Pre-AA Pathways

About Pre-AA Pathways

Pre-AA Pathways is a podcast guiding students through the journey to Anesthesiologist Assistant school. Hosted by two non-traditional applicants, each episode breaks down the pre-AA process—from prerequisites and clinical experience to CASAA applications and interviews—so you can navigate the path to AA school with confidence.

Publisher

Tiffany & Adrienne

Category

business · education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

1 Apr 2026

Latest episode

21 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   21 Sept 2026

   Episode 11: Pre-AA Perspectives on the MCAT

   Most MCAT advice online is written for pre-meds, who have no decision to make. Pre-AAs do. Tiffany explains why she chose the harder test on purpose. Then everything else: what the test is, the three-pass system that worked, what didn't, the costs, test day, accommodations timelines, and the 24 hours after. THE STUDY Monroe, K. S., Amerson, L., Bundy, W., Greene, Y., Jarvis, G., Stever, J., & Patel, G. P. (2024). Pre-admission standardized tests and the relationship with anesthesiologist assistant student performance: A retrospective analysis. Advances in Medical Education and Practice, 15, 815-819. https://doi.org/10.2147/AMEP.S480696 (https://doi.org/10.2147/AMEP.S480696) RESOURCES TIFFANY USED Kaplan MCAT books (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FWZY1182);use lib gen .vg for pdf downloads Professor Eman (https://www.youtube.com/@professoreman2289) & Yusuf Hasan (https://www.youtube.com/@yusufahasan)on YT AnKing MCAT (https://www.ankihub.net/mcat-deck): MileDown (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1neyVXp_prnmVManHHCB6lZOOL6xEykPE/view) + Pankow (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zcni3moeevG20iEuKHa443VljXck9Er1/view) for P/S Anki iOS app (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ankimobile-flashcards/id373493387) UWorld MCAT QBank (https://gradschool.uworld.com/mcat/question-bank/) AAMC Official Prep (https://store.aamc.org/mcat-prep.html) Jack Westin's Chrome extension (https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/the-jack-westin-mcat%C2%AE-chr/jgglfdpjpddcdaeapbcfgckfheabbdpi?hl=en&pli=1) MCATbros (https://www.mcatbros.com/_files/ugd/69e71c_6fb066f455db442685a7472e0226b51b.pdf) or MCATatalyst (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tA7FXw2lZSmjz4dfFGAJHq3Objf2uOiOxBEUM-qUK4M/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.sq9ddv10gycx) P/S docs Practice FLs: dry erase booklet (https://www.amazon.com/Erasable-noteboard-Staedtler-Experience-Simulation/dp/B084MJ9D9C/ref=sr_1_1?channelId=500&clpRedir=Y&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.7s1cDtigYE9TQIGhKhC3gmmd9JY5Xnbm0fQpt40j8U-mPEI9GiqkYHizaTlciOZSk0SwTvJApzU0GWkc5qoWVYgeaB5zojnw7CFI1s9WEUEEZXFdJ630XnTnL1Pj5cC-mQPr63n7EmfIV7hZQibuxcTvHCN81VFQnnAOGrXFFvdmolL3VOL264PclqzHGfxP-1D8b7-uu7cmxprzwPLwEAJX6n4VyzuRelQ3K3reciw.IxhBsLhwUdRHgf3tpjcX7svzotubxqw93fJmNvEnJIs&dib_tag=se&keywords=Mcat+Noteboard+Booklet&plpRedirect=mhFallback&qid=1789935431&sr=8-1) & generic foam earplugs Connect with us on IG, TikTok, & YT: @PreAAPathways | preaapathways.com (http://preaapathways.com) __ Every logistical detail here, including dates, fees, program requirements and what a test score does or does not do at a given school, was checked in September 2026 and changes. Verify it at the source, for your list, before you act on it.

2. 

