Program of Study
The Master of Medical Science (M.M.Sc.) in anesthesiologist science is designed to provide classroom, laboratory, and clinical experiences that prepare graduates to deliver anesthesia care to patients of all ages and severities of illness for the full spectrum of surgical procedures.
A career as an anesthesiologist assistant offers both challenges and rewards, and the University's program emphasizes both classroom and practical learning. In addition to the experienced faculty members, students have access to industry-relevant learning tools. The school maintains a fully equipped mock operating room and student lab, where students obtain experience that prepares them for clinical rotations and, ultimately, a full-time position as a member of an anesthesia care team.
In the first year of this intensive twenty-eight-month program curriculum, students are focused on the scientific foundations of anesthesia practice through classroom simulation, laboratory work, and clinical experience. As the year progresses, the amount of time that students spend at clinical sites steadily increases. The senior year comprises full-time clinical experience in four-week blocks, plus weekly senior seminar meetings in which students deliver presentations on various topics related to anesthesia care, sharing best practices from their experiences across the country. Students have the opportunity to complete their clinical rotations at some of the nation's most prominent health-care institutions, ranging from major hospitals to regional health-care centers.
Research Facilities
Facilities for the anesthesiologist assistant program include a sophisticated mock operating room with SimMan, a lifelike simulator that provides students with the opportunity to practice real-world scenarios before stepping into a hospital. A unique, fully equipped, anesthesia learning laboratory was built specifically for the program and features industry-standard technology and equipment.
The campus library, constructed in 2007, provides comfortable study space for students, wireless Internet capabilities for laptop network connectivity, a computer lab, and reference and interlibrary loan services. The open-stack book collection includes access to reference, reserve, and circulating materials, along with tutorial aides and program-specific resources for class assignments. The periodical collection also supports the curricula by way of authoritative journals in both print and electronic formats. The adjoining research center, which is furnished with ten computer workstations, offers students access to the Internet, online database services such as the MEDLINE office suite, tutorials, and class-support software.
Financial Aid
A wide range of financial aid options is available to students who qualify. The Savannah campus of South University offers access to federal and state aid, including grants, loans, and work-study programs. Eligible students may apply for veterans' educational benefits and are encouraged to investigate the availability of grants and scholarships through community resources. As a first step, students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students may apply electronically at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov or through the program. Applications should be submitted promptly to receive consideration for the maximum amount of aid.
Cost of Study
Tuition information for the anesthesiologist assistant program may be obtained by contacting the anesthesiologist assistant program via the South University Web site at http://www.southuniversity.edu/anesthesiologistassistant.
Living and Housing Costs
South University offers school-sponsored student housing at its Savannah, Georgia, campus in conjunction with several local apartment complexes. Due to the full-time nature of the program, anesthesiologist assistant program students typically live in rental homes, town homes, or apartments in the Savannah area. More information may be obtained by contacting the Director of Student Housing at 912-201-8000.
Student Group
The Savannah campus of South University has a diverse student body enrolled in both day and evening classes.
Location
Located on the south side of the historic city of Savannah, the campus is situated on 9 acres of land. It is convenient to the city's bustling midtown section and a full range of educational and cultural activities. The Atlantic Ocean and recreational amenities of Tybee Island, including beaches and numerous outdoor activities, are just a short drive away. In addition, the campus is located just a short drive from Hilton Head Island and Charleston, South Carolina.
The University
South University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to award associate, baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees. Students should contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 with questions about the accreditation of South University. The anesthesiologist assistant program is accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP; 1361 Park Street, Clearwater, Florida 33756; phone: 727-210-2350).
Applying
Students are accepted into the anesthesiologist assistant program once each year, with classes beginning in June and commencement taking place in mid-September two years later. Entrance into the program is gained through a formal application review and assessment of the applicant's potential for professional and academic achievement. Prospective students must complete premedical course work at a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, as described on the program's Web site. The admissions process requires official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, scores from the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) that are not more than five years old, three letters of recommendation, proof of at least 8 hours spent with an anesthesiologist or anesthetist in an operating room, and a summary of an article published in a current anesthesia journal. For the GRE, the program must receive official score reports directly from the Educational Testing Service. The code for South University is 5157.
Correspondence and Information
Applications for admission to the South University anesthesiologist assistant program are available by contacting:
Anesthesiologist Assistant Program
South University, Savannah
709 Mall Boulevard
Savannah, Georgia 31406-4805
United States
Phone: 912-201-8080
Fax: 912-201-8070
E-mail: aaprograminfo@southuniversity.edu
Website: http://www.southuniversity.edu/savannah
See https://www.southuniversity.edu/programs-info for program duration; tuition, fees, and other costs; median debt; federal salary data; alumni success; and other important information.
Programs, credential levels, technology, and scheduling options are subject to change. 709 Mall Boulevard, Savannah, GA 31406-4805 ©2014 South University. The email address is csprogramadmin@edmc.edu.
The Faculty
One of the most outstanding aspects of South University's anesthesiologist assistant program is the dedication of the faculty members and their ability to cultivate a supportive learning environment. Faculty members are committed to their roles as mentors, teachers, and co-learners. They are also dedicated to the training of students who can assume positions of leadership within the field of anesthesiology. A current list of program faculty members is available at the South University Web site (http://www.southuniversity.edu/savannah).
