If you are investigating anesthesiologist assistant schools, you should first develop a strong understanding of the educational, certification, and licensing requirements to become an anesthesiologist assistant in your area. Ensure that the anesthesiologist assistant schools are recognized by your jurisdiction's certification or licensing authority before enrolling. Finally, you should consider issues of finances and course scheduling as you continue your decision-making process.
Depending on where you live, the standard education for an anesthesiologist assistant may be a postgraduate degree or a postgraduate certificate, so you may want to begin your search at local universities and colleges that offer an anesthesiologist assistant program. Ask if the school's program is recognized by the pertinent certification or licensing agency in your area. It's a good idea to verify a school's claims by contacting the certification or licensing agency yourself to ensure that the anesthesiologist assistant schools you investigate will prepare you for obtaining necessary certification or licensure.
If your situation is such that you are required to work while you're in school or have family responsibilities, you may need to find a school that offers flexible scheduling. Be sure to ask whether a school offers intensive courses, weekend classes, or online classes, as all of these options can help you get your degree quickly and with few interruptions. You should also find out if the school is convenient to where you currently work or live and whether it is served by public transportation. Of course you may deliberately decide to choose a school that is far away from where you currently live. If you do this, make sure that the school is located in a city that you like.
Tuition and fees for anesthesiologist assistant schools can vary considerably, so if finances are a major concern for you, the cost of your education should be a significant consideration as you evaluate anesthesiologist assistant schools. Keep in mind that the stated cost of the school may differ significantly from what you will actually have to pay. Contact the school's financial aid office and find out what kinds a financial aid you may be eligible to receive. In some cases, you may end up paying less to attend a school that is technically more expensive than another because it is able to provide you with a better financial aid package. If you are currently working in a health care setting, you may also want to ask your employer about tuition reimbursement programs.
