What is a CAA?
A Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA) is a master's-trained anesthesia provider who delivers anesthesia care as part of the physician-led anesthesia care team.
The role
CAAs work in the Anesthesia Care Team (ACT) model — administering and managing anesthesia under the medical direction of a licensed anesthesiologist. Day to day, their work in the operating room closely parallels that of other anesthesia providers: preoperative assessment, airway management, induction and maintenance, monitoring, and emergence.
CAA programs are master's degrees (roughly 24–28 months) and are accredited through the same body that accredits anesthesiologist-assistant education. The credential is earned by passing the certifying exam.
Where CAAs practice
CAAs practice in states that license or recognize the profession — currently around two dozen states and Washington, D.C., through licensure or physician delegation. Because state recognition continues to expand, always verify the current status for any state you're considering.
CAA vs. CRNA
Both CAAs and CRNAs are master's- or doctoral-trained anesthesia providers who often do very similar work in the OR. The differences are in the path and the practice model:
- Background: CRNAs are registered nurses with critical-care (ICU) experience; CAAs come from any bachelor's background with premedical prerequisites — you don't need to be a nurse.
- Practice model: CAAs always work within the physician-led anesthesia care team; CRNA practice authority varies by state (some allow independent practice).
- Where you can work: CRNAs are recognized in all states; CAAs in the states that license or recognize the profession.
Neither is "better" — they're different routes into anesthesia. The right one depends on your background and where you want to practice.
How to become a CAA
Earn a bachelor's degree
Any major works — what matters is completing the premedical prerequisite science coursework (biology, general and organic chemistry, physics, and math). Many programs require prerequisites completed within the last 5–10 years.
Take the GRE or MCAT
Most CAA programs require a competitive GRE or MCAT score. Check each program — requirements and minimums vary.
Get shadowing & clinical hours
Shadow CAAs and anesthesiologists and build healthcare experience. Programs want to see you understand the role and the OR environment firsthand.
Apply through CASAA
Most programs use the Centralized Application Service for Anesthesiologist Assistants (CASAA): transcripts, scores, letters, a personal statement, and program-specific requirements, all on a timeline.
Track your path with Boost CAA
Score your candidacy, keep your prerequisites and clinical hours organized (with expiration warnings), and work a CASAA timeline — free to start.
Informational overview only — accreditation, state recognition, and program requirements change. Verify current details with each program, your target states, and the certifying/accrediting bodies.