Not sure if Yahoo has it right... AA description

[Sue Damones]

"Anesthesiologist assistants work under the direction of a licensed and qualified anesthesiologist in hospitals. They perform preoperative tasks, support therapy, recovery room care, and intensive care support. They do well money-wise: around $90,000 to start and more than double that with 10 years of experience, according to the American Medical Association. A master's degree in nursing and certification by the National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants are required."

link:

http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-articles-newest_professions_growing_salaries-992

I don't think AAs are required to be nurses first... I don't think Yahoo has it right here. Maybe they are confusing CRNA and AA??

[caliotter3]

I don't take generic job or career descriptions seriously. They tend to make things seem so much better than reality.

[GilaRRT]

No, AA's need not be nurses. AA's are in essence PA's who provide anesthesia. Their role is quite similar to the CRNA.

[Sue Damones]

right. I do know what AAs, PAs, and CRNAs are... I just wanted to verify that Yahoo was wrong.