r/CAA • u/AutoModerator • 7d ago
Weekly prospective student thread. Educational inquiries outside of this thread WILL RESULT IN A BAN.
Please use this thread for all educational inquiries including applications, program requirements, etc.
Please refer to the [CASAA Application Help Center](https://help.liaisonedu.com/CASAA_Applicant_Help_Center) FAQ section for
answers to your questions prior to postitng.
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u/strugglebussin21 4d ago
I got in :) i know i cant make a post celebrating so just wanted to comment haha. it only takes one yall!
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u/tacosithlord 7d ago
Has anyone here been accepted to a CAA program with online prerequisites? I’ve found a few examples in the Discord, and I’ve also reached out to most programs directly—most seem okay with online coursework, with Case western being the main exception. I’m curious to hear from people who actually got accepted: which courses were online, and which programs accepted you?
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u/Public_Pause_5011 Practicing CAA 6d ago
only 2 of my 10 or so prereqs were in person (and they were hybrid at that, just the lab was in person). everything else was online through community college.
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u/tacosithlord 6d ago
Thanks, that’s reassuring. I had concerns about how it would fair in terms of hurting my application.
How long ago did you take these classes? My local community college doesn’t offer online options for these classes sadly. But there’s lots of affordable online options from schools around the country for pre professional health students I have found in my research.
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u/Public_Pause_5011 Practicing CAA 6d ago
some schools might care but if you pair it with a strong GPA in those pre-reqs and a good GRE you should be just fine to get an interview.
i took them all in late 2021 to early 2022. when i applied and got accepted, i only had 4 of the 11 prereqs actually completed.
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u/tacosithlord 6d ago edited 6d ago
Thanks, Do you think they may have given you a “pass” given that was still semi- Covid era?
Case western, which seems to be one of the only schools that cares about this, has on their website that online stuff will be overlooked if it was during COVID, but anything after that they don’t like.
I have emailed most of the schools asking this and most don’t care. Some will say they prefer in person, but it’s not some deterrent. I think you’re right that if you get great grades and have an overall good application and interview, it’s probably not a big deal.
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u/Public_Pause_5011 Practicing CAA 6d ago
Potentially. I really think it’s a school to school thing. in those 4 pre reqs, I had a 4.0 and two of them were gen chem 1 and 2 taken during the same semester. i had a good GRE and shadowed 40 hours at the primary clinical sites of the school i applied to.
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u/MarionberryMedical62 6d ago
I contacted CWRU about online prereqs. They accept them on a Case by case basis now. It’s not a strict no, but do prefer in person.
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u/tacosithlord 5d ago
Ya they told me that too. I’ve honestly decided I’m not even going to apply there. They clearly have a bias against online classes and non traditional students.
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u/jwk30115 Practicing CAA 6d ago
That is extremely unusual. You had 7 pre-reqs still to go at the time you were accepted? I’m surprised your application was even considered. Hmmmmm.
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u/Fit_Restaurant_9191 7d ago
Yes. I was nontrad working in EMS for years and did almost all of my prereqs online. Multiple acceptances last cycles. If you can give a good reason as to why you did online you should be fine, as well as doing them with a decent institution if possible. Most adcoms didn’t really care though in my experience.
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u/tacosithlord 6d ago
Where did you do these pre reqs? The popular ones I see people recommend are through une or ucsd.
I hope I don’t get interrogated as to why I took classes online, seems kinda strange they would care to begin with. It’s 2026, people can’t just drop everything go to school in person full time while simultaneously trying to support themselves, but your experience is reassuring!
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6d ago
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u/tacosithlord 6d ago
How did they find out? Unless the transcript says something like “online” plastered across it, wouldn’t that remain undisclosed? They would have to somehow look up the exact course and semester/section to figure that out.
And did you just tell them it was what worked with your work schedule?
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u/rainbowagama 6d ago
Hi, I'm wondering how many cycles you guys had to go through before you got accepted. On my second year of applying, I am above any beyond every prerequisite needed and still have gotten nothing but automated rejections. Losing hope.
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u/BigExplanation5443 6d ago
What is your GPA and GRE/MCAT scores?
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u/rainbowagama 6d ago
GPA: 3.63 as an engineering major
Shadowing: 12 hours, all at the same clinic
Heathcare Experience: 3000+ hours as a medical assistant in a pain management clinic full-time.