   7 Sept 2026

   Episode 10: Pre-AA Perspectives on the GRE

   Adrienne and episode guest Stephanie Rauda break down the GRE from the perspective of non-traditional pre-AA applicants. They discuss the GRE over MCAT, how the current exam is structured, and what helped improve their scores. They also discuss timing, costs, score reporting, study resources, testing formats, and how to approach the exam while balancing work, prerequisites, and application preparation. Key topics Why Stephanie chose the GRE over the MCAT How school-specific requirements affect the GRE-versus-MCAT decision The current GRE format, scoring scale, and adaptive sections Analytical writing expectations and time-management strategies Why GRE quant can be harder than expected Study tools including GregMat Plus, PrepSwift, vocabulary review, and targeted math practice Test fees, retakes, score reports, CASAA codes, and accommodations In-person testing compared with at-home proctoring How to schedule the GRE around application deadlines Advice for non-traditional applicants who are balancing work, school, and application preparation Timestamps 00:00 — Introducing Stephanie 01:10 — Making the Decision: GRE vs MCAT 05:20 — Current GRE structure and scoring basics 06:24 — Analytical writing section 08:33 — Why GRE quant can be challenging 09:29 — GRE cost, retakes, and score-report fees 10:16 — Sending GRE scores through CASAA 12:23 — What GRE scores may be competitive 15:41 — GRE Study tools that helped 18:45 — Fee reduction and GRE accommodations 19:29 — In-person GRE testing-center experience 20:18 — At-home GRE testing experience 23:29 — Receiving GRE scores 28:00 — Advice to past selves about the GRE 29:49 — Stephanie’s GRE score breakdown 31:30 — Closing thoughts Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: Z7GAV35MD6QTOFCQ

3. 

   3 Jul 2026

   Coffee Break: A Pre-AA Legislative Update (7/2026)

   Hold onto your textbooks pre-anesthesiologist assistants! There’s a wild legal saga unfolding that impacts your future funding. Get the scoop, stay sharp, and skip the legal rollercoaster — or at least scream with your eyes open. In this episode: The latest updates on federal court stalling the "narrower professional degree list" law How these legal hiccups impact pre-AAs Practical Steps and actions you can take right now as a Pre-AA Why engaging in advocacy is more important than ever for future anesthesiologist assistants How the fight over professional degree definitions controls your funding and status Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome to the wild world of pre-AA legislation 00:20 - The federal court stay explained: pause, not endgame 01:00 - How the "Rise Final Rule" shrank professional degree definitions — and how courts put it on hold 01:40 - What this legal pause means for your student loans and funding limits 02:20 - Adrienne’s perspective on why the list jumped from 11 to 29 fields 03:00 - Impact of the court stay on loan limits: what’s changed on paper 04:00 - The end of Grad Plus loans 04:45 - How the federal caps, income, savings, and co-signers shape your financial future 05:30 - The critical importance of reading official documents yourself 06:20 - How you can kickstart advocacy today as a Pre-AA 07:10 - Why your voice matters in rulemaking and litigation 08:00 - Final recap: stay informed, get involved, and protect your future Resources & Links: Ready-made Pre-AA advocacy letters (http://www.slptocaa.com/take-action) StudentAid.gov (http://StudentAid.gov) Federal Student Loan Limits (https://studentaid.gov/) American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants (AAAA) Advocacy Page (https://aaahq.org/Advocacy) The Formal Update to the List of Professional Degree Programs Due to Court Order (Electronic Announcement, June 29, 2026) (https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/electronic-announcements/2026-06-29/update-list-professional-degree-programs-due-court-order) StudentAid.gov (http://StudentAid.gov) — Big Updates: Loan Limits Interim Exception (eligibility for continuing borrowers) (https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/big-updates/definitions#loan-limits-exception) StudentAid.gov (http://StudentAid.gov) — Big Updates: Student Borrower Scenarios (find the example closest to your situation (https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/big-updates) StudentAid.gov (http://StudentAid.gov) — Big Updates hub (overview of all OBBBA/RISE changes) (https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/big-updates) National Student Loan Data System (https://nsldsfap.ed.gov/login) - Use if you have a history of already borrowing federal student loans Remember: Voices create change, so don’t wait for the diploma to start speaking up. Your future depends on it.

