Welcome to the Master of Science in Anesthesia program, where we provide a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for a successful career in anesthesia. Our program offers a rigorous and well-structured curriculum flow that encompasses a balance of didactic learning, simulation exercises, and immersive clinical experiences. Let's take a closer look at the curriculum flow of our program:

Building a Strong Foundation: First 4 Semesters

In the initial four semesters, our program focuses on establishing a solid foundation in anesthesia principles and practices. We understand the importance of a strong knowledge base, which is why these semesters are dedicated to intensive didactics and simulation exercises. Students will delve into topics such as anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, anesthesia equipment and technology, and basic principles of anesthesia practice. Through interactive simulations and hands-on training, students gain practical skills and develop critical thinking abilities essential for the field of anesthesia.

Transition to Clinical Courses: Semester 2 and Beyond

Students get their first interactions in clinical with 80 hours of clinical experience in the first semester. As students progress into the second semester, they begin their transition into clinical courses. This phase marks the beginning of hands-on experience in real-world anesthesia settings. In addition to increased clinical exposure, the number of hours dedicated to clinical rotations gradually increases with each semester. This gradual integration allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios while building their confidence and competence as anesthesia professionals.

Clinical Rotations and Supportive Didactic  Review and Seminar Courses: Semesters 5-7

Semesters 5 to 7 of our program are dedicated to full-time clinical rotations. During this period, students immerse themselves in the anesthesia practice environment, working alongside experienced clinicians. This intensive clinical experience provides invaluable opportunities to apply knowledge, refine technical skills, and develop effective patient management strategies. Students gain exposure to various anesthesia settings and work with diverse patient populations, enhancing their versatility as anesthesia providers.

In conjunction with the clinical rotations, our program includes didactic review courses and a senior seminar. These components aim to further enrich students' learning experience and ensure a well-rounded education. Didactic review courses reinforce key concepts and help students prepare for licensure exams, ensuring their readiness to enter the workforce as competent anesthesia professionals. Our program also features a senior seminar that emphasizes the development of skills as an educator. During the senior seminar courses, students explore teaching methodologies, educational strategies, and effective communication techniques. These courses equip students with the necessary skills to become effective educators and leaders in the field of anesthesia.

Conclusion

The curriculum flow of our Master of Science in Anesthesia program is carefully designed to provide a comprehensive educational journey. The early emphasis on rigorous didactics and simulation exercises sets a strong foundation for students, while the gradual integration of clinical courses allows for a smooth transition into real-world practice. The full-time clinical rotations in later semesters offer immersive experiences, and the inclusion of didactic review courses and senior seminar further enhances students' knowledge and professional development. By the end of the program, our graduates are well-prepared, confident, and ready to excel in their anesthesia careers.

Click here to view the MSA Curriculum 

Vision

The vision of the UNM Anesthesiologist Assistant program is to gain the highest recognitions for the contributions of its students and faculty to service for the diverse populations of New Mexico and the Southwest community.

Mission

The mission of the UNM Anesthesiologist Assistant program is to provide the highest quality graduate education which maximizes student success and preparation for a career as a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant, provides service to the diverse populations of New Mexico and the Southwest community, and advances transformative change in the healthcare workforce.

The UNM Anesthesiology and Critical Care Department leads development and administration of the Anesthesiologist Assistant program by:

• Emphasizing quality and mastery of subject matter
• Recruiting, retaining and graduating high-quality students
• Distributing resources strategically and equitably
• Encouraging and supporting scholarship, creative activity, and lifelong learning
• Implementing efficient and effective best practices
• Ensuring academic honesty, professional integrity, and confidentiality
• Fostering success of students and educators
• Celebrating diversity
• Addressing the needs of the diverse populations of New Mexico and the Southwest workforce for highly skilled healthcare providers
• Developing partnerships with local and regional healthcare facilities
• Engaging in commitment to the diverse populations of New Mexico and the Southwest community

Goal

The goal of the UNM Anesthesiologist Assistant program is to prepare competent entry-level Anesthesiologist Assistants in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.

