Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant Licensure in Virginia
A Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA) is a specially trained medical professional who works under the direct supervision of a licensed anesthesiologist to provide anesthesia care before, during, and after surgical procedures. CAAs are part of the anesthesia care team model and are educated at the master’s level, specializing in advanced patient monitoring, airway management, and life support. Their role is similar in scope to that of nurse anesthetists but follows a distinct training and supervisory pathway 1. Regulations governing CAA practice vary by state; recently, Virginia state legislature has passed a bill to allow certified anesthesiologist assistant licensure in the state, effective July 2025.
CAAs will have to be licensed through the Virginia Board of Medicine before they can practice in the state. This licensure ensures that all anesthesiologist assistants meet the state’s rigorous standards for education, examination, and ethical conduct. The state of Virginia recognizes the CAA as a protected medical title and allows certified professionals to practice within defined scopes of care, but only under the supervision of a physician anesthesiologist 2,3.
To be eligible for licensure in Virginia, an applicant must first complete an accredited anesthesiologist assistant educational program, typically lasting about 24–28 months. These programs are offered at the graduate level and are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP); admission to such programs requires a bachelor’s degree with a strong foundation in sciences such as biology, chemistry, and physics, along with standardized test scores 4–6.
Following graduation, applicants must pass the National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants (NCCAA) certification exam—this exam assesses clinical knowledge and decision-making ability in anesthesia care. Certification is mandatory not only for licensure in Virginia but also for ongoing professional practice. CAAs must maintain this certification through continuing medical education and periodic recertification exams 7,8.
The licensure application to the Virginia Board of Medicine will require the submission of educational transcripts, proof of certification, a completed application form, and applicable fees. In addition, applicants must undergo a criminal background check, including fingerprinting, to ensure public safety. The process may take several weeks to a few months depending on the completeness of documentation and the speed of background verification 8,9.
In Virginia, anesthesiologist assistants will work under the supervision of a licensed anesthesiologist. CAA duties typically include conducting preoperative assessments, administering drugs, managing patient airways, operating anesthesia equipment, and monitoring vital signs during surgery. CAAs may not practice independently or perform procedures outside of their licensed scope. To maintain licensure throughout their career, CAAs must renew their Virginia license periodically and stay current with national certification 10,11.
Licensure for certified anesthesiologist assistants in Virginia reflects the state’s commitment to safe, high-quality anesthesia care. Through strict education, examination, and supervisory requirements, Virginia ensures that only qualified professionals are entrusted with this critical aspect of patient care in surgical and procedural settings.
References
1. Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants. https://www.asahq.org/advocating-for-you/anesthesiologist-assistants.
2. Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants Now Authorized to Practice in Virginia. https://www.asahq.org/about-asa/newsroom/news-releases/2025/03/certified-anesthesiologist-assistants-now-authorized-to-practice-in-virginia.
3. Virginia Board of Medicine. https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Medicine/.
4. ARC-AA – Anesthesiologist Assistants Accreditation. https://www.arc-aa.org/ (2024).
5. CAAHEP | Home. https://www.caahep.org/.
6. Anesthesiologist Assistant Programs and Prerequisites. https://prehealth.natsci.msu.edu/health-careers/anesthesiologist-assistant/anesthesiologist-assistant-programs-and-prerequisites.aspx.
7. Certification Process. https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/anesthesiology/education/anesthesiologist-assistant-program/aa-profession/certification-process.
8. NCCAA. NCCAA. NCCAA https://nccaa.org/ (2025).
9. CASAA Quick Start Guide and FAQs. Liaison https://help.liaisonedu.com/CASAA_Applicant_Help_Center/Starting_Your_CASAA_Application/Getting_Started_with_Your_CASAA_Application/01_Quick_Start_Guide (2018).
10. Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants. https://www.asahq.org/advocating-for-you/anesthesiologist-assistants.
11. Statement on Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAAs): Description and Practice. https://www.asahq.org/standards-and-practice-parameters/statement-on-certified-anesthesiologist-assistants-description-and-practice.