UNM's Master of Science in Anesthesia program in Albuquerque prepares students for careers as Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants. Applicants apply through CASAA with a bachelor's degree, prerequisite coursework, an MCAT or GRE score, documented anesthesia shadowing, and Casper. The in-person curriculum combines didactics, simulation, and clinical rotations at UNM and across the Southwest.
- Program
- Master of Science in Anesthesia Program
- Credential
- MSA
- Location
- Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
- Casper
- Required
- Next deadline
- December 15, 2026 (CASAA application deadline)
- Length
- 7 semesters
Casper Requirement for University of New Mexico Anesthesia
University of New Mexico Anesthesia requires Casper for the 2026-2027 cycle.
- Languages
- English
Check available Casper test dates in your Acuity Insights account at takecasper.com.
Complete Casper for the current admissions cycle before or alongside your CASAA application. UNM considers the application complete after receiving CASAA materials and Casper results; it requires a Casper score above the 25th percentile. UNM has not published a Casper deadline for this class.
Casper format
Casper is an online, open-response situational judgment test run by Acuity Insights. The current format has 11 scenarios (4 video-response and 7 typed-response) with 2 questions each and takes about 65 to 85 minutes, including optional breaks. Typed-response scenarios allow 3.5 minutes to answer both questions.
Practice with Bright Doctor's Casper Question Bank, featuring 100+ scenarios and 300+ expert responses.
University of New Mexico Anesthesia Application Deadlines 2026-2027
- Apply through
- CASAA
- Applications open
- May 1, 2026
- Application fee
- CASAA: $165 for the first program and $55 for each additional program.
| What | When |
|---|---|
| CASAA application deadline | December 15, 2026upcoming |
| Prerequisite coursework completion deadline | June 1, 2027upcoming |
Submit application materials through CASAA. Arrange for your registrar to send official transcripts and for the testing agency to send official MCAT or GRE scores to CASAA.
University of New Mexico Anesthesia Admissions Statistics
Period: Cohort 2028
- Admitted: 15
- Average GPA: 3.85
- Average prerequisite GPA: 3.84
Eligibility Requirements for University of New Mexico Anesthesia
- Degree / credits
A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution is required before starting the program; applicants may apply while finishing it.
- Citizenship
Foreign national applicants are considered if they have the equivalent of at least two years of full-time study at an accredited U.S. college or university and meet all prerequisites.
Applicants may apply with a degree or prerequisites in progress. No more than two prerequisite courses may remain by the application deadline; complete prerequisites by the coursework completion deadline. Required courses must meet UNM's recency, U.S.-institution and letter-grade rules.
Other requirements
- Physical and technical standards: Applicants must be able to meet UNM MSA's physical and technical requirements.
- University admission after offer: Accepted applicants must also gain admission to UNM and accept their offer in writing with a nonrefundable $1,250 seat deposit by the offer's deadline.
Selection Factors University of New Mexico Considers
Prerequisites
| Course | Requirement |
|---|---|
| General Biology | 2 semesters |
| Biology Labs | 1 semester 1 year preferred |
| General Chemistry with labs | 2 semesters |
| Organic Chemistry with labs | 1 semester with lab 1 year with lab preferred |
| General Physics with labs | 2 semesters |
| Biochemistry | 1 semester Upper-division course preferred |
| Statistics | 1 semester |
| Human Anatomy & Physiology | 1 semester 1 year highly preferred |
| Human Anatomy & Physiology Lab | Highly preferred |
| Cellular & Molecular Biology | Highly preferred |
| English; Psychology; Public Speaking | Preferred |
GPA
- How it is calculated
UNM calculates the last-60-credit-hour and prerequisite GPAs using undergraduate and graduate coursework completed when the application is submitted. Every qualifying attempt counts, including repeated or grade-replaced courses.
- Minimum
- 3.2 last-60-credit-hour GPA and 3.4 prerequisite GPA, each on a 4.0 scale.
- Competitive
- Competitive candidates exceed these baselines; aim to strengthen weaker areas with recent high-performance semesters.
Holistic review; exceed minima for competitiveness.
Admissions tests
- MCAT or GRE (one of several accepted): Submit an MCAT or GRE score attained within three years of applying. Send official scores to CASAA from AAMC or ETS; GRE program code 1346. UNM generally interviews applicants at or above the 45th percentile on the MCAT or GRE.
