Accredited Anesthesiologist Assistant Programs by State

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Anesthesiologist assistants (AAs) are highly trained healthcare professionals who work under the direction of licensed anesthesiologists to deliver safe and effective anesthesia care. With a growing demand for surgical services and specialized support in operating rooms, AAs are playing an increasingly important role in the healthcare workforce.

However, anesthesiologist assistant programs are not available in every U.S. state, and education, licensing, and certification requirements for anesthesiologist assistants can vary significantly depending on where you live—or plan to practice. This state-by-state guide is designed to help aspiring AAs understand where accredited programs are located, what each state requires for licensure and certification, and whether your credentials may be recognized across state lines.

Whether you’re just beginning your educational journey or looking to relocate for a career in anesthesiology, this resource offers the detailed, localized information you need to make informed decisions.

States Without Accredited Anesthesiologist Assistant Programs

While the anesthesiologist assistant profession is growing, not all states currently offer accredited AA educational programs. This can be due to state-specific licensing laws, limited institutional partnerships, or a lack of demand in certain regions. For prospective students in these states, pursuing an AA career may require relocating to a state with an established program or exploring alternative educational pathways in healthcare. Below, we highlight the states that currently do not have accredited AA programs and what that means for students and professionals considering this field.

The following states do not offer any accredited AA programs:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming.

Alternative Career Paths to an Anesthesiologist Assistant Career

If you’re interested in becoming an anesthesiologist assistant (AA) but live in a state that doesn’t offer an AA program or doesn’t recognize the profession, you still have several career paths that offer similar responsibilities, education levels, and patient care experiences. Here are some strong career alternatives to consider, depending on your career goals, interests, and willingness to relocate or pursue online or hybrid programs.

Do All States Recognize AA Practice?

An Anesthesiologist Assistant’s ability to practice is not universally recognized across all 50 states. While some states have clear legislation allowing AAs to work under the supervision of licensed anesthesiologists, others either restrict AA practice or have no legal framework in place. Understanding which states recognize AA licensure and certification is essential for students choosing where to study and work, as well as for certified AAs seeking employment opportunities across state lines.

States That Do Recognize or License AAs

In contrast, the following states authorize AA practice either via state licensure or physician delegation:

  • Licensed States: Alabama, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin
  • Delegatory Authority States: Kansas, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Texas

States That Do Not Recognize AA Practice

These states either prohibit AA practice entirely or do not have legal provisions for certification/licensure:

  • California, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and several others listed above.
  • Many of these states inhibit AA practice due to absence of legislation or professional opposition.

What This Means for Aspiring AAs

  • If you reside in a state without a program or licensing, you would need to:
    1. Enroll in an accredited program in a state that offers one.
    2. Relocate post-graduation to a state that allows AA practice.
    3. Apply for licensure or physician delegation authority in that practicing state.
  • Interstate reciprocity is limited—only states that license or delegate AAs will recognize NCCAA certification and grant practice eligibility by endorsement.

States with Accredited AA Programs

Based on CAAHEP listings and program data, these 9 states and Washington, D.C. offer accredited Anesthesiologist Assistant programs:

  • Colorado (University of Colorado, Aurora)
  • Florida (Nova Southeastern University: Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Jacksonville; South University: Orlando, Savannah)
  • Georgia (Emory University: Atlanta; South University: Savannah)
  • Indiana (Indiana University School of Medicine: Indianapolis)
  • Kansas (University of Missouri–Kansas City)
  • Missouri (same as Kansas program above)
  • Ohio (Case Western Reserve University: Cleveland; also Northeast Ohio Medical University, Ohio Dominican University)
  • Texas (Case Western Reserve University: Houston)
  • Wisconsin (Medical College of Wisconsin: Milwaukee)
  • Washington, D.C. (Case Western Reserve University campus)

Florida

List of Schools and Programs

Florida offers several accredited programs for students pursuing a career as an anesthesiologist assistant. These programs are typically housed within medical schools or affiliated health science colleges.

  1. Nova Southeastern University – Tampa and Fort Lauderdale: https://healthsciences.nova.edu/academics/masters/anesthesiologist-assistant-programs/index.html
    • Degree: Master of Science in Anesthesia (MSA)
    • Program Length: 27 months
    • Delivery Format: In-person, full-time
    • Accreditation: CAAHEP-accredited

Education Requirements

To qualify for an AA program in Florida, applicants generally need:

  • A bachelor’s degree with a strong science foundation (biology, chemistry, or health science)
  • Competitive GPA (3.0+ typically required)
  • GRE scores (some programs may waive if GPA is high)
  • Healthcare or patient care experience (recommended but not always required)
  • Prerequisite courses may include:
    • Organic Chemistry
    • Anatomy and Physiology
    • Biochemistry
    • Physics
    • Statistics or Calculus

