Medical College of Wisconsin AA Program Begins Classes

On August 8, 2016, the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) opened its doors to its inaugural class of Anesthesiologist Assistants (AA). MCW was pleased to see enthusiasm for the program with more than 100 individuals submitting applications. Ultimately, 12 students were chosen for the 28-month program. MCW's Master of Science in Anesthesia (MSA) program aims to improve access to high-quality perioperative care in Wisconsin through promotion of the Anesthesia Care Team. The MCW program is among 11 Anesthesiologist Assistant educational programs nationwide.

“MCW's Master of Science in Anesthesia program is a perfect fit for the state of Wisconsin” said Lois Connolly, M.D., the program Medical Director. “AAs have long served as valued members of the Anesthesia Care Team in Wisconsin. We are thrilled Wisconsin residents can now stay in their home state to become AAs, we are equally excited for those out-of-state students who will become part of our state.”

To date, AAs may practice in 17 jurisdictions, the Medicare Program, and the Veterans Affairs system. AAs are highly skilled health professionals who work within the direction of physician anesthesiologists to implement anesthesia care plans. They work exclusively within the Anesthesia Care Team environment as described by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). All AAs possess a premedical undergraduate background and complete a comprehensive didactic and clinical program at the graduate school master’s degree level. They are trained extensively in the delivery and maintenance of quality anesthesia care as well as advanced patient monitoring techniques.

To learn more about AAs, please contact Ashli Eastwood, State Affairs Associate.