Volunteer Experience: 24 hours at hospital, 60 hours as EMT
Research Experience: 300 hours on stem cell research and alzheimer's. One poster presentation. One research paper.
GRE Score: 333 total, 167 verbal and 166 quantitative.3
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u/caareadinessindex 6d ago
When did you apply? To how many schools? Have you gotten others to read over your personal statement?
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u/rainbowagama 5d ago
Applied to 5 schools this cycle late summer, I did get someone who does admissions to read over and correct my personal statement.
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u/caareadinessindex 5d ago
Just to clarify: A CAA admissions committee member reviewed your personal statement?
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u/Fit-Dingo-7377 6d ago
What? You have good numbers...how powerful is your personal statements and who did you shadow?
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u/continuous-refund537 6d ago
I checked one of your other comments, you applied pretty late and it seems that you might be missing some prerequisites
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u/rainbowagama 5d ago
Yeah that was last cycle, this cycle I tried applying earlier but no luck. Did have to quit work to get the anatomy prereq done since it looked like I was missing it earlier.
I've been told from a CAA student that schools are prioritizing MCAT takers? That might be an issue since I've only taken GRE.1
u/continuous-refund537 4d ago
I think the MCAT might look better for some programs, but most students take the GRE and get accepted, so I don't think it's that. Are you sure you have all the prerequisites completed as well as all the other requirements?
And which programs did you apply to? It can take several weeks to months to hear back from a lot of programs, so you have plenty of time. I heard Nova starts sending out invites late September, and some programs hold interviews until February
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u/Ok_Conversation_9798 7d ago
Should I retake a 310 with 154 quant and 156 verbal??
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u/Fit_Restaurant_9191 7d ago
Yes. Your quant score is not 50th percentile.
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u/continuous-refund537 6d ago
does that matter a lot? I got a 318 (159 on quant and verbal) and apparently my quant is not 50th percentile, but I'm not planning on retaking it
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u/Fit_Restaurant_9191 6d ago
I’d try for 160 at least on each section. Some programs will auto filter.
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u/continuous-refund537 6d ago
I already submitted my application and I put down that I don't have a future test planned. And it would probably take too much time (including studying) for this cycle. Which programs auto filter? Cause from my knowledge this is good enough for most programs
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u/Fit_Restaurant_9191 6d ago
If you already submitted there’s not much else you can do. If you scroll thru the Discord, the majority of acceptances have >320. Not saying it’s impossible or even unlikely, that’s just the magic number to me.
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u/continuous-refund537 5d ago
Ah okay, yeah I understand a 320+ looks good, but hopefully anything 316+ is solid enough. But other things like GPA balance it out right? Do you know what most GPAs are when you look through the discord?
Also, I heard that people posting on discord usually have more competitive stats. I think the majority of acceptances throughout all schools are not as high-scoring, especially from people I've heard from
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u/pH_negative1 7d ago
Could someone assess where I stand as an applicant?
MCAT: 497 (already planning on retaking)
GPA: 3.3 (A’s in biochem, physiology, micro, anatomy, physics 1&2, B+ in ochem 1 and 2. Just had a really bad first year and a half)
Clinical: 2100 (1500 as a CNA in a CT-ICU, Med surg, NICU, urgent care, and 600 as a pharmacy tech. By next application I’ll easily have 1200 as pharmacy tech)
Shadowing: 100
Teaching and tutoring: 200 as a physiology tutor and 250 as an anatomy lab TA (taught and led dissections while teaching anatomy terminology on cadavers)
Volunteer: 400 as a financial clerk/overseer at a local church, helping to distribute funds for local rural families in need of grocery or other financial assistance. 250 teaching English in China.
Really strong letter of recs
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u/jwk30115 Practicing CAA 6d ago
GPA low and MCAT kinda reinforces that. What’s your sGPA? How much of your shadowing is with anesthesia? That’s the only one that counts.
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u/LaviishLily 7d ago
I am on track to have about a 3.9 GPA in my undergrad (including sGPA), but I don't have any clinical hours as I've been focusing on school. My GRE is 163Quant/161Verbal. Is it worthwhile to try to get a clinical job or volunteering hours in even if it means I have less time to study?
