Anesthesiologist Assistant (MHSA) Program Overview

The Master of Health Science in Anesthesia (MHSA) Program is a joint collaboration between the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) and Bluefield University and will reside in a state-of-the-art learning space on VCOM’s campus in Auburn, Alabama. The centralized location of facilities allows for easy student access to the local clinical rotation sites as well as a plethora of activities for student enjoyment, an unrivaled campus experience, and plenty of affordable housing in the immediate surrounding area. A feature of the program is the block-based curriculum focused on a foundation of didactic knowledge, simulated immersive learning, and community-based clinical anesthesia rotations. In order to bring the students successfully through the competency-based curricular continuum, the faculty use several innovative education and assessment methodologies, and the learning facilities are designed with these methodologies in mind. Classroom resources support all formats of didactic learning, including interactive distance learning, and students will use the on-site multidisciplinary simulation center to provide an immersive environment to correlate the classroom instruction with hands-on clinical scenarios. Core clinical rotation sites are set throughout Alabama, North Georgia, and upstate South Carolina. Just as Bluefield University and VCOM are dedicated to leadership and excellence in education, research, patient care, and community service, so too is the Master of Health Science in Anesthesia Program committed to the promotion of excellence in the Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA) profession.

A Powerful Program for a Rewarding Career as an Anesthesiologist Assistant

Professional anesthesiologist assistant practice involves patient assessment and planning, administering, and evaluating anesthesia care for the patient under the medical direction of a physician anesthesiologist. Our unique learning strategy and curriculum seek to provide a wide base of anesthesia educational experiences and incorporate cutting-edge technology, including web-based learning and immersive human patient simulation while providing a fully integrated learning experience for students. The MHSA program builds on the belief that learning is an independent, self-initiated, lifelong process, including opportunities for faculty-student interaction, goal setting, evaluating learning experiences, and monitoring and measuring student progress. The learning experiences, in both classroom and clinical settings, are designed to achieve the integration of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for training a competent anesthetist. The overall aim is to provide an atmosphere of intellectual inquiry and clinical experience to enable each student to realize his or her potential.

The Master of Health Science in Anesthesia Program provides an educational environment that allows students to cultivate into health care providers who are driven by compassion and guided by science, to provide the best and safest patient care. The Program is locally and nationally recognized as an authority and primary source for Anesthesiologist assistant information and services related to promoting the practice of delivering safe and quality anesthesia as a member of the anesthesia care team. The faculty and students of the Program are recognized as leaders within the profession through collective service to the American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants (AAAA), the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), and other professional organizations.

Message from the Dean

The Academic Catalog is the student guide to all policies and procedures for Bluefield University.

The MHSA Student Handbook should be utilized for more specific information on program details or policies

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