FAQ
What are the prerequisite courses?
The prerequisite courses are listed here. Human anatomy/physiology and biochemistry must be taken within 5 years of the application deadline. All other prerequisites must be taken within 7 years of the deadline.
Do I have to complete the required courses before applying to the program?
No. All of our requirements must be completed prior to matriculation, not application.
Do I need to take both Anatomy and Physiology?
Combined Anatomy and Physiology and labs are preferred but not required. At minimum 1 semester of Physiology with lab OR 1 semester of Human Anatomy with lab is required.
Is there an exemption for prerequisite time limits if I did exceptionally well on the MCAT?
The five-year time limit can ONLY be waived for biochemistry, human anatomy with lab, and human physiology if you score a 501 or greater on the MCAT. A score of >500 on the MCAT indicates that your knowledge of the coursework is still current, and we do not ask that you retake your older coursework.
A score of >500 on the MCAT does NOT waive prerequisite courses – it merely waives the five-year time limit.
How do I report my MCAT or GRE score?
You can obtain your MCAT score from the AAMC, download your score report, including verification code, mail or email it to our office in PDF format. Your GRE score can be obtained from the ETS website. GRE code 6906 | U Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston.
Is prior health care experience required?
No. While it is advantageous that entering students have some kind of direct patient care, applicants that meet the minimum requirement prior to submitting an application may be considered for admission. Students are strongly encouraged to obtain more than the required 8 hours of anesthesia shadowing experience.
How do I go about fulfilling the shadowing requirement?
Applicants should contact hospitals and medical centers in their region and let them know that they are applying to an Anesthesiologist Assistant Program and are interested in shadowing an Anesthesiologist (MD or DO) or Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA).
Do you give preference for admission to Texas residents?
The MSA program welcomes all applicants that have satisfied the prerequisites listed above.
How do I apply?
For 2025, apply through CASAA. Available ~September 2024.
What is the application fee?
Application fees are waived for the inaugural class of 2024.
What are the interviews like?
Applicants invited to interview typically meet one-on-one with three different interviewers.
Even though I requested all of my materials (transcripts, letters, etc.) to be sent in time to meet the deadline, not everything arrived. What can I do?
Files that are incomplete by the deadline will not be taken to the admissions committee for review. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all items are received in time. Submission details, including mailing address/uploading instructions, are available on the application form.
When and how will I know if I am accepted?
The UTHealth Houston MSA Admissions Committee meets on a rolling basis January through July. When a final decision has been made, the applicant will receive an official decision letter sent via e-mail.
I just received my acceptance letter. What do I do now?
Begin gathering the required immunization records, student insurance information, etc. There are instructions for submitting your required documents after accepting your admission. Read your letter carefully noting the deadline to accept the applicant’s admission.
Can I work part-time while I am in the program?
Due to the intensity of the program, students generally do not have time to work while they are enrolled.
Is there a waitlist for the program?
No. There is not a waitlist at this time.
What can I do to make myself a more attractive candidate for admission?
In addition to academic records, the information considered by the Admissions Committee includes the personal statement by the student, MCAT/GRE score, extra-curricular activities, work and life experiences. Any experience in the health field including research or perioperative experience, as well as the comments contained in the letters of evaluation. We look for evidence of integrity, maturity, concern for others, leadership potential, and an aptitude for working with people.
Can I come visit for a tour?
Tours are not available at this time. All interviewees will be given a tour day of interview.
Will a Criminal Background Check be performed?
Yes. Once accepted into the program, all students are required to undergo a Criminal Background Check.
Can I transfer into the program?
No. It is the policy of UTHealth Houston MSA Program that transfer students will not be accepted.
What is the size of the matriculating class?
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston anticipates welcoming an inaugural class of the new Master of Science in Anesthesia Program in August 2024 and will have an anticipated capacity of 23 students for the 28-month program.
Where is the program office located?
The program office is located at the UTHealth Houston Professional Building 6410 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030.
Where can I find more information about Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants?
American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants (AAAA).
Where do AAs practice?
The use of AAs within the anesthesia care team across the country is a dynamic and evolving process. As of 2024, licensed Anesthesiologist Assistants can practice in 23 states (Washington; June 2024) and in any Federal healthcare environment, except the military. Additionally, 6 states have active licensure legislation.
Are there AA organizations I can join?
Students are encouraged to support the anesthesia organizations that promote our mission: