Anesthesiologist Assistant Salary

Anesthesiologist assistants (AA) work with certified anesthesiologists and help them in developing and executing the anesthesia treatment plan during a surgical procedure. They use various medicines, IVs and gases, or a combination of these, to put patients to sleep before medical procedures. The average salary of an anesthesiologist assistant is in six figures which makes it a lucrative career option. It is one of the medical jobs with an attractive pay package and the satisfaction of helping patients is worth it. People interested in healthcare and pharmacology should look at this as a viable career option.

To become an anesthesiologist assistant you need to complete a training program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program (CAAHEP). In the growing healthcare industry, the requirement for assistants is on the rise. The American Medical Association (AMA) predicts that the job opportunities in this profession are expected to grow rapidly.

Educational Qualifications

The anesthesiologist assistant program is commonly referred to as AA and these programs last for 2 years. To be eligible for AA programs students must have a 4-year bachelor's degree, preferably with a major in chemistry or biology. Anesthesiologist assistant programs are less strenuous than anesthesiologist requirements.

The courses for the AA program typically focuses on the study of anatomy, physiology and anesthesia. The course material also includes extensive pharmacology and biology topics related to anesthetics and effects on human cells and tissues. The course is quite extensive and the students are given practical training under clinical settings as well. One can earn professional certification by giving an exam administered by the National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistant (NCCAA).

Job Description

As mentioned, an anesthesiologist assistant helps an anesthesiologist to carry out the anesthesia treatment plan. The job description of an anesthesiologist assistant includes the following:

• Performing preoperative tasks like taking the medical history of patients before administering anesthesia.
• Assisting the anesthesiologist and monitoring the vital signs of patients when they are under the effects of anesthesia.
• They also play a major role in pain management after the completion of a surgical procedure and help patients to overcome any discomfort during the recovery process.
• Anesthesiologist assistants monitor vital signs like breathing, blood pressure, heart rate, etc. Like most medical assistants they also perform follow-up exams and diagnostic tests to check the physical condition of patients.

Salary Range

Anesthesiologist assistants work under certified anesthesiologists and their salary is comparatively lower than anesthesiologists. In the US, the average salary of an anesthesiologist assistant is around USD 100,000. Individuals who are certified in programs like Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) earn considerably more. Around 10 percent of anesthesiologist assistants are known to earn anywhere between USD 160,000 to USD 180,000.

People working in metropolitan areas earn more salary than those working in rural settings. The type of organization one works for also plays a major role in the anesthesiologist's salary. In Florida, an anesthesiologist assistant, with experience, can earn between USD 110,000 to USD 150,000. In Texas, the average anesthesiologist assistant salary with experience is USD 165,000 annually. In many states there is a big difference in the salary of a fresh graduate with that of an experienced candidate. Some of the highest paying cities are Atlanta, Georgia, where the salary range for experienced candidates can go up to USD 195,000. The average salary range for fresh graduates in many areas is USD 120,000 for a 40-hour week.

The salary of an anesthesiologist assistant is comparable with the salary of a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). According to the Bureau of Labor Services (BLS), the job opportunities in this profession are quite good because of the steady growth of the healthcare industry.