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Program Admissions FAQ

  • Is there anything that can make my application stand out amongst the other applications?
    Generally, the most important parts of the application are the grades attained on prerequisite courses and standardized test scores. The admissions committee takes notice if an applicant has medical or research experience, but it is not a requirement.
  • What is the application cycle timeline?
    The IU School of Medicine Anesthesiologist Assistant Program uses the Central Application Service for Anesthesiologist Assistants (CASAA) which opens on March 15 of each year and closes on February 28. Interviews begin in the fall, and continue until the class is filled. Classes start in August of each year.
  • When you say your admissions process operates on a rolling basis, what does that mean?
    The program interviews throughout the cycle and closes the process when the class is filled. For the program’s first year, the deadline may be extended if necessary.
  • Can I apply if I haven’t finished taking my prerequisite courses?
    Yes. The prerequisite courses need to be completed by the time you start the program, not by the time you apply.
  • What standardized tests does the program accept?
    The program only accepts MCAT and GRE scores.
  • Do I send my standardized test score report to the program office?
    No. When applying, applicants only need to send the official score reports to CASAA.
  • Do I send my official transcripts to the program office?
    No. Send official transcripts to CASAA.
  • Is there a minimum GPA or standardized test score I should have to apply?
    There is not a minimum GPA, but an overall 3.5 GPA or better is considered competitive, and a B- or better on prerequisite courses is recommended. There is not a minimum MCAT or GRE score requirement, but an MCAT score in the 49th percentile or higher and a GRE Quantitative/Verbal score in the 55th percentile or higher is generally competitive.
  • What if I’ve gotten a couple of Cs on my prerequisite courses? Do I still have a chance to make it into the program?
    Pre-requisite grades should be completed with a B- or better. Applicants may want to retake any pre-requisites in which a C+ or lower was earned. If an applicant retakes a course, the higher grade will be used for successful completion of the pre-requisite.
  • How can I find out if certain courses I have taken or want to take fulfill prerequisite requirements?
    Contact the program at IUSMAA@iu.edu. Program staff are always happy to evaluate transcripts and look into possible courses. If you have a question about a specific course, you must provide the institution, course title, catalog number, and direct web link to the listing in the course catalog. Please provide the course syllabus (if available) as a web link or email attachment.
  • Can I complete the IU School of Medicine Anesthesiologist Assistant Program online or part-time?
    No. Due to the sequencing of the courses, the rigorous curriculum and the heavy clinical aspect of the Anesthesiologist Assistant program, no online or part-time options are available.
  • Can I work part-time while I am in the program?
    Students do not generally have time to work while they are enrolled in the Anesthesiologist Assistant program.
  • How do I go about fulfilling the shadowing requirement?
    Applicants should contact hospitals and medical centers in their region and let them know that they are applying to an Anesthesiologist Assistant Program and are interested in shadowing a Physician Anesthesiologist (MD or DO), Anesthesiology Resident, Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA) or a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) who practices in the Anesthesia Care Team Model.
  • Will I have to travel for rotations?
    While most rotations are in Indianapolis, there will be requirements to travel for some out of town requirements. If there are locations outside of Indianapolis that a program participant is interested in utilizing, the Anesthesiologist Assistant program team can try to secure them as a clinical rotation location.
  • What is the size of the matriculating class?
    The Anesthesiologist Assistant Program anticipates enrolling twenty students in each cohort, and students will matriculate in August of each year.
  • Does the program accept international students?
    Per IU School of Medicine acceptance guidelines, the Anesthesiologist Assistant Program does not accept international students. Applicants must have a permanent resident visa at time of application or be a U.S. citizen.