District of Columbia

Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants

What is an Anesthesiologist Assistant?

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 advanced practice providers (APPs) who aspire to practice in the anesthesia care team.

RESPONSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDE:

Pretesting and calibrating of anesthesia delivery systems and monitors
Collecting preoperative data and performing physical examinations
Inserting venous, arterial and other invasive catheters
Any duties which encompass assistance of the implementation of the anesthetic plan as prescribed by the anesthesiologist
Airway management including intubation (standard and fiberoptics)
Making anesthetic adjustments using intraoperative monitoring modalities
Providing safe transition from operating room to recovery area
Performing functions in the intensive care unit and pain clinic
Participating in administrative affairs, research and clinical instruction
Proficient in regional anesthestics, including spinals, epidurals and nerve blocks

DCAAA, P.O. Box 73766, Washington D.C. 20056