Experience and volunteer hours
Required.
Complete at least 8 hours observing anesthesia with an anesthetist or anesthesiologist in an operating room and upload documentation through CASAA. UNM suggests additional hours.
Supplementary application
Upload a CV, personal statement explaining your healthcare and CAA motivations, and documentation of anesthesia shadowing in CASAA. Arrange three recommendations from people who can assess your ability and character; family and friends cannot recommend you. Have official transcripts and test scores sent to CASAA.
How applicants are ranked
UNM reviews applications holistically. It gives highest consideration to mission and values alignment, academic record, prior healthcare experience, strong references, New Mexico or Southwest residence, community service, and U.S. military service. An application is complete when CASAA materials and Casper results arrive.
Interview Format at University of New Mexico
UNM does not specify an interview format for this class.
- Who is invited
- UNM generally interviews applicants at or above the 45th percentile on the MCAT or GRE.
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Prepare for Casper and Your Interview
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Start Practicing FreeCurriculum at University of New Mexico Anesthesia
- Program length
- 7 semesters
- Structure
In-person didactics and simulation with clinical experience beginning in the first semester; semesters 5-7 focus on full-time clinical rotations and include review and seminar courses.
- Campuses
- Health Sciences Center
Initial clinical training is primarily at UNM; later rotations include sites across the Southwest and require travel.
Campus and facilities
Located on the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center campus in Albuquerque. State-of-the-art simulation labs and the University of New Mexico Hospital for rotations in a high-volume clinical environment. Student life centers around collaborative learning. Housing options near campus accommodate the full-time commitment; Albuquerque offers affordable living and outdoor recreation.
Tuition and Funding at University of New Mexico
- New Mexico resident total tuition: $98,476
- Nonresident total tuition: $125,481
Tuition is based on the 116-credit degree plan, excludes university fees, and is subject to change.
What Applicants Are Saying
Students report strong didactics, willingness from faculty to teach, and organized structure despite the program's new status. Matriculated students describe attendings as highly interactive and dedicated to teaching, including regional and cardiac anesthesia experiences. Students highlight the program's organization and faculty passion for transforming SAAs into competent CAAs through hands-on regional, cardiac, and general anesthesia training. Peers note supportive interactions with attendings and organized didactics. It delivers strong training per student rotations.
Shared by applicants and students on forums and communities. It is anecdotal, not official program information.
How to Prepare Your University of New Mexico Anesthesia Application
- Start well before the cycle: verify prerequisites and calculate GPAs.
- Register for Casper early to secure a slot before the score distribution deadline.
- Complete at least 50 practice scenarios covering ethical, interpersonal, and situational themes; Bright Doctor's Casper Question Bank provides 100+ scenarios and 300+ expert responses.
- Practice timed MMI responses under station conditions.
- Tailor your application to demonstrate interest in anesthesia assistance, perhaps through shadowing or related experience.
- Submit early for rolling advantage and contact UNM MSA admissions for prerequisite clarification.
More About University of New Mexico Anesthesia
- Credential goal
Prepares students to become Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAAs).
- Accreditation
Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of ARC-AA.
Frequently Asked Questions About University of New Mexico Anesthesia
Does UNM MSA require Casper?
Yes. Complete Casper for the current admissions cycle; UNM requires a score above the 25th percentile and must receive your results before your application is complete.
What is the minimum GPA?
A 3.2 GPA across the last 60 credit hours and a 3.4 prerequisite GPA.
What is the interview format?
UNM has not specified an interview format.
Is the program accredited?
Yes. It is CAAHEP-accredited upon ARC-AA's recommendation.
Does UNM MSA accept international students?
Foreign national applicants need the equivalent of two years of full-time study at an accredited U.S. institution and all required prerequisites.
How long is the curriculum?
It spans seven semesters of didactics, simulation, and clinical training.
How are applicants reviewed?
UNM uses holistic review, considering academics, experience, references, mission alignment, service, regional ties, and military service.
Where are clinical rotations?
At UNM initially and at sites across the Southwest later.
Sources
- UNM MSA Admissions
- UNM MSA Program Information
- UNM MSA Prerequisite Table
- UNM MSA Cohort Statistics
- CASAA Application Fees and Fee Waivers
- Acuity Casper Dates and Fees
Last updated: September 26, 2026