The Pennsylvania Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants
The PAAA is a non-profit association organized to advance the Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant profession, to enhance the education and standards of anesthesia practice, to promote patient safety through the Anesthesia Care Team, and to provide a forum for Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant advocacy in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The PAAA is made up of Certified Anesthesiologists Assistants from all across the country who hope to advocate for their profession in Pennsylvania. Our CAA Fellow members are also joined by student AAs, as well as physician and other affiliate members!
The PAAA is dedicated to providing quality education on the Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant profession, and to advocating on behalf of its members, both nationally and in Pennsylvania!
Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAAs) are highly skilled health professionals who work under the direction of licensed anesthesiologists to implement anesthesia care plans. CAAs work exclusively within the anesthesia care team environment as described by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). All CAAs possess a premedical background, a baccalaureate degree, and also complete a comprehensive didactic and clinical program at the graduate school level. CAAs are trained extensively in the delivery and maintenance of quality anesthesia care as well as advanced patient monitoring techniques. The goal of CAA education is to guide the transformation of qualified student applicants into competent health care practitioners who aspire to practice in the anesthesia care team. Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants and certified registered nurse anesthetists are both defined as "non-physician anesthetists" within the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services section of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Where do CAAs practice?
Anesthesiology practices in many states presently employ CAAs. Inclusion of CAAs in anesthesia care team practices across the country is a dynamic and evolving situation. Currently, CAAs are licensed in 13 states (including Ohio), Washington, D.C., and Guam. CAAs practice under delegatory authority in Texas and Michigan, and have the opportunity to practice in any VA in the country.
How are CAAs certified?
Initial certification is awarded to an AA who has successfully completed the Certifying Examination for Anesthesiologist Assistants administered by NCCAA in collaboration with the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). The NCCAA consists of Commissioners representing ASA, AAAA, and at-large physician and AA members. Graduates or senior students in their last semester in an AA educational program that has been accredited by CAAHEP may apply for initial certification.
What does CAA education involve?
Student applicants to AA education programs must possess a baccalaureate degree and complete a variety of premedical coursework. Many applicants possess healthcare experience, and may have previously worked as medical scribes, respiratory therapists, etc. All AA education programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). A list of all currently accredited AA programs can be found at https://www.caahep.org/Accreditation/Find-a-Program.aspx.
Join Our Team!
We are currently looking for new members to add to our leadership team! For more info, please email us at info@pennsylvaniaaaa.org!
