South University Anesthesiologist Assistant: 5 Essential Facts For The 2025-2026 Application Cycle
The Anesthesiologist Assistant (AA) role is a crucial part of the Anesthesia Care Team, working under the direction of a licensed anesthesiologist to manage patient care before, during, and after surgical procedures. South University has established its AA program across multiple campuses, providing a rigorous, clinically focused education designed to prepare graduates for the National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants (NCCAA) examination and a successful career in anesthesiology.
1. Program Structure, Locations, and Accreditation Status
South University offers its Anesthesiologist Assistant program—formally titled the Master of Medical Science in Anesthesia Science (MMSc)—at several key locations, providing geographic flexibility for applicants across the southeastern United States.
- Program Locations: The AA program is currently offered at the Savannah, Georgia, campus, as well as the Orlando, Florida, and West Palm Beach, Florida, campuses.
- Program Length: The intensive curriculum is structured to be completed in approximately 28 months, which is typically divided into nine quarters of didactic and clinical coursework. This accelerated schedule allows students to enter the workforce as Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAAs) sooner than many other master's-level healthcare programs.
- Accreditation: The Anesthesiologist Assistant program at South University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). This programmatic accreditation is essential, as it ensures the curriculum meets the national standards required for graduates to take the certification exam administered by the NCCAA. Furthermore, South University itself holds institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
The curriculum is designed to be a tight temporal sequence, beginning with foundational medical science courses—including pharmacology, physiology, and anatomy—before transitioning into extensive clinical rotations in operating rooms and critical care settings.
2. Updated 2025-2026 Admissions and Prerequisite Requirements
Admission to the South University AA program is highly competitive, and prospective students must demonstrate a strong academic background, particularly in the sciences. The following requirements reflect the latest standards for the 2025-2026 application cycle.
Key Academic Prerequisites:
Applicants must hold a Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university. The required prerequisite coursework includes, but may not be limited to, the following core science and non-science courses:
- General Biology (2 semesters with labs)
- General Chemistry (2 semesters with labs)
- Organic Chemistry (1 semester with lab)
- English or English Literature (1 semester)
- Highly Recommended/Commonly Required: Biochemistry, Human Anatomy, and Human Physiology (often a full year of A&P).
GPA and Standardized Test Scores:
While the minimum required GPA can vary, successful applicants typically exceed the baseline. For example, the mean overall GPA for the Savannah Campus Class of 2022 was 3.54, indicating the high caliber of admitted students. The program evaluates three key GPA metrics: overall GPA, prerequisite GPA, and science GPA.
- GRE Requirement: The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for admission, and applicants must submit their scores using the South University GRE Code (7450).
- MCAT Preference: While the GRE is mandatory, the program gives preference to applicants who also submit Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores.
In addition to academic metrics, applicants must submit three letters of recommendation and complete a personal interview as part of the rigorous application process.
3. Estimated Tuition and Fees for the 2025-2026 Academic Year
Investing in an Anesthesiologist Assistant education is a significant financial decision. The cost of attendance at South University is based on a per-credit-per-term rate, and prospective students should budget for tuition, fees, and living expenses over the 28-month program duration.
2025-2026 Estimated Direct Costs:
Based on the most recent data for the 2025-2026 academic year, the estimated tuition and fees are as follows:
- Tuition Rate (Per Credit Per Term): Approximately $11,671.
- Estimated Tuition (Per Academic Year): Approximately $35,013.
It is important to note that these figures are estimates and do not include indirect costs such as books, supplies, housing, transportation, or personal expenses. A non-refundable $500 acceptance fee is also required upon admission to secure a seat in the program.
4. The Lucrative Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant Career Outlook
The demand for Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAAs) remains robust, driven by the increasing complexity of surgical procedures and a growing need for skilled professionals in the Anesthesia Care Team model. Graduates of the South University MMSc program are entering a highly desirable job market with excellent long-term career stability.
Salary and Job Growth Projections:
The financial rewards for a CAA are substantial, reflecting the advanced education and critical responsibilities of the role.
- Average Salary: While salary ranges can vary significantly based on location, experience, and practice setting (e.g., hospital, surgical center, outpatient clinic), average annual salaries for Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants in 2025 often fall within the $150,000 to $175,000 range. Some estimates for experienced professionals in high-cost-of-living areas have been reported to be much higher.
- Job Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a strong job growth rate for the profession, with estimates around 7% through 2032, significantly faster than the average for all occupations. This positive trend ensures ample opportunities for new graduates.
The career path for an Anesthesiologist Assistant offers a favorable work-life balance compared to many other high-level medical professions, making it an attractive option for those seeking a rewarding and sustainable career in patient care and critical care management.
5. Key Entities and LSI Keywords for Topical Authority
To fully understand the scope and importance of the South University AA program, applicants should be familiar with the key entities and terminology that define the profession. Mastering this vocabulary demonstrates a deep understanding of anesthesiology and the role of the CAA.
Essential Entities and LSI Keywords:
The following terms are central to the Anesthesiologist Assistant field and the South University curriculum, providing topical authority for any discussion of the program:
- Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA): The official title of the licensed professional.
- Master of Medical Science (MMSc): The degree awarded by South University upon completion of the program.
- Anesthesia Care Team: The collaborative model where CAAs work with anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists.
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP): The body that accredits the program.
- National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants (NCCAA): The organization responsible for the certification exam.
- Didactic Phase: The initial, classroom-based portion of the 28-month program.
- Clinical Rotations: The hands-on training phase in the operating room and critical care settings.
- Medical Terminology: A foundational knowledge required for all courses.
- Pharmacology and Physiology: Core science subjects in the curriculum.
- Operating Room (OR) Management: A key skill set taught during the program.
- Patient Monitoring and Life Support: Critical responsibilities of a CAA.
- Anesthesiology Residency: The pathway for physicians, distinct from the AA path.
- Prerequisite GPA and Science GPA: Key metrics for admission.
- Advanced Airway Management: A core clinical skill.
- Critical Care Medicine: A common area of practice for CAAs.
Understanding these terms and their context within the Master of Medical Science in Anesthesia Science program at South University will be invaluable for both the application and the subsequent 28 months of intensive study.
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