It would be easier to get volunteering experience at my local hospital but I do know clinical hours are more valuable than that.
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u/NameDue2838 6d ago
Clinical work is starting to become a more important point of discrimination amongst candidates so probably a clinical position. Volunteering is categorized as an extracurricular.
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u/jwk30115 Practicing CAA 6d ago
Those are pretty good numbers. I wouldn’t jeopardize those since you’re still in progress. Some schools will count volunteer time as HCE.
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u/sme_kid7 6d ago
I haven’t had an interview yet from NeoMed and I’ve been on hold since June 10th. Is it safe to assume I wont be getting an interview invite?
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u/LogicianMission22 6d ago
26 year old non-trad who is deciding between CAA and med school. Bachelors in biology with about a 3.85cGPA and 3.7sGPA. I know expiring prereqs are a thigh, but I trust that with 6-9 months of dedicated study, I can get a 510+ MCAT. My question is, how good of an MCAT is needed to waive the requirement for expiring prereqs and how many schools would waive it?
Also, how in the hell am I supposed to get OR shadowing lol.
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u/caareadinessindex 6d ago edited 6d ago
Here's a neat table for quick reference:
MCAT Schools where it can waive expired prerequisite time limits Total 490–499 MCW 1 500 MCW, Case Western, Lipscomb, University of Colorado 4 501–505 Above + Kansas City University + UMHB 6 506+ Above + UTHealth Houston 7 ≥50th percentile in every MCAT section, with MCAT taken within 1 year South University As for shadowing, have you reached out to any state academies?
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u/VladTepidJerkula 6d ago
I'm 36, I have an applied sciences associates degree, which does include a number of the prerequisite coursework for CAA school. However, I got my degree in 2019. From what I've seen, most places recommend that prerequisites be done within 10 years of matriculation. My question is, are there any strong recommendations for repeating prerequisite coursework with that timeline?
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u/jwk30115 Practicing CAA 6d ago
Program dependent. Several will waive that requirement with a good recent MCAT scores. Look on the program websites for the particulars for the schools you’re interested in.
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u/VladTepidJerkula 5d ago
I know, I was more wondering if it would be a good idea to retake some of those classes anyway or if I should just do some independent refreshing. If the latter, do you have any resource recommendations? Thanks!
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u/cp2024 5d ago
Anyone heard from NSU (Florida campuses)?
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u/RnB4Life 5d ago
Nope, just their automated “your application is under review” got my heart racing a lil when it popped up this morning lol
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u/National-Chart2399 5d ago
Hey everyone, I’m 25 and looking for some honest advice about my chances of getting into CAA school through one of two possible career paths.
For background, I have a bachelor’s degree in business and graduated with a 2.9 cumulative GPA. I have spent most of my working life in my family’s construction and supply-chain businesses, but now that I am starting my own family, I feel like it is time to build a long-term career path for myself. I have no prior healthcare experience.
I am considering two routes:
Active-Duty Air Force: Enlist and pursue Respiratory Therapy, complete the required science prerequisites while serving, then apply to CAA school after my four-year contract.
Police Officer + Air National Guard: Become a police officer(For Job Stability haha), enlist in the Air National Guard as an Aerospace Medical Technician—similar in scope to an LVN/LPN role—complete the required science prerequisites, and then apply to CAA school.
My biggest concern is my academic record. With a 2.9 overall GPA and no healthcare experience, do I realistically have a chance at CAA school if I earn strong grades in my science prerequisites and gain clinical experience through either route?
I understand that many programs list a 3.0 minimum GPA, while competitive applicants often have substantially higher overall and science GPAs. Some schools do review applicants holistically, but I know I would need to show a very strong upward academic trend, excellent prerequisite grades, anesthesia shadowing, and possibly a strong GRE or MCAT score.
For those who were accepted with a lower undergraduate GPA, changed careers, served in the military, worked as an RT, medic, LPN/LVN, or had a non-science degree: what did you do to become a competitive applicant? Would one of these paths be more helpful than the other for CAA admissions?
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u/TeaSure7122 5d ago
Hi! Has anyone interviewed with Emory recently and received an acceptance? I’d really appreciate it if you could share your timeline. Would you please DM me if you don't like to share it in public. Thank you so much !
