Hi- I am applying to PA programs here in Colorado and I am really interested in the AA program at the medical school but I have a friend who is a CRNA (in another state) and she mentioned to make sure there are jobs before applying to the program. Sure enough, when I search for AA jobs in Colorado, nothing comes up. I have also called numerous hospitals and surgical centers to find out if they provide CRNAs or AAs for the anesthesiologists and I have been told that “anesthesia assistant” is not one of the job descriptions they have. I am hesitant to apply to the program if there are no positions. Does anyone have any information or thoughts? I know AA is a new position and program in the United States, so maybe things will get better for job outlook? Thank you in advance.
Actually, Anesthesiologist Assistant (AA) [NOT Anesthesia Assistant] has been around for over 40 years.
If you attend a AA school in Colorado, you might have to look for employment in one of the other applicable states, as the demand for is higher in some states than others. There seem to be a certain level of “discord” between AAs and CRNAs, as the latter view AAs as a threat. The good thing about Anesthesiologist Assistant (in comparison to a CRNA), is that you do not need a BSN or work 1-3 years as a RN in a Adult ICU before applying to an Anesthesiologist Assistant Program. They pretty much perform same duties and their earn the same salary. There are other distinctions between the two professions that you should research, but the fact that Colorado has limited job openings shouldn’t be a limiting factor, unless you have no intention of leaving that state.