Program Overview

An Established Program with an Exceptional Reputation

The UMKC School of Medicine enjoys a rich history of innovation in medical education. The Master of Science in Anesthesia (MSA) program was started in 2008 to address a shortage of anesthesia care providers in Missouri and throughout the United States.

UMKC started the first anesthesiologist assistant program housed within a School of Medicine, leveraging the talented faculty and robust resources available in an academic medicine setting. Additionally, we were the first anesthesiologist assistant program located west of the Mississippi River, which impacted the increase of anesthesiologist assistant practice in Missouri and in the western United States.

Our program prepares highly skilled professionals who become integral members of the anesthesia care team. UMKC’s in-demand graduates are successful in securing anesthesiologist assistant employment in geographic locations, fields, and workplace environments that suit their interests and lifestyles.

  • 100% of program graduates have passed the NCCAA certification exam. Our five-year, first-time pass rate is 97% (2019-2023).
  • 100% of program graduates have entered anesthesiologist assistant practice upon graduation.
  • Employment contracts are generally secured by UMKC graduates 3-6 months prior to graduation, with average starting salaries of $180,000-$200,000 plus benefits.
  • Graduates practice in fields and geographic locations that suit their interests and lifestyles (e.g. surgery center, pediatric hospital, cardiac hospital, general hospital, or trauma center, etc.).
  • Various types of shift work (e.g. 7 a.m.-3 p.m. with no nights, weekends or holidays; afternoon shifts; night shifts; weekend shifts; part time work, etc.) is also available.

Why Choose Our Program?

The UMKC School of Medicine MSA program offers:

  • Smaller class sizes, prioritizing quality educational experiences and faculty-to-student ratios
  • Early integration into the clinical setting, with all first year clinical training occurring in the Kansas City area
  • Diverse clinical rotations that offer comprehensive cases types and procedures (arterial lines, central lines, spinal blocks, epidurals, peripheral nerve blocks, one lung ventilation devices, etc.)
  • Dedicated rotations for pediatric, cardiothoracic, trauma, and preoperative/IV experiences
  • State of the art simulation center, with the latest technology and task trainers that not only simulate anesthesia cases, but also teach anesthesia-related procedures
  • Kansas City is a vibrant and thriving community with an affordable cost of living

Accreditation

The University of Missouri-Kansas City Master of Science in Anesthesia program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Committee for the Anesthesiologist Assistants.

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