4. 

   24 Jun 2026

   Episode 9: Pre-AA Perspectives on Volunteering

   Ever wondered how much volunteer work you actually need as a pre-AA, or what kind of volunteering even counts? You're not alone! Tiffany and Adri discuss these questions and more, to help you navigate the wild world of volunteering as a Pre-Anesthesiologist Assistant student. In this episode: How many volunteer hours are needed What kind of volunteering activities counts The link between volunteering and clinical experience The true value of volunteering as a Pre-AA Timestamps: 00:00 - Debunking the volunteer hours myth — no set minimum! 00:20 - Standard Intro & Disclaimer 01:36 - Episode Start & Types of Volunteering 02:12 - Volunteering hours, how many are needed? 02:50 - What kind of volunteering counts? 03:15 - How genuine community involvement beats hospital shifts every time 04:35 - Adri’s volunteering experience example 05:55 - Tiffany’s experiences with volunteering and non-volunteering community 07:21 - How volunteering lowers barriers to clinical experience 08:42 - How authenticity in volunteering helps 10:02 - Challenges of volunteering as a Pre-AA 12:24 - Key takeaways Connect with Pre-AA Pathways: TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@preaapathways) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/preaapathways/) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@preaapathways) Music Attributions: EJJGYNSZ1AEPSKXD, 8TT2QTUI8M5MPKV9, Y1YMZNGDHX8QHM7H, GDDOM0NWBV0ZKGRH

5. 

   13 Jun 2026

   Episode 8: Pre-AA Perspectives on Shadowing an Anesthesiologist Assistant

   In this episode, Tiffany and Adrienne walk through shadowing from two pre-AA perspectives: how they found anesthesia observation hours, where to look, how to frame a request that gets a "yes," and how to show up once you're in the room. IN THIS EPISODE 00:52 — The shadowing question that shows up constantly in pre-AA spaces 01:42 — 24 jurisdictions: why this is a structural access gap, not a personal failure 03:03 — Where to look first: hospitals, volunteer offices, and your state AA board 03:51 — AA programs that facilitate shadowing + the info-session pro tip 04:26 — Shadowing other anesthesia providers (MD/DO, CRNA): not a consolation prize 05:20 — Networking shadowing at the AAAA Conference 05:53 — The four things to confirm before you send a single email 06:32 — Building a prep kit so you can reply fast when someone says yes 08:12 — Read this before day one: Anesthesia Made Easy 09:57 — No responses for months: what to do next 10:54 — Teaching hospitals, the Department of Anesthesiology, and matching their language 12:13 — Why ambulatory surgery centers are underrated 12:53 — Using LinkedIn the right way 14:08 — Shadowing vs. clinical experience: the distinction that matters 17:01 — The 5-part structured request framework 18:46 — A sample shadowing email, start to finish 20:50 — The frustrated "please let me shadow" post, said with empathy 23:05 — The travel reality of a regionalized profession 25:01 — OR etiquette: don't touch anything blue 26:31 — Sarah Whitfield's shadowing prep guide on body language 27:32 — Asking specific questions that get real answers 28:27 — Why you forget the details within 48 hours, and what to do about it 29:17 — Contact info, signed forms, and the 24-hour thank-you email 29:51 — Key takeaways 31:58 — Next time: volunteering in the pre-AA context RESOURCES MENTIONED - Anesthesia Made Easy by Jeff Steiner — a digestible first pass on induction, maintenance, emergence, medications, and monitoring. - Sarah Whitfield's Shadowing Prep Guide — practicing CAA at AspiringCAA.com (http://AspiringCAA.com), on shadowing etiquette and body language. - AAAA Conference — covered in earlier Pre-AA Pathways episodes; an in-person route to shadowing connections. - Episode 7 (All Things Clinical Experience) — the deeper breakdown of shadowing vs. clinical experience vs. patient care experience. CONNECT WITH US Sent a shadowing request that went nowhere? Run it against the 5-part framework and DM us what you'd change — we read everything. And tell us the state you're applying from. Instagram: @PreAAPathways TikTok: @PreAAPathways YouTube: @PreAAPathways Web: preaapathways.com (http://preaapathways.com) COMING UP NEXT — EPISODE 9 Volunteering in the pre-AA context: what it actually looks like, how it's distinct from clinical experience and shadowing, and why programs keep mentioning it. DISCLAIMER Both hosts are pre-AA applicants in the current CASAA cycle, not program-accepted CAAs. Nothing in this episode is application advice, admissions guidance, or a guarantee of outcomes. Logistical details should be verified directly with the source. Pre-AA Pathways is not affiliated with CASAA, AAAA, any AA program, or CAAHEP. Pre-AA Pathways — Turning ambition into admission. Music Attribution: QL9LXCGP5Y9BUTTD

