Course Requirements Overview
This is a guide to common pre-anesthesiologist assistant studies course requirements.
Additional Notes:
- Individual schools may require or recommend additional courses.
- Some schools may require that all prerequisite courses must be taken in person. Many programs prefer in person coursework, and some programs may not allow online coursework. See individual schools for policies.
- All prerequisites must be completed with a letter grade of C or higher.
- Schools vary on Credit-By-Exam (AP/IB/CLEP) policies and preferences for prerequisites. Please see "Can I Claim AP/IB Credit?"
School requirements can change. See individual school websites and admissions guides under "Research Anesthesiologist Assistant Programs Before You Apply".
Recommended Courses
To prepare for most anesthesiologist assistant programs, students study the following subjects.
- Biology: Lecture – 6 hrs; Lab – 2 hrs
- General Chemistry: Lecture – 6 hrs; Lab – 2 hrs
- Organic Chemistry: Lecture – 3 hrs; Lab – 1 hr
- General Physics: Lecture – 6 hrs; Lab – 2 hrs
- Biochemistry: Lecture - 3 hrs
- Human Anatomy: Lecture – 3 hrs; Lab – 1 hr
- Human Physiology: Lecture – 3 hrs
- Advanced Statistics: 3 hrs
- Calculus: 3 hrs
- English: with expository writing – 3 hrs
We strongly recommend taking courses in the following areas.
- Ethics
- Analytical problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Writing, interpersonal communications, and presentation skills
- Cultural studies
- Spanish and other language studies relevant to your career goals
UT Austin courses are typically taken to fulfill requirements.
Science courses:
Subject | Lecture | Lab |
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Biology |
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Anatomy |
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Physiology |
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Physics
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Starting FALL 2021, PHY 105M/N will replace lab numbers PHY 102M/N, PHY 103M/N, and 117M/N.
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General Chemistry |
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Organic Chemistry
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Most schools require one semester of organic chemistry with a lab. Some schools may require two semesters. Currently, Case Western requires one semester of O Chem lecture and lab, but they prefer two semesters of lecture and 2 hours of lab. (Check school websites for their specific requirements.) Starting Fall 2024*, pre-health students only needing one semester of O Chem lab should be able to register for CH 120K (*this is still pending approval and has recently been updated).
Biochemistry |
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Some schools may require or recommend additional science courses. Examples of courses that may be required or recommended are:
Subject | Lecture | Lab/Notes |
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Cell Biology | BIO 320 | |
Microbiology | BIO 326R |
Other remaining prerequisites:
Subject | Lecture | Notes |
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Statistics |
SDS 302F OR SDS 320E OR EDP 371 OR PSY 418 OR |
Preferably for the life sciences. Elementary or basic courses will not fulfill this requirement. Compare topics listed on the course syllabus with the requirements of the schools to which you will apply. NOTE: BIO 446L (Anatomy) requires either Calculus or SDS 302 or SDS 328M. |
Calculus |
M 408N OR M 408K OR M 408C |
Precalculus will not fulfill this requirement. ALWAYS verify with your program of choice as to whether your Calculus class will fulfil their requirements (even if listed). |
Rhetoric (Composition) |
RHE 306 OR RHE 309K OR Any Writing Flag course |
May also be fulfilled with other expository writing courses in the humanities. Science courses with extensive writing components may fulfill this requirement as well. Check school websites. |
Prerequisite Course Timelines
Your personal timeline may differ from these samples. Work with your academic advisor to incorporate these courses into your degree plan.
Important Note: Timelines do not include all course options and details. To be sure that you are fulfilling all requirements, see individual school websites. School links are provided on another page. See: "Research AA schools before you apply"!
Additional Course Information
- Currently a UT student and thinking of taking courses away from UT?
- Are Extension Courses Okay for Anesthesiologist Assistant Pre-Reqs?
- Other Pre-Health non-science courses of interest