Master of Science in Anesthesia

FAQs


What are the minimum GPA and MCAT/GRE scores required for application?

Our program’s applicants should achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and must earn a composite GPA of 3.0 for pre-requisite courses.

We do not have a required minimum MCAT or GRE score. However, a recommended score for the 2015 MCAT is a 494 composite score or higher. A recommended GRE score is a 300.

The average cumulative GPA for the spring 2023 incoming class was 3.45, and the average MCAT was 498 (2015 MCAT). The average pre-requisite GPA for the spring 2023 incoming class was 3.47. We do accept applications with scores different than those listed as the average. We look at each application as a whole and each required item makes the application unique in its own way.

How can I find out if my classes meet the prerequisites?

In an effort to assist prospective students in evaluating their previous coursework for equivalency to the required pre-requisites, the School of Medicine Office of Admissions has compiled information for courses that have been previously evaluated for equivalency by clicking here.

These lists are continually updated based on courses that are officially reviewed during the application process, and we encourage prospective students to email a syllabus of their course(s) in question for review if the course(s) are not listed here. If you have completed or will complete courses elsewhere, ensure that they are pre-medical level courses. We do not accept Intro/Concepts courses designed for non-science majors.

Again, if you have concerns or questions about specific courses you have taken, contact the School of Medicine Office of Admissions for assistance in determining if your coursework is eligible.

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If you would like to complete your undergraduate degree or prerequisite courses at UMKC, visit the UMKC pre-medical advising website. They offer a pre-Anesthesiologist Assistant degree path.

Do I have to have all of the pre-requisites done by the application deadline?

No. You are allowed to have multiple missing pre-requisite courses by the time of the August 15 deadline. However, any missing pre-requisite courses must be completed by the end of the fall semester prior to your anticipated matriculation. There is no precise limit of how many courses may be missing by the time of the deadline, but proof of enrollment in missing courses would be required prior to an interview.

How do I complete an anesthesia shadowing experience?

We recommend that students exhaust every effort in their community for potential shadowing experiences.  Contact local hospitals/medical centers and express that you have an interest in shadowing in the anesthesia department.

It is recommended that all applicants obtain a Tuberculosis (TB) screen at their physician’s office or health department prior to completing a shadowing experience.  Many locations are requesting these for persons entering the operating room.  TB screens are valid for one year.

Shadowing Experience Verification instructions are located on our Admission Requirements page. Students must complete a minimum of four hours of shadowing.

What is your program’s policy on citizenship and international degrees?

Our program requires that all students are US citizens or permanent residents. US citizenship or permanent resident status by application deadline is required of all applicants.

Applicants must also have received a Baccalaureate degree from an accredited US or Canadian college or university by the United States Department of Education or Canadian Department of Education respectively.

Can previous health care or medical course work transfer and/or replace any courses required by the MSA Program?

Due to the knowledge base of each semester building on the knowledge base from the previous semester, it is vital that all students in the UMKC Master of Science in Anesthesia program complete the courses required within the curriculum in the prescribed sequence. Advanced placement, transfer of credit from other educational programs, or substitution of coursework based on prior academic or clinical experience will not be accepted in place of the prescribed courses in the MSA program curriculum.

What is the cost of the MSA Program?

Tuition information can be found on our Costs and Financial Aid page.

How many current students does the MSA program have?

Currently, the MSA program has approximately 30 total students, comprised of our Year 1 and Year 2 MSA students. We tend to admit about 15 students each year.

How many students are accepted in each class?

The program anticipates enrolling 12-15 students in each cohort, and students begin in January of each year.

Can I work while enrolled in the program?

Due to the intense nature of the program, we do not recommend that you work while enrolled.

Is there a part time option?

Due to the sequencing of the curriculum, there is not a part time option.

Do I have to travel for my clinical rotations?

Our intent is to provide clinical rotation sites that advance our students’ understanding of anesthesia and healthcare in multiple settings, and the quality of students’ education is a priority for the program. Missouri is one of 19 states and territories that AAs are currently licensed to practice in, and we maintain an effort is to advance the anesthesia profession in the state of Missouri. However, students may be required to travel outside of Kansas City for clinical rotations. The student will be responsible for travel and housing expenses.

What are the placement rates of your graduates?

We have a 100% placement rate for UMKC MSA graduates. In addition, 84.5% of graduates accepted post-graduation positions with Missouri hospitals/medical centers.