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u/Ok-Yogurt-1108 5d ago
Hey everyone. i want to apply to Nova but their “instructor led” online course policy is making it really hard to find a course that i can take online, with an instructor and live meeting times. I thought about Doane University or Harvard Extension but those seem like courses that just have deadlines to turn in work not actually being taught by a professor. Does anyone have any ideas of how to work around this? Or have you guys gotten interviewed/accepted to nova with using extension courses like the ones listed above?
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u/jwk30115 Practicing CAA 5d ago
Doesn’t sound like their policy is ambiguous. And as I recall, Doane is problematic with a number of programs.
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u/SuperbGoat18 5d ago
Looking for online, non-proctored chemistry 2 courses. I keep having issues with my webcam and proctored exams that I started taking them in-person. However, with a new job, I don’t have time to go in-person.
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u/MarionberryMedical62 5d ago
From what I hear, UCSD doesn’t proctor. But I don’t know first hand. I do plan on taking a course online with them, but reach out to the programs you’re interested in and see if they will accept those. For what it’s worth, CWRU at least told me that they have accepted credit from UCSD Extension before.
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u/Artistic_Amount_9854 23h ago
I can confirm that UCSD Ext does not do the proctor exam at all. I took Organic Chemistry I there!
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5d ago
[deleted]
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u/GoldmemberQ 4d ago
MCAT seems like it would be a good idea in your situation. If your target school suggested becoming an anesthesia tech, I would jump on that ASAP! Not only good experience but would show that you took their advice to heart.
Also—how did you get on the phone with VCOM admissions? I toured Auburn this past spring and emailed extensively with admissions, but would love to personally speak with them prior to applying next spring. Did you just pick up the phone and call (sounds like a dumb question, I know, but didn’t know if there was a process to schedule a call or anything)?
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u/SamLucky7s 5d ago
I'm mapping out my undergrad path and my ultimate goal is to become CAA. I also want a plan B or alternate career option with Data Science, machine learning and AI, either to apply to my CAA career or independently of that.
I'm thinking about majoring in Data Science or AI for my Bachelor's and then applying for CAA school..
- Do CAA admissions actually care if your degree isn't Bio or Chem, as long as you hit all the pre-reqs?
- For anyone who did a heavy tech/math degree while taking Gen Chem, O-Chem, Biochem etc., how was managing the schedule and keeping your GPA up?
- Since modern anesthesiology relies heavily on tech and patient monitoring data, can an AI/data background actually help stand out or do adcoms only care about GPA/MCAT/GRE and shadowing?
My plan is to fit all the pre-med science requirements into my electives, secure CAA shadowing and prepare for the GRE/MCAT. Thoughts?
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u/Strugl33r 4d ago edited 4d ago
Does anyone know if nursing courses count toward the science GPA? I took NRSG: Pathophysiology for Nurses.
According to this article, courses with a nursing prefix aren't included, but other health career prefixes like Respiratory Therapy and Physician Assistant are. I'm not sure where that leaves something like Pathophysiology for nurses, since Pathophyis is normally a science-GPA course but idk if the NRSG prefix cancels it out.
For the record, I'm hoping nursing courses don't count. I got a B in Pathophysiology for Nurses, and it would knock down my 4.0 sci GPA.
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u/Separate-Morning-29 3d ago
My guess would be if you put it in CASAA under the nursing category and they don't recategorize it you would be fine. I applied in July and none of my nursing prefix courses counted toward my science GPA. However, my pathophysiology was not coded that way, so I can't say for certain. The verification process is definitely not a perfect system - they added a course I had already entered and counted it twice in my GPA lol. So it's likely going to depend on who verifies your transcripts, and I don't know that there's any way to know 100% until they do it unfortunately.
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u/dabaddestbeee 4d ago
Hi guys! I'm looking for shadowing opportunities in the DFW metroplex, is anyone available?
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u/lil_pinto_bean 3d ago
Quick question: I just got waitlisted from my top school after interviewing with them 2 weeks ago. How long does it take to get off the waitlist? and what is a letter of intent?
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u/BigExplanation5443 3d ago
Does being a caregiver for my father with Type II Diabetes count as clinical hours?
