If you're interested in a career in the healthcare industry, there are now more ways than ever to find a niche that suits your skills and personality. As an anesthesiologist assistant (AA), you'll be able to provide hands-on assistance to the primary anesthesiologist during a complex surgery or even administer local or general anesthesia to patients during more minor procedures at an outpatient surgical center. What will you need to do to become an AA, and how can you decide whether this is the right path for you? Read on for some factors that may help guide your decision.

What does an AA do?

As the name implies, the primary role of an anesthesiologist assistant is to provide direct support to the primary anesthesiologist working on a patient. However, unlike nurses and even nurse practitioners, AAs have training in the scientific and mathematical principles that underlie the successful administration of anesthesia. As a results, AAs are able to make their own on-the-spot decisions about patient treatment and recommend specific courses of action to the patient (although these decisions are always subject to the review and approval of the primary anesthesiologist). 

Over time and with experience, a trusted AA can move up the ranks to gain even more autonomy and more limited oversight from the supervising anesthesiologist. Many AAs are employed by hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and even private doctor's offices.

Are you permitted to practice medicine as an AA?

One of the most important factors to investigate before pursuing AA training is whether your state recognizes this degree and will grant you the power to practice medicine after receiving it. Currently, only 16 states (plus the District of Columbia) and the federal government recognize an AA degree as conferring the ability to make patient care decisions under the supervision of another licensed physician. 

While you're free to seek training to become an AA in other states, you may find that the pool of available jobs is limited, and that you're unable to make independent medical care decisions even under the supervision of another anesthesiologist. Rather than acquiring a job as an AA, you may instead become an anesthesiology nurse, which can still allow you to care for patients but at a much lower average pay rate.

What type of degree will you need to become an AA?

In the states that recognize AA as a distinct medical position, you'll need to spend approximately 6 total years in undergraduate and graduate school—4 years to obtain your bachelor's degree and another 2 to 2.5 years to receive a master's degree. During your master's program, you'll be required to spend a certain number of hours in the operating room or having direct patient contact, and will need to take a licensing exam upon graduation. Learn more about which programs you should take by consulting with institutions like ASA College.

How much can you expect to earn as an AA?

A career as an AA can serve a very fulfilling middle ground. You'll have the ability to make patient care decisions without the responsibility (and associated malpractice insurance bills) shouldered by licensed physicians. You'll also have the chance to enjoy a high-earning medical career without spending at least an additional 2 years in medical school and another few years as a low-earning resident. 

After graduating with your master's degree and obtaining an AA license, you'll likely enjoy a starting salary in the low six figures. As you gain experience and move from job to job, this salary will only increase, making the extra time spent in school a very worthwhile investment in your future income. Top earners in this field can make nearly $200,000 per year.

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