rather than Master of Science in Anesthesia (one extra year of graduate-level training)
Accredited Anesthesiologist Assistant Program Locations
Finding the right Anesthesia Assistant program is crucial for your education and future career.
There are now over 20+ CAAHEP-accredited Anesthesia Assistant programs in the U.S., including:
| State | Number of AA Programs / Campuses |
|---|---|
| Ohio | 3 (Case Western, Northeast Ohio Medical, Ohio Dominican) |
| Texas | 4 (Case Western Houston & Austin, UTHealth Houston, UMHB upcoming) |
| Florida | 4 (Nova Southeastern multiple, South University multiple) |
| Georgia | 2 (Emory, South University Savannah) |
| Colorado | 2 (University of Colorado, Nova Southeastern Denver) |
| Indiana | 1 (Indiana University) |
| Wisconsin | 1 (Medical College of Wisconsin) |
| Missouri | 1 (University of Missouri-Kansas City) |
| District of Columbia | 1 (Case Western) |
Training takes 24-28 months, integrating classroom coursework and clinical rotations. Annual graduating class sizes are small (8 to 50 students per cohort, about 120+ AA graduates per year). The AA certifying exam boasts a near-100% pass rate, but entry is competitive and requires strong scientific preparation.
As an Anesthesia Assistant, you will be part of a dynamic and rewarding field.
Career Scope: Where AAs Can Practice
The demand for Anesthesia Assistants continues to grow in various healthcare settings.
Before considering an AA career, verify that your preferred state recognizes AA practice, as regulations evolve, and some states have recently changed their policies (see image below).
Anesthesia Assistant Salary
Salaries can vary widely, but on average, Anesthesia Assistants make somewhere between $180k and $220k a year, depending on where you live and your experience. Some places pay less, entry-level spots might start lower, and the high end bumps up over $220k.
A CRNA’s salary is generally higher, ranging from $200k to $290+ annually. The higher pay reflects additional training and often autonomous practice.
So, Is Becoming an AA Right for You?
Both CRNAs and AAs play essential roles in ensuring safe anesthesia delivery across the U.S. healthcare system. One path is rooted in advanced nursing, while the other is designed for pre-medical students seeking anesthesia specialization.
Both paths, CRNA and Anesthesia Assistant, provide critical support in anesthesia delivery.
Before deciding, consider where you plan to live and practice, the level of autonomy you desire in your career, and whether your current educational background aligns better with nursing or a pre-med track.
Our mission at all crna schools is to help you explore every option on your journey into anesthesia practice, whether that means entering a CRNA program or considering the anesthesia assistant route.
There’s a lot to think about when choosing your path in anesthesia. For the latest on AA programs and career info, check out the American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants (AAAA) and reach out to your preferred schools to see what fits you best.
The support network for Anesthesia Assistants is growing, providing resources and information.
Remember, it’s your career, and your choice. Knowing all the facts helps you make the best decision.
To get an overview of the CRNA career path, go here.
This page was updated 2025
A Note from All-CRNA-Schools.com
We want to take a moment to acknowledge that our previous content regarding anesthesia assistants (AAs) may have come across as biased or unfair. Our goal has always been to provide accurate, respectful, and helpful information to everyone exploring careers in anesthesia.
We sincerely regret if the earlier page caused any offense or misrepresented the valuable role AAs play within the anesthesia care team. Going forward, we are committed to offering neutral, fact-based, and balanced content that fairly represents both Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and Anesthesiologist Assistants (AAs).
Thank you for your understanding as we continue to improve and serve our community with the highest integrity.
-All CRNA Schools team.