Licensing and Certification Requirements

To practice as an anesthesiologist assistant in Florida, you must:

  • Graduate from a CAAHEP-accredited AA program
  • Pass the NCCAA certification exam
  • Apply for licensure through the Florida Board of Medicine
  • Submit:
    • Official transcripts
    • NCCAA certification
    • Proof of program completion
    • Background screening and fingerprinting
    • Application fee
  • Maintain licensure through biennial renewal and continuing education

Reciprocity

Florida does not have formal reciprocity agreements, but it allows license by endorsement. This means:

  • If you’re certified by the NCCAA and licensed in another state, you can apply for a Florida license without retaking the exam.
  • You must still submit all required documentation and meet Florida’s background check standards.

Texas

Schools & Programs

  1. UTHealth McGovern Medical School (Houston): https://med.uth.edu/msa/
    • Degree: Master of Science in Anesthesia (MSA)
    • Length: ~28 months, ~100 credit hours
    • Format: In-person, full-time
  2. Case Western Reserve (Houston & Austin): https://case.edu/medicine/msa-program/houston; https://case.edu/medicine/msa-program/austin-0
    • Degree: Master of Science in Anesthesia (MSA)
    • Length: Similar 28-month program
    • Format: In-person, full-time
  3. University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Launching 2026: https://www.umhb.edu/news/2025/umhb-to-offer-anesthesiologist-assistant-program-in-2026
    • Degree: Master of Science in Anesthesiology
    • Length: 28 months, first cohort fall 2026

Education Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree with major in sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, calculus)
  • GRE or MCAT required
  • Recommended healthcare experience and OR shadowing (8–10 hours min.)

Licensing & Certification

  • Must graduate from CAAHEP-accredited program and pass NCCAA certification exam
  • Texas recognizes AAs via physician delegation model (no state licensure board required)
  • NCCAA certification is essential

Reciprocity

  • Texas allows out-of-state NCCAA-certified AAs to practice under physician delegation without exam retake

Georgia

Schools & Programs

  1. Emory University School of Medicine (Atlanta): https://med.emory.edu/departments/anesthesiology/education/masters/index.html
    • Degree: Master of Medical Science in Anesthesia (MMSc)
    • Length: 27 months (7 semesters)
    • Format: In-person, full-time
    • Accreditation: CAAHEP-accredited
  2. South University (Savannah): https://www.southuniversity.edu/savannah/anesthesia-science-mmsc
    • Degree: Master of Medical Science in Anesthesia Science
    • Length: Approx. 27–28 months
    • Format: In-person, full-time
    • Accreditation: CAAHEP-accredited

Education Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, calculus)
  • Minimum GPA ~3.1; accepted GPAs often 3.5+
  • GRE or MCAT required (GRE ≥ 55th percentile, MCAT ≥ 502)
  • ≥ 8 hours of OR shadowing with MD, CAA, or CRNA
  • Prerequisite courses: English, biology (2 semesters), chemistry (2 general + orgo with labs), biochemistry, physics (2 semesters), anatomy & physiology, medical terminology, and calculus; statistics and advanced science courses recommended

Licensing & Certification Requirements

  • Graduate from a CAAHEP-accredited program
  • Pass the National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants (NCCAA) exam
  • Apply for licensure through the Georgia Board of Medicine: submit transcripts, NCCAA certification, background check, fingerprints, and fee
  • Licensure must be renewed biennially; requires continuing medical education (typically 40 CME hours every 2 years)

Reciprocity

  • Georgia allows licensure by endorsement for NCCAA-certified AAs licensed in another state—no additional exam required, just documentation and application through the Board
  • NCCAA certification alone qualifies applicants, provided they supply official certification and meet GA’s background and CME rules

Colorado

Schools & Programs

  1. University of Colorado School of Medicine (Aurora): https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/anesthesiology/education/anesthesiologist-assistant-program
    • Degree: Master of Science in Anesthesiology (MSA)
    • Length: 28 months
    • Format: In-person, full-time
    • Accreditation: CAAHEP-accredited

Education Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in science or related field
  • MCAT (≤ 5 years old); GRE acceptable where specified
  • Prerequisites: 2 semesters each of general biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics (labs), 1 semester biochemistry, human anatomy & physiology, calculus, statistics; labs strongly recommended
  • Minimum grades: B– in prerequisites; some expire after ~7 years unless MCAT score compensates
  • ≥ 8 hours of anesthetist/physician shadowing in OR required; more recommended

Licensing & Certification Requirements

  • Graduate from a CAAHEP-accredited program
  • Pass the NCCAA certification exam
  • Apply to the Colorado Medical Board: submit transcripts, NCCAA certificate, fingerprints, background check, and fee
  • Biennial license renewal; continuing education mandated

