Certified anesthesiologist assistant (CAA) programs welcome students from all academic majors, but applicants must complete prerequisite coursework before entering a Master of Science in Anesthesia (MSA) or equivalent graduate program. While many CAA programs share similar admission requirements, prerequisites vary by institution. Students should always review the admission requirements for each CAA program they plan to apply to.
The table below outlines common prerequisite courses for many CAA programs, the corresponding NIU course(s) and whether the course content is important for MCAT preparation. Some CAA programs accept the GRE instead of the MCAT.
CAA program prerequisites vary by institution. Some programs may require additional coursework in areas such as upper-level biology, psychology, statistics or medical terminology. Standardized testing requirements also vary, with many programs accepting either the MCAT or GRE and others having specific testing requirements. Students should carefully review the admission requirements for each CAA program they are considering and meet regularly with the Pre-health Professions Program to develop an individualized academic plan.
| Requirement | NIU Course(s) | Required by Most Programs | Important for the MCAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Biology I | BIOS 208/210 | Yes | Essential |
| General Biology II | BIOS 209/211 | Yes | Essential |
| General Chemistry I | CHEM 210/212 | Yes | Essential |
| General Chemistry II | CHEM 211/213 | Yes | Essential |
| Organic Chemistry I | CHEM 330/332 or CHEM 336/338 | Frequently | Essential |
| Organic Chemistry II | CHEM 331/333 or CHEM 337/339 | Some programs | Essential |
| Biochemistry | CHEM 470 | Frequently | Essential |
| Physics I | PHYS 210 or PHYS 253 | Yes | Essential |
| Physics II | PHYS 211 or PHYS 273 | Frequently | Essential |
| Statistics | STAT 200 | Frequently | Helpful |
| Human Anatomy | BIOS 311 | Frequently | Essential |
| Human Physiology | BIOS 355 | Frequently | Essential |
| English Composition | ENGL 103 | Yes | Helpful |
Standardized testing requirements vary by CAA program. Many programs accept either the MCAT or GRE, while others have specific testing requirements. Students should verify the admission testing requirements for each program they are considering.
While not required by every CAA program, these courses strengthen your preparation for graduate anesthesia education.
| NIU Course | Why Take It? |
|---|---|
| BIOS 311 - Functional Human Anatomy | Provides an excellent foundation for anesthesia and patient care |
| BIOS 355 - Human Physiology | One of the most valuable preparation courses for anesthesia education |
| BIOS 313 - Microbiology | Reinforces concepts related to infection prevention and patient care |
| BIOS 302 - Cell and Molecular Biology | Strengthens biological knowledge relevant to advanced medical sciences |
| BIOS 308 - Genetics | Helpful preparation for modern medicine and inherited disorders |
| CHEM 472 - Biological Chemistry II | Provides additional preparation in biochemistry and metabolism |
This timeline combines guidance from the American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants (AAAA) and the Centralized Application Service for Anesthesiologist Assistants (CASAA) and has been adapted for NIU students. Individual timelines may vary depending on academic preparation and admission requirements.
| Timeline | Recommended Activities |
|---|---|
| First year | Meet with the Pre-health Professions Program. Begin biology and chemistry coursework (if placement allows). Join a pre-health student organization. Develop strong study habits. Begin exploring careers in anesthesia through shadowing and healthcare experiences. |
| Second year | Continue prerequisite science coursework based on your individualized academic plan. Begin gaining healthcare or patient-care experience when possible and seek opportunities to shadow or learn from anesthesiologists and certified anesthesiologist assistants. Continue developing community service, leadership and other meaningful experiences. |
| Third year | Continue or complete advanced prerequisite coursework, which may include organic chemistry, physics, anatomy, physiology and biochemistry depending on your course sequence and program requirements. Research CAA programs and compare prerequisite, standardized testing, healthcare experience and shadowing requirements. If required by your programs, develop a plan for preparing for and completing the MCAT or GRE. |
| Application year | Finalize your school list and verify that you will meet each program's prerequisite and admission requirements. Complete the MCAT or GRE if required by your selected programs. Identify and request letters of recommendation, begin or finalize your personal statement and meet with the Pre-health Professions Program to review your application strategy. |
| CASAA application cycle | Submit your CASAA application as early as possible. Complete supplemental applications and continue gaining healthcare experience while your application is under review. |
| Interview and matriculation period | Participate in interviews. Maintain strong academic performance. Complete your bachelor's degree and prepare for matriculation. |
| Gap year (optional) | Many successful applicants strengthen their applications through additional healthcare experience, research, leadership or advanced science coursework before applying. |
Competitive CAA applicants demonstrate more than academic success. Programs value applicants who have shadowed certified anesthesiologist assistants and anesthesiologists, understand the anesthesia care team model, and have meaningful healthcare experience that demonstrates professionalism, communication skills and patient-centered care.
The following organizations provide reliable information about certified anesthesiologist assistant education, admissions, certification and careers.
Pre-health Professions Program
prehealth@niu.edu