The learning domains of the Master of Science in Anesthesia Program have been developed from the defined core competencies of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME):

1. Patient Care and Procedural Skills that are compassionate, appropriate, and effective for the treatment of health problems and the promotion of health.
2. Medical Knowledge in regard to the established and evolving biomedical, clinical, epidemiological and social-behavioral sciences, as well as the application of this knowledge to patient care.
3. Practice-Based Learning and Improvement that demonstrate the ability to investigate and evaluate care of patients, to appraise and assimilate scientific evidence, and to continuously improve patient care based on constant self-evaluation and life-long learning.
4. Interpersonal and Communication Skills that result in effective information exchange and teaming with patients, their families, and other health professionals.
5. Professionalism, as manifested through a commitment to carrying out professional responsibilities, adherence to ethical principles, and sensitivity to a diverse patient population.
6. Systems-Based Practice as manifested by actions that demonstrate an awareness of and responsiveness to the larger context and system of health care and the ability to effectively call on system resources to provide care that is of optimal value.

Graduation Requirements  

• Satisfactorily complete all required coursework of the Master of Science in Anesthesia degree program
• Continued demonstration of ethical and moral behavior
• Adherence to all federal, state, and local laws
• Adherence to the rules, regulations, and university policies of the University of New Mexico
• Be in good standing at graduation

The Master of Science in Anesthesia program at the University of New Mexico is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of ARC-AA. 

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
www.caahep.org

9355 113th St N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775

727-210-2350

• Is there a minimum GRE/MCAT score?
  • In general, we will interview applicants who are in the 45% percentile and above for MCAT/GRE test scores
• Will I be able to work during the program?
  • Due to the rigorous curriculum of the MSA program and to ensure student success, it is highly recommended for students not to work during the first 4 semesters of the MSA program. In semesters 5-7, students will not be allowed to work.
• Is this program virtual?
  • The UNM MSA program is designed as in-person program for didactics, simulation, and clinical coursework. Students will need to be located within the local area of the UNM Albuquerque campus. In semesters 5-7, students will be expected to travel to some external clinical rotations.
• Can I apply to the program if I have not graduated with my bachelors degree or I still have pre-requisites that I need take?
  • Yes, applicants can still apply to the program while still currently completing their degree and/pre-requisite courses. However, applicants will need to submit proof of adequate degree completion and/or completion of the prerequisite courses prior to starting the program. Applicants should enter planned or in-progress coursework on their CASAA applications so that the admissions committee knows that they have a plan to take missing prerequisites.
• Can previous medical coursework, training, or clinical experience transfer or replace any admissions requirements or required courses in the UNM MSA Program?
  • No exceptions will be made for required prerequisite coursework, admissions test, or required graduate-level coursework within the MSA Program, regardless of degrees or certification received, prior experience, work background, or education. All accepted students must meet the admission requirements and follow the entire course curriculum.
• Transfer Admission, Transfer Credit and Experiential Learning
  • The UNM Master of Science in Anesthesia program has a carefully designed curriculum with a specific sequence of courses that build upon each other to ensure comprehensive and in-depth understanding of anesthesia concepts and practices. Therefore, transfer credit and experiential learning are not accepted for program coursework. Additionally, transfer students are not accepted. All students, including those who have previously completed coursework at another anesthesiologist assistant program, will be required to go through the entire admissions process and start at the beginning sequencing of coursework for the UNM MSA program. To qualify for graduation students must take every course required within the UNM Master of Science in Anesthesia curriculum.
• How can I submit application materials?
  • All materials should be submitted to and through the CASAA application platform. We require official test scores to be sent to CASAA by the testing agency; official transcripts should be sent by your Registrar to CASAA. 
• Why is a deposit required?
  • Accepted students will pay a non-refundable $1000 seat deposit. Candidates must accept the offer in writing and pay the non-refundable seat deposit by the deadline given in the offer email to secure their seat in the program. Deposits are credited to students’ bursar accounts upon matriculation and applied toward the first term’s bill.