Reciprocity

  • Colorado permits licensure by endorsement. NCCAA-certified AAs from other states may apply without additional certification. Applicants still must meet CO background and CME standards
  • Must provide full documentation of accreditation and certification eligibility

Indiana

Schools & Programs

  1. Indiana University School of Medicine (Indianapolis): https://medicine.iu.edu/anesthesia/education/ms
    • Degree: Master of Science in Anesthesia (MSA)
    • Length: 28 months (7 semesters)
    • Format: In-person, full-time
    • Accreditation: CAAHEP-accredited

Education Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in sciences or related field
  • Competitive GPA (overall ~3.5–3.8; science ~3.4–3.8)
  • GRE or MCAT scores within 3 years, typically 60th percentile+
  • Shadowing requirement: minimum 8 hours in the OR with anesthesiology providers
  • Prerequisite coursework:
    • 2 semesters each: general biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics with labs
    • 1 semester anatomy, 1 semester physiology, 1 semester statistics or calculus

Licensing & Certification Requirements

  • Graduate from a CAAHEP-accredited AA program
  • Pass the NCCAA certification exam
  • Apply for licensure via the Indiana Medical Licensing Board: provide transcripts, NCCAA certificate, fingerprints, background check, and fee
  • License renewal required biennially, with continuing education (e.g., 40 CME hours every 2 years)

Reciprocity

  • Indiana allows license by endorsement for NCCAA-certified AAs licensed in another state; no additional exam required
  • Must submit complete documentation and meet Indiana’s background/CME requirements

Kansas

Schools & Programs

  1. University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Medicine (Kansas City, MO): https://med.umkc.edu/academics/degree-and-certificate-programs/msa/index.html
    • Degree: Master of Health Sciences – Anesthesiologist Assistant (MHS-AA)
    • Length: Approx. 29 months, full-time (MSA scholars track available)
    • Format: In-person on the Kansas City campus
    • Accreditation: CAAHEP-accredited

Education Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • Minimum GPA: 3.0 cumulative; prerequisite GPA 3.0+; in-state candidates ~3.5+
  • GRE, MCAT, or DAT scores required (within 5 years)
  • Prerequisites:
    • 2 semesters biology w/ lab
    • 2 semesters general chemistry w/ lab
    • 1 semester organic chemistry w/ lab
    • 1 semester organic chemistry II or biochemistry
    • 2 semesters physics w/ lab
    • 1 semester anatomy; 1 semester physiology
    • 1 semester statistics
    • 1 semester medical terminology

Licensing & Certification Requirements

  • Graduate from a CAAHEP-accredited program
  • Pass the NCCAA certification exam
  • Apply through Kansas Medical Board (or Missouri Board if practicing in MO): submit transcripts, NCCAA certificate, fingerprinting, background screening, and fee
  • License must be renewed biennially; requires continuing education (exact hours per state board)

Reciprocity

  • Kansas participates in delegatory authority, recognizing NCCAA-certified AAs from other states, provided documentation is complete
  • No additional certification exam; must meet Kansas board’s background check and CME standards

Missouri

Schools & Programs

  1. University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Medicine (Kansas City, MO): https://med.umkc.edu/academics/degree-and-certificate-programs/msa/index.html
    • Degree: Master of Health Sciences – Anesthesiologist Assistant (MHS-AA)
    • Length: Approximately 29 months (full‑time)
    • Format: In‑person on campus
    • Accreditation: CAAHEP‑accredited

Education Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Minimum GPA: ~3.0 cumulative; 3.0+ in prerequisites
  • GRE, MCAT, or DAT within the last 5 years
  • Prerequisites include: 1 year biology, 1 year general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, 2 semesters physics, anatomy, physiology, statistics, and medical terminology

Licensing & Certification Requirements

  • Graduate from a CAAHEP‑accredited AA program
  • Pass the NCCAA certification exam
  • Apply through Missouri Medical Board: submit transcripts, NCCAA certificate, fingerprints, background check, and fee
  • Biennial license renewal with continuing education requirements

Reciprocity

  • Missouri allows licensure by endorsement for NCCAA-certified AAs currently licensed in other states
  • Requires documentation and compliance with Missouri’s background check and CME standards

Ohio

Schools & Programs

  1. Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland): https://case.edu/medicine/msa-program/cleveland
    • Degree: Master of Science in Anesthesia (MSA)
    • Length: 24 months (70 credit hours)
    • Format: In-person, full-time
    • Accreditation: CAAHEP‑accredited
  2. Northeast Ohio Medical University (Rootstown): https://www.neomed.edu/graduatestudies/anesthesiologist-assistant/
    • Master of Medical Science in Anesthesia (M.M.Sc.A.) 
  3. Ohio Dominican University (Columbus): https://www.ohiodominican.edu/academics/masters-degrees/anesthesiologist-assistant-studies/index.html
    • Degree: MSA (launched 2022)