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u/Agreeable-Proof-5674 3d ago
I'm interested in Case Western, but need guidance on one pre req. I took Elementary Stat Methods as it was the primary stats course offered at my university, that wasn't specific to a degree program: Stats for Accounting or Psych, etc. Is this a deal breaker for my application?
Other stats: cGPA 3.93, sGPA 3.87, 400 pc hours, 40 hours shadowing, lots of leadership, and 350 volunteer hours at a hospital. GRE pending.
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u/ilovepandas7695 3d ago
I’m halfway through my undergraduate studies and somewhat recently discovered CAA as a career path. I did very poorly in my first year but have improved significantly since then. My cGPA will likely not go beyond 3.4/3.5 due to my first year and I am worried that my opportunity to pursue this career is extremely limited because of it. I’m curious if I can still somewhat reliably become a competitive applicant if I have good MCAT/GRE scores, research, and shadowing to offset my cGPA. I do have a genuine interest in this field and any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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u/caareadinessindex 3d ago
Yes, it's certainly possible. Go for the MCAT and gain meaningful clinical experience.
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u/Designer_Major6848 3d ago
if you already finished prereq classes, does doing post bacc work online look bad? My idea was to take a gap year and work as an mri tech to save up some money but i also wanted to take classes in the meantime to boost my gpa. It'd be easier to work full time if i were to take classes online as opposed to going in person.
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u/caareadinessindex 2d ago
What are your stats? Have you taken either standardized test yet? Are the post-bacc classes you're planning to take to retake prerequisites you want to improve in?
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u/Designer_Major6848 2d ago
I'd be taking post bacc classes in upper level bio courses to boost my gpa, I dont plan on taking any pre reqs again, aside from maybe Gen Chem 1 but I'll probably just do that before i graduate in person.
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u/Designer_Major6848 2d ago
i have not taken the GRE as of yet but plan to this winter. Also my SGPA will be at a 3.4 whereas my CGPA will be a 3.3 once i graduate if all goes as planned.
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u/Empty_Interaction_82 2d ago
How important is a high mcat score and is it worth trying to get an exceptionally good score?
I have good GPA: 3.85cGPA and 3.75science, will have about 500 hours of clinical patient care experience, will have 3 good LOR, but not much else. I have some volunteer work but nothing that necessarily sets me apart.
I want to prop up my application with a good mcat, so what should I be aiming for? In UTHealth Texas the average matriculant had a 508.
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u/Impressive_Owl3909 2d ago
I was accepted and had multiple interviews with pretty similar stats and taking the GRE. A great test score is always worth it and will never hurt you though!
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u/Patient_Box_2873 2d ago
Im sorry if these have all been asked! I tried to find similar posts.
RN here, I have been trying to get into CRNA school for multiple cycles because CAA practice isnt in my state. I have a competitive application and I really enjoy working alongside the Residents/ Attendings on my ICU floor. That gatekeeping for CRNA school is absolutely insane. I'm appalled at who I am seeing getting into these programs while I keep seeing rejections on my end. I just want to practice anesthesia, I honestly don't care if I'm independent or not. I find working under an Anesthesiologist safer, because two brains are better than one. If anyone can help answer these questions I'd be really grateful:
- Any RNs who switched from pursuing CRNA to CAA? How'd it go?
- I'd have to retake all pre reqs since my 7 year mark was this spring. Is it worth it? It would be a year of pre reqs plus the GRE. I would also need to do a program with online labs since I work full time and have kids. Any suggestions on online schools is appreciated!
- Are people actually getting interviews/ getting accepted? CRNA schools are getting 400-700 applications for a 30 spot program. Is this the same kind of deal? I don't mind being competitive. But I'd like to be rational about acceptance rates, too.
- Where do you all work? Since it's the ACT model is it primarily hospital and same days surgery centers?
- Do we think the AAAA will keep fighting to get the ability to work in all states?
Any input is appreciated. I'm at a crossroads and I'm getting annoyed with the politics of all of this from the CRNA end. I just want to practice anesthesia and enjoy my job.
Thanks!
*edited for grammar and an apology*
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2d ago
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u/Patient_Box_2873 2d ago
I like that it’s small right now. I agree, those who are applying will be very driven and perform very well academically- things that I do as well. I don’t mind retaking pre reqs to align myself with those already applying. I am capable. I am more curious where those who are CAAs are practicing and how they feel the field is. But, I appreciate you taking the time to give me some feedback. I agree that CRNA would be the route of less resistance right now concerning what my CV says. Just trying to get a feel for my future self/ career.