6. 

   3 Jun 2026

   Episode 7: Pre-AA Perspectives on Getting Clinical Experience

   Adrienne and Tiffany break down what it actually takes to build clinical experience from the outside — the real barriers, the most common entry points in pre-AA communities, and what seems to matter once you're building hours. In this episode, we cover: • Why getting your first clinical role is harder than "just get your hours" suggests • The pay cut and scheduling realities that don't get talked about enough • Common clinical roles in pre-AA communities • Healthcare experience vs. direct patient care — and why the distinction matters • What seems to carry weight when building toward AA school • How to document your hours before application time Chapters 00:53 — Why clinical experience can be the hardest part of your pre-AA journey 02:31 — The real cost of gaining clinical experience 03:17 — Strategic patience & building healthcare experience 05:16 — Common entry roles introduced & information on Medical Assistant positions 07:51 — Certified Nursing Assistants and Patient Care Technicians 10:17 — EMT, paramedic, and OR tech options 11:15 — Anesthesia Tech positions 14:05 — The difference between healthcare experience and patient care hours 16:00 — Shortcuts or stepping stones? Phlebotomy, scribing, volunteering, and their roles 21:02 — What we think really matters 24:10 — Tracking, Documenting & Preparing Early 28:27 — Final takeaways & Closing Resources & Links: 🔗 Learn more at preaapathways.com (http://preaapathways.com) Connect with PreAA Pathways: • Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/preaapathways/) • TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@preaapathways) • YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@PreAAPathways) @preaapathways Adrienne and Tiffany are pre-AA applicants in the 2026 CASAA (Centralized Application Service for Anesthesiologist Assistants) cycle. Nothing here is application advice or a guarantee of any outcome. Program requirements change — always verify directly with each program. Not affiliated with CASAA, the AAAA, any AA program, or CAAHEP. Music license code: 6JJQRMA689NY4NTL

7. 

