In a groundbreaking move, the New Mexico Higher Education Department approved the launch of the first-ever Master of Science in Anesthesia program offered in New Mexico. The program, which will be housed within The University of New Mexico (UNM) Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, aims to deliver trained and work-ready Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants to the New Mexico healthcare workforce and beyond. This development is expected to have far-reaching implications for comprehensive healthcare teams and positively impact the state's economic and socioeconomic growth.
Certified anesthesiologist assistants are licensed by the New Mexico Medical Board and provide direct patient care under the supervision and direction of physician anesthesiologists. CAAs are akin to physician assistants, but in the field of anesthesiology.
"The launch of the first health profession program of its kind in New Mexico is enthusiastically supported by the leadership of the HSC, UNM, and the State," said Dr. Chris Arndt, Department Chair. "Through this challenging and dynamic educational program, we will help train New Mexico's healthcare workforce of tomorrow while simultaneously providing a rewarding career option for our students."
The Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, situated within the UNM School of Medicine, has been at the forefront of this initiative. After receiving approval from the UNM Board of Regents in December 2022, the program has now, with the State Board of Finance affirmative vote on Tuesday, July 18, received the official green light from the state, and the state’s special appropriation for $200,000 will assist in covering development costs in FY24.
The program is slated to offer a rigorous 28-month curriculum encompassing 116 credit hours. Students will benefit from over 800 hours of didactic and simulation-based learning, in addition to extensive clinical training with over 2,200 patient-contact hours. It is expected to be a vital addition to New Mexico’s healthcare landscape.
Under the guidance of the UNM School of Medicine's Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, the Anesthesiologist Assistant program places a strong emphasis on quality education and mastery of subject matter. By implementing efficient best practices and addressing the needs of the diverse populations of New Mexico and the Southwest, the program aims to produce highly skilled healthcare practitioners. Furthermore, strategic partnerships with local and regional healthcare facilities will foster collaborative opportunities and ensure a well-rounded education for the aspiring CAAs.
“It is an honor to launch the Master of Science in Anesthesia Program at UNM,” said School of Medicine Dean Patricia W. Finn, MD. “This program will train skilled individuals to fill an unmet need for anesthesia services and contribute to economic growth in New Mexico. We look forward to welcoming the inaugural class of trainees and sharing our Lobo traditions. “
"As the shortage of physicians has grown, other healthcare professionals have stepped up to become members of the healthcare team to ensure access to care for New Mexicans. CAAs have worked in New Mexico for over 20 years and have worked in the most critical environments serving the patients of the University of New Mexico. They are valued colleagues in the perioperative care of patients." emphasized Dr. Sally Fortner, Inaugural Program Medical Director.
The mission of the UNM Anesthesiologist Assistant program extends beyond academic excellence. It is dedicated to serving the diverse populations of New Mexico and the Southwest community while effecting transformative change in the healthcare workforce. By training CAAs who are highly educated medical professionals focused on patient safety and patient-centered care, the program will contribute to enhancing the overall quality of anesthesia care.
"It has been phenomenal working with such an incredible team in developing and overseeing the approval process for the Master of Science in Anesthesia program," expressed Cassie Langhals, CAA, Inaugural Program Director. "UNM and the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine have a rich history of educating students within the health professions. The new and innovative MSA program will be encompassing this legacy through educating future Anesthesiologist Assistants to have the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to excel in caring for the dynamic patient population within the Southwest."
The positive impact of this program extends to the economic and socioeconomic spheres of New Mexico. The addition of a career path with starting salaries in the low $200,000s will provide aspiring healthcare professionals with an attractive opportunity. The Master of Science in Anesthesia program will not only address the growing demand for anesthesia services but also contribute to the state's economic growth by attracting and retaining skilled individuals within the healthcare sector.
Excitement is building as the inaugural class is set to commence their studies in August 2024. The launch of this pioneering program marks a significant milestone for New Mexico, as it positions itself at the forefront of healthcare education and innovation. Through the Master of Science in Anesthesia program, the state is poised to produce a new generation of Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants who will play an instrumental role in delivering quality anesthesia care and shaping the future of healthcare. Applications for the MS in Anesthesia program will be accepted beginning August 16.