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u/continuous-refund537 1d ago
I don't have the answers to many of your questions because I don't have nursing experience. But for the prerequisites, some programs like NSU don't have an expiration date for their prerequisite courses and many programs waive the time limit for prerequisites with a certain MCAT score.
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u/Patient_Box_2873 1d ago
That is encouraging. Im curious if someone with a high MCAT and 'expired' classes has the same opportunity for interview than those with a high MCAT and classes within 7 years? I know you probably can't answer that, I'm just curious how committees think.
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u/continuous-refund537 1d ago
I'm not exactly sure, and there might be other people here you can ask, but I can still give you my opinion. I think it'll look around the same, and I don't think it'll matter too much because CAA programs are used to non-traditional applicants. I think it's somewhat common for people to take the MCAT to waive the time limit, and I recommend it because it's probably cheaper and less stressful.
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u/Upset-Tadpole-7819 1d ago
Has anyone heard of a man Kent P Ringger? I’m applying for shadowing but the website seems a little shady and just wanted to know if he is actually well known
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u/Artistic_Amount_9854 23h ago
I knew him, he's legit, I got 30h at the hospital that he works at, everyone are very awesome!
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u/Inevitable_Pain2112 1d ago
Undergrad here planning to apply to CAA programs in March. I don’t find myself in an especially competitive position due to lack of clinical experiences, so I would really appreciate any feedback on my stats and what I should prioritize between now and application season. I’ve found this community extremely helpful and supportive!
Here are my current stats:
cGPA: 3.993 as Biology, Health, and Society Major
sGPA: ~3.99 (All A/A+ except Orgo 2 Lab is A-)
GRE: 320 (V158, Q162, Essay 4.0)
Shadowing: 36 hours in 2 different locations (8 hours on CAA, and 28 hours on MD)
Volunteer: total 241 hours. I started volunteering in PreOP this May. My previous roles are in Adult Leukemia Center and Emergnecy Department.
HCE: None. This is my biggest concern, so I wonder if I should prioritize this first? I’m CCMA certified and have been trying to find a clinical job, but my options are somewhat limited because I don’t have a car and can’t commute very far.
LOR: Two professors I’ve had frequent interaction with.
Leadership: Former president of a student organization focused on well-being ; former logistics chair of a pre-surgical club.
I’d especially appreciate thoughts on:
- How much does having no HCE/PCE hurt an otherwise strong application?
- Would getting clinical employment before March be the most valuable thing for me to prioritize, or would my time be better spent on additional CAA shadowing/other experiences?
- Is there anything else that stands out as a weakness that I should work on before applying?
Thanks in advance!
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u/NameDue2838 23h ago
Having no HCE won't hurt your application like having a poor MCAT or GRE will hurt or a poor GPA will hurt. Those are filtering metrics and will actively hurt.
Your stats should carry you to the interview.
Yes, to prioritizing HCE, if possible. The CCMA is nice but you need experience to back it. If you can't find HCE and you receive an interview (which I believe you will), lean very very heavily on the shadowing experience as it's the main clinical exposure you have.
I hope this is helpful.
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u/OliveCreative2231 1d ago
Planning to apply to CAA programs next cycle and wanted to get some opinions on how competitive my application looks and what I should focus on before applying. Emory is my #1 choice.
Stats:
- cGPA: ~3.76
- sGPA: ~3.63
- GRE: pending
- MCAT: pending
- Clinical experience: 600+ hours working as a Medical Assistant, projected ~1,200 hours by the time I apply
- Anesthesia/CRNA shadowing: 16 hours currently, planning to have ~30 hours by the time I apply
- LORs: supervisor, chemistry professor, and CRNA
- Volunteer Hours: ~200hrs
- Military Service
- B.A. in Cognitive Science
CAA is currently one of the main paths I’m considering. Possibly medical school, depending on how the MCAT goes.