   27 May 2026

   Episode 6: Pre-AA Perspectives on Prerequisites

   Episode 7 — Pre-AA Perspectives on Prerequisites Adrienne and Tiffany both started here — pulling up a program page, doing the math on their transcripts, and realizing there was more ground to cover than expected. This episode breaks down what AA program prerequisites actually consist of, where the details get complicated, and how to build a real inventory of where you stand. Chapters 00:00 — Intro & disclaimer 01:12 — The moment prerequisites got real 02:34 — What are AA program prerequisites? 03:27 — Why the science foundation matters in the Operating Room 04:00 — Recency requirements & course age 05:25 — Course level, labs, and what programs are actually evaluating 07:08 — The prerequisite nuances that trip people up 09:30 — Online prerequisites & transfer credits 11:05 — How to build your actual transcript inventory 12:17 — Sequencing your plan 16:57 — Grades, competitiveness, and the CAA Readiness Index 20:48 — Real barriers 25:46 — On timelines being longer than planned 27:06 — One thing to do after this episode 27:36 — Closing Resources 🔗 CAA Readiness Index — criscore.org (http://criscore.org) 🔗 Adrienne's course & university reviews — slptocaa.com/course-reviews (http://slptocaa.com/course-reviews) 🔗 Episode 3: GPA, GRE, MCAT & Competitiveness — preaapathways.riverside.com/e/episode-3-all-things-pre-aa-statistics-gpa-gre-mcat-competitiveness (http://preaapathways.riverside.com/e/episode-3-all-things-pre-aa-statistics-gpa-gre-mcat-competitiveness) 🔗 Awakened Anesthetists’ — Emily Mycyk interview — buzzsprout.com/1219709/episodes/19165712 (http://buzzsprout.com/1219709/episodes/19165712) 🔗 Learn more at preaapathways.com (http://preaapathways.com) Adrienne and Tiffany are pre-AA applicants in the 2026 CASAA (Centralized Application Service for Anesthesiologist Assistants) cycle. Nothing here is application advice or a guarantee of any outcome. Program requirements change — always verify directly with each program. Not affiliated with CASAA, the AAAA, any AA program, or CAAHEP.

8. 

   20 May 2026

   Episode 5: Pre-AA Perspectives on CASAA

   In this episode, we discuss CASAA with a successful AA applicant and incoming S-AA for the 2026 school year: How CASAA is structured Why timing matters to apply & prep letters of recommendation Financial Considerations Decoding the CASAA GPA Common pitfalls Application strategy & Practical tools used Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and what CASAA is all about 02:01 - Features of the updated CASAA portal and new sections 04:13 - Why timing your application to school cycles can make or break your chances 07:02 - How to strategize program selection while managing costs 11:18 - Letters of recommendation: when to ask and who makes a strong reference 17:05 - Navigating the sections of the portal — what each tab contains 19:56 - Tools for organization: spreadsheets and tracking hours 23:19 - How CASAA calculates the GPA and what can surprise you 25:31 - Common challenges: standardized testing 27:44 - Timeline tricks: when and how to input transcripts and supporting documents 29:56 - Drafting your personal statement and avoiding last-minute stress 31:52 - Strategic Takeaways & Next Steps Resources & Links: CASAA Portal (https://casaa.cas.myliaison.com/applicant-ux/) — your centralized application portal for AA applications Anesthesia OneSource (https://anesthesiaonesource.com/) — program details and requirements listed here Personal Statement Book Recommendation - Graduate Admissions Essays, Fourth Edition by Donald Asher (https://www.amazon.com/Graduate-Admissions-Essays-Fourth-School/dp/1607743213) — your go-to resource to for your personal statement Google Sheets (https://sheets.google.com/) — your new best friend for tracking hours Pre-AA Pathways Episode 3: All Things Pre-AA Statistics-GPA, GRE, MCAT & Competitiveness (https://preaapathways.riverside.com/e/episode-3-all-things-pre-aa-statistics-gpa-gre-mcat-competitiveness?_gl=1*xmojcu*_gcl_au*NDMyODE5MDM3LjE3NzI4NTAzMzMuMTU4NzIzMzI4MC4xNzc2MjA4MjAxLjE3NzYyMDgyMDI.*_ga*MjE0MjMyMTY0NC4xNzcyODUwMzMz*_ga_PF9PK8DC9Z*czE3NzkyMzk4NjEkbzQ3JGcxJHQxNzc5MjQyNDI3JGo2MCRsMSRoNTkxMTIxNzUz) Key Takeaways: Make an account on CASAA early—familiarity reduces stress Plan your timeline based on program openings and cycle variations Start collecting recommendation letters at least 2 months ahead Use tools like Google Sheets to organize hours and experiences Remember: applying late doesn’t mean you’re out, but strategic early submissions help *Disclaimer: Tiffany and Adrienne are pre-AA applicants in the 2026 CASAA cycle. Victoria is an accepted incoming S-AA. Everything shared comes from personal experience, personal perspectives, and publicly available information. Pre-AA Pathways is not affiliated with CASAA, the AAAA, any AA program, or CAAHEP.

