High School

If you are interested in becoming an anesthesiologist assistant, take college preparatory courses, such as mathematics and science classes, especially biology and chemistry. Communication skills are important also, so be sure to take English classes. Knowledge of a foreign language also shows proficiency in another language, which may be a requirement in your future schooling.

Postsecondary Training

Anesthesiologist assistants typically have a bachelor's degree that may be in nursing, respiratory therapy, medical technology, physics, chemistry, or biology. Undergraduate courses include math, physics, chemistry, and biology. Some schools require students take the Medical College Entrance Test for admission. Many employers require anesthesiologist assistants have a master's degree in health science. Course work in anesthesiology assistant programs features training in how to deliver and monitor anesthesia to patients. Students receive real-world training through clinical rotations at hospitals. Students also receive training through mock operating rooms and in anesthesia laboratories. 

Certification

The National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants provides certification programs for anesthesiologist assistants. It also provides ongoing medical education and interval certification exams to help anesthesiologist assistants maintain best practices.

Certification or Licensing

Anesthesiologist assistants can receive certification from the National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiology Assistants. Candidates for the certification exam must be at least 21 years old, have graduated from a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)-accredited educational program for anesthesiology assistants, be practicing or eligible to practice as an anesthesiology assistant in the United States, or be a student in good standing at an accredited school and graduating within 180 days of the certifying exam.

It isn't possible to have direct, working experience in anesthesiology in high school, so take as many health and science classes as possible and participate in science clubs.

Each surgical procedure requires anesthesiologist assistants to stay alert and pay careful attention. Emergency situations sometimes arise, and assistants must be quick and efficient in their responses. The work is typically slower paced, however, and requires empathy and patience to comfort people preparing for surgery and also clear communication skills to explain the surgery to patients. Anesthesiology assistants must be able to follow anesthesiologists' directions and work well with others as part of the care team.