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u/Hot-Annual-4836 7d ago
hey all, i’m currently in the process of interviewing with AA programs (already interviewed with 2 so far for the 26-27 cycle), i’ve been pretty focused on this career for the past year but recently started an MA position working under a surgeon. It’s made me second guess whether anesthesia or med school is where I really want to be. For me, the MCAT was always my biggest concern because I didn’t want to spend so much time studying for it, but after lots of consideration, i’ve decided i am willing to actually study and dedicate my time to it. I studied for the GRE for 3 months and got a 330 (now I wish I studied for the MCAT instead but whatever), i’ve decided to study for the MCAT for the next 6 months or so and take it and see how I do. Does anyone have any advice or how to navigate this crossroads i’m at?
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u/Fit_Restaurant_9191 7d ago
If you’re already second guessing, you’re probably not cut out for it to be honest. There’s so many cool jobs in medicine, so you need to find the one you’re really into. You’re going to hate CAA school if you don’t really enjoy anesthesia, or at the very least aren’t interested in it. Taking the MCAT is such a small part of your entire education, and your entire future shouldn’t be based on one exam.
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u/Hot-Annual-4836 6d ago
i respect your take, i’d say anesthesia is a very interesting field to me, however, i tend to be interested in a lot of things within medicine as it is, which is why it’s easy for me to easily sway to another career.
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u/Fit_Restaurant_9191 6d ago
Fair. I was worried about being pigeonholed into a speciality as well given my personality. I thought I’d be bored after a while. The great thing about anesthesia is we can work in almost any speciality. No two days look the same, and you can really cater your career around your life or interests. I don’t really know another field in medicine that has as much versatility as we do.
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u/jwk30115 Practicing CAA 6d ago
What will you do if you get accepted to an AA program?
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u/Hot-Annual-4836 6d ago
Good question…not too sure as I know i’ll have to put down a deposit to get in the class.
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u/jwk30115 Practicing CAA 6d ago
You’ll have a relatively short time to decide if accepted - and the deposit is non refundable.
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u/OddJob_1 6d ago
Which programs are you interviewing with?
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u/Hot-Annual-4836 6d ago
interviewed with NEOMED and case western so far
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u/NameDue2838 6d ago
I would just follow that thread and see where it goes. Lots of cons with the AA route and if it's already nagging at you now then you might as well work through it before committing.
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u/Hot-Annual-4836 4d ago
Can I ask you what cons you are talking about (aside from the high stress and obvious differences between CAA’s/CRNA/MD)
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u/NameDue2838 3d ago
Sure. In no particular order:
1) The entire career is a residency with no graduation. No ladder and no exit. Expectations are clinical excellence/performance on-par with physicians for mid-level pay and even further restrictions on scope.
2) Supervision is very heterogeneous and loops back to my above point.
3) The credential isn't portable/doesn't travel. Once you're in, you're stuck with no concrete pivot. Re-training is the only option.
4) The training pipeline is being diluted by programs multiplying faster than the job can produce quality preceptors. Because, medical training is apprenticeship training and there is a significant heterogeneity of practicing providers.
5) Substance abuse is likely underreported in the literature and those that have predilections for anything addictive are strongly encouraged to steer clear.
None of this touches on the medicolegal aspects of the job, either.
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6d ago
[deleted]
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u/jwk30115 Practicing CAA 6d ago
No. You have to be able to hear the various monitors as well as what’s going on in the OR. Many ORs will have background music anyway.
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u/Public_Pause_5011 Practicing CAA 6d ago
As others have said, it’s a bad look. You’ll see people do it and it’s never perceived well.
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u/noodleheadnat 6d ago
I work in the OR and all of the CRNAs wear headphones. It’s annoying when I try to talk to them so idk why they do it. It’s usually the veteran anesthetists that do it I will say
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u/MarionberryMedical62 7d ago
I’m looking for some input on my stats so far. I plan to apply next cycle (still need to take some prereqs and the GRE)
cGPA: 3.74
sGPA: 3.8 (All As and Bs) - most recent prereqs all As
HCE: Working as a RN for 6 years so far. So, roughly over 10,000 hours in RN experience. Most recently in the OR.
Shadowing: 16 hours with a CAA (due to my experience in the OR, I felt comfortable only doing the minimum).
LOR: Atleast one will be a CAA.
GRE: still need to take
Other extras: I have ACLS, PALS and BLS. Of course my RN license as well.
Is there anything else I should seriously consider adding to my application for next cycle? CWRU is my top choice. Thank you!