Hi Thomas, Here's some info, but don't quote me on everything......there's a lot of info out there (See the websites at the bottom of the message).
"I know nothing of AA's except for what he told me, and what I've read on the internet so far. Basically, $100k+ a year (money really doesn't matter to me), reasonable hours(8ish to 7ish, no weekends), and full benefits. "
Being an AA can also involve being on call depending on where you work. You may also work longer days (sometimes 12 hour shifts-again depending on where you work, or very early mornings/late nights).
"What do I need in college to become an AA?"
You need a bachelor's degree with pre-med classes such as Biology, Chemisty, Organic Chemistry, Statistics, Physics, Calculus etc.
You need to shadow and AA (Or I think you can also shadow an anesthesiologist?). May people have jobs in the medical field, such as an anesthesia tech or surgical tech.
Then you take the GRE/MCAT and apply to AA school-a master's program that is roughly 2 1/2 years.
"What GPA should I shoot for?" As high as possible!! AA school is very competitive. The shcool websites should have their average scores from the year before.
"Is the MCAT the only test I need to take to get into school?"
You can take the GRE instead-I believe all schools will accept that, but I'm not 100% sure.
"How in the WORLD do you afford the school, I was looking at South (I live 2 hrs away, so my preferred school). It is 10,000 dollars per quarter. This seems very, VERY dismal to me as I'm not looking forward to being 100,000 in debt right out of school?"
Loans! Try to get as many undergrad scholarships as possible, like HOPE for your bachelor's degree. I did my undergrad debt-free, and so I will be well under 100,000 when I finish AA school. Think of it as a great investment!
"Do you have time for a job while attending school?" I encourage getting involved with some activity during your undergrad, because this gives you some great experiences that can come in handy later. You can also work during your undergrad as your schedule allows, but you cannot work during AA school whatsoever.
"And lastly, what is the job outlook for AA's? I wouldn't want to go through all that money and end up flipping burgers : /"
Let's just say that at my interview, all of the 2nd year students had job offers, and most had jobs lined up except for the "picky ones"!
I'm a junior in highschool (taking no health-related classes, I could kick myself) I plan to attend community college first, and get my bachelors (what degree is needed? Science?)
Most have a science degree.
I have a 3.8 GPA right now I've taken honors classes, and plan to take all AP next year.
If you can help, and have read through all of this, thank you. If you reply, thanks even more!
Some websites for you to check out: -the websites of all of the AA programs, especially South, if that's where you want to go -www.anesthesiaassistant.com -www.gaswork.com