9. 

   5 May 2026

   Episode 4: All Things Pre-AAs Need to Know About the AAAA Conference

   This episode is about why showing up before you're accepted isn't just allowed. It's the point. What we cover: What the AAAA (American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants) National Conference is Why in-person professional exposure builds a different kind of context than content consumption (and the cognitive science behind why) How to actually show up: introducing yourself, which sessions to prioritize, what to ask practicing CAAs 7 myths about attending as a pre-AA, busted ... and MORE Links & Resources AAAA website (https://www.anesthetist.org/) + affiliate membership (https://www.anesthetist.org/join-aaaa) Pre-AA Pathways website (https://preaapathways.com/) Follow us on our socials HERE (https://linktr.ee/preAApathways) Tiffany's Coffee Break episode about the AAAA (https://preaapathways.riverside.com/e/coffee-break-tiff-s-takes-on-the-aaaa-conference-26) (Ep 3.5) Advocacy for CAAs To learn more about advocacy, start HERE (https://slptocaa.com/advocacy). For Adri's framework on HOW to educate and advocate, visit HERE (https://slptocaa.com/advocacy). Disclaimer: Tiffany and Adrienne are pre-AA applicants in the 2026 CASAA cycle — not program-accepted CAAs. Nothing here is admissions guidance or a guarantee of outcomes. Verify all dates, fees, and membership details directly with the AAAA. Pre-AA Pathways is not affiliated with CASAA, the AAAA, any AA program, or CAAHEP.

10. 

    21 Apr 2026

    Coffee Break: Tiff's Takes on the AAAA Conference '26

    Tiff goes solo and gets out some highlights while they’re still warm for this one while Adri’s recovering from gum surgery. In This Episode The clinical sessions — what Tiff learned from Dr. Rishi Kumar's session on the physiologically challenging airway (and why the breathing tube going in is not the finish line), and Sarah Whitfield's breakdown of pacemakers vs. ICDs and why that distinction matters more than most people realize Legislation — Washington state became the first state on the West Coast to license CAAs. What that fight actually looked like, what Representative Taylor said that every pre-AA needs to hear The keynote — Shenandoah Chefalo on ACEs, belonging as the number one predictor of life outcomes, and why Tiff got personal Mary Jeanne — watching your mentor show up as her truest self and achieve a lifelong dream in front of you Emily Mycyk — the AAAA president who used to tend bar and started AA school at 29, and why her story matters for every non-traditional pre-AA listening _____ Shenandoah Chefalo Keynote speaker | Trauma-informed wellness expert https://www.chefaloconsulting.com/ (https://www.chefaloconsulting.com/) | https://www.linkedin.com/in/shenandoahchefalo (https://www.linkedin.com/in/shenandoahchefalo) Dr. Rishi Kumar Speaker | Physiologically challenging airway session https://www.instagram.com/rishimd/ (https://www.instagram.com/rishimd/) Sarah Whitfield, CAA Speaker | Cardiovascular implantable electronic device & Founder of AspiringCAA.com (http://AspiringCAA.com) → (https://aspiringcaa.com/)aspiringcaa.com (http://aspiringcaa.com) | https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahwhitfield (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahwhitfield) Representative Jamila Taylor Washington State Legislature | 30th Legislative District Championed Washington's CAA licensure bill Chabely’s CAA Map: https://caa-state-practice-map.streamlit.app/ (https://caa-state-practice-map.streamlit.app/) Mary Jeanne Roberts CAA | https://www.instagram.com/awakenedanesthetist/ (https://www.instagram.com/awakenedanesthetist/) Emily Mycyk AAAA President 2026 Take Action Now The Anesthesia for All Act — HR6545 Federal legislation pushing for expanded CAA recognition. You can contact your congressional representative about this today. Find your representative: (https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative)house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative (http://house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative) Follow Us Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/preAApathways (https://www.instagram.com/preAApathways) Tiktok → http://tiktok.com/@preaapathways (http://tiktok.com/@preaapathways) Website → preAApathways.com (http://preAApathways.com)

11. 