Education Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree from accredited college/university
  • Prerequisites include 1 year biology, anatomy, physiology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, calculus or statistics, English
  • MCAT or GRE required (within the last 3 years: MCAT ≥ 500 or GRE accepted)

Licensing & Certification Requirements

  • Graduate from a CAAHEP‑accredited program
  • Pass the NCCAA certification exam
  • Apply through Ohio Medical Board: submit transcripts, NCCAA certificate, fingerprints, background screening, and fee
  • License renewal every two years with continuing education per state mandate

Reciprocity

  • Ohio permits licensure by endorsement for out-of-state NCCAA-certified AAs
  • Requires application, documentation, and compliance with Ohio’s CME and background requirements

Wisconsin

Schools & Programs

  1. Medical College of Wisconsin (Milwaukee, WI): https://www.mcw.edu/education/master-of-science-in-anesthesia-anesthesiologist-assistant-program
    • Degree: Master of Science in Anesthesia (MSA or CAA)
    • Length: 28 months (approx.)
    • Format: In-person, full-time program with clinical rotations at Froedtert Hospital and Children’s Wisconsin
    • Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

Education Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree with strong science foundation (biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, physiology, and calculus)
  • Competitive GPA (commonly 3.0–3.5) and strong performance in prerequisite courses
  • GRE or MCAT may be required depending on applicant profile
  • ≥ 8 hours of operating room shadowing with anesthesiology providers recommended
  • Formal prerequisites typically include general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, biology with labs, anatomy/physiology, biochemistry, statistics, and medical terminology 

Licensing & Certification Requirements

  • Graduate from a CAAHEP-accredited program (e.g., MCW)
  • Pass the National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants (NCCAA) exam
  • Apply for licensure through the Wisconsin Medical Examining Board: submit transcripts, NCCAA certification, fingerprinting/background check, and fee
  • Licenses are renewed biennially; continuing education is required per state standards

Reciprocity

  • Wisconsin recognizes license by endorsement: NCCAA-certified AAs from other states may apply without retaking the exam
  • Applicants must submit documentation, satisfy background and fingerprinting requirements, and meet Wisconsin continuing education rules

Washington, D.C.

Schools & Programs

  1. Case Western Reserve University (Washington, D.C. Campus): https://case.edu/medicine/msa-program/washington
    • Degree: Master of Science in Anesthesia (MSA / CAA)
    • Length: ~28 months (stand-alone D.C. cohort)
    • Format: In-person, full-time with clinical placements in D.C.-area hospitals
    • Accreditation: CAAHEP-accredited through Case Western Reserve’s program

Education Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree with foundational coursework in the sciences and math (biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy/physiology, calculus, statistics)
  • Competitive GPA and evidence of academic excellence
  • GRE or MCAT required (typically within 3–5 years prior to application)
  • ≥ 8 hours of OR shadowing exposure to anesthesiology practice recommended
  • Similar comprehensive prerequisites as other AA programs

Licensing & Certification Requirements

  • Graduation from a CAAHEP-accredited program
  • NCCAA exam pass required for certification
  • Licensure through the District of Columbia Board of Medicine: submit transcripts, NCCAA certificate, conduct background check/fingerprinting, and pay applicable fees
  • Renewal typically required every two years with continuing education

Reciprocity

  • D.C. allows license by endorsement: NCCAA-certified AAs licensed in other states can apply without retaking the national exam
  • Must meet D.C.’s background, documentation, and CME requirements as part of the application process

Takeaways

Pursuing a career as an anesthesiologist assistant (AA) offers a rewarding path within the healthcare field—combining advanced clinical training with the opportunity to play a critical role in surgical and pain management teams. While anesthesiologist assistant programs are still growing in number across the United States, understanding the educational pathways, licensing requirements, and program availability in your specific state is crucial to making an informed decision. Here’s a summary of what we know:

  • There are roughly 12–18 accredited AA programs total in the U.S., all in states that formally permit AA practice
  • No programs currently exist on the West Coast or in the Northeast (e.g., CA, NY, NJ)

As this field continues to expand, more states are recognizing the value of Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants, with accredited programs becoming more accessible. Whether you’re located in a state with established AA programs or considering relocating to attend one, staying up to date on state-specific requirements will help you navigate your path with confidence.

Be sure to research programs thoroughly, verify accreditation, and consider each state’s licensing and reciprocity policies. With the right preparation, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a key player in the future of anesthesiology care.

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