    14 Apr 2026

    Episode 3: All Things Pre-AA Statistics - GPA, GRE, MCAT, & Competitiveness

    As a Pre-Anesthesiologist Assistant (Pre-AA) student, are you obsessing over GPA, standardized tests, and stats? There’s so much more beneath the surface, and understanding your numbers can transform your application approach. This Pre-AA perspectives episode is a look into what programs see, and how YOU could position yourself for success! In this episode: Your GPA & how CASAA calculates it differently Thoughts on what “competitive” really means Holistic reviews & how your full profile matters The role of standardized tests The common pitfalls of comparison Strategies to improve Practical tips: log into CASAA, know your numbers, tell your story, and move forward Timestamps: 00:00 - The real story behind GPA and application thresholds 00:15 - Why GPA calculations differ 01:24 - The importance of holistic review 03:33 - The truth about minimum GPA vs. competitive GPA 04:37 - Interpretation of test scores 06:10 - Why comparison is toxic and how bias skews perceptions 10:02 - Reframing your numbers 15:28 - Key Takeaways Resources & Links: CRI Score - Assess Your Readiness (https://criscore.org/) CASAA Official Website (https://casaa.cas.myliaison.com/applicant/login) Follow on Instagram & TikTok @PreAAPathways (https://www.instagram.com/preaapathways/)

12. 

    7 Apr 2026

    Episode 2: Understanding the CAA Profession

    This episode breaks down the role of certified anesthesiologist assistants (CAAs), their training, scope of practice, and how they compare to other anesthesia providers. Perfect for aspiring CAAs and those interested in anesthesia careers. Takeaways Understanding the role of a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA) Comparison of CAA with other anesthesia providers Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the CAA Profession 01:44 What does a CAA do? 03:18 The Daily Workflow of a CAA 05:04 Anesthesia and Similarities to Flying a Plane 07:08 CAA vs. CRNA vs. MD/DO 10:33 The Academic Path to Becoming a CAA 13:43 Salary and Return on Investment in CAA Career 14:45 Takeaways Resources & Links: CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) (https://www.caahep.org/) Jeff Steiner, DO - Anesthesia Made Easy (book) (https://www.amazon.com/Anesthesia-Made-Easy-Survival-Rotation/dp/0989840131) GasWork (https://gaswork.com/) Connect with PreAA Pathways Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/preaapathways/) TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@preaapathways) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@PreAAPathway) Remember: Know the role deeply. Passion, clarity, and understanding will set you apart in this competitive field. Share this with someone who needs to know—support their journey into anesthesia!

13. 

    1 Apr 2026

    Episode 1: Why We Started This Pre-AA Podcast

    Welcome to the very first episode of the Pre-AA Pathways podcast! In this inaugural episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the inspiration behind this platform. We discuss the unique challenges of the Pre-AA journey, the need for a dedicated community for aspiring Anesthesiologist Assistants, and our mission to provide the clarity and resources you need to navigate this journey. Whether you are just discovering the AA profession or are already deep in your science prerequisites, this episode sets the stage for everything to come. In this episode, we cover: The "Why" behind the Pre-AA Pathways mission What you can expect from future episodes How to stay connected with a community that understands the grind Connect with us: Follow the journey and get more resources on Instagram and TikTok: @preaapathways Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Pre-AA Pathways 06:27 Creating a Supportive Community 12:36 Soft Skills and Clinical Care 20:09 The Nuances of the Pre-AA Journey 30:05 The Limitations of Googling Information 35:09 Conclusion and Next Steps

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

5 ratings