Case Western Reserve University's 24-month Master of Science in Anesthesia prepares certified anesthesiologist assistants in Cleveland and three other locations. Applicants apply through CASAA, submit an MCAT or GRE score, and take United States Casper 2. Competitive applicants may be invited to a one-on-one interview.
- Program
- Master of Science in Anesthesia (MSA)
- Credential
- MSA
- Location
- Cleveland, Ohio, United States
- Casper
- Required · CSP-20100
- Next deadline
- October 1, 2026 (Priority review application deadline)
- Interview
- One-on-one interviews
- Seats
- Approximately 120 across four locations annually
- Length
- 24 months
Casper Requirement for Case Western Reserve University Anesthesia
Case Western Reserve University Anesthesia requires Casper for the 2026-2027 cycle.
- Test to book
- United States Casper 2 · CSP-20100
- Languages
- English
- Applicant ID to enter
- CASAA Applicant ID Number
- Score distribution deadline
- November 26, 2026
- Distribution fee
- A per-program score distribution fee applies; check Acuity Insights' Dates and Fees for the amount.
Upcoming Casper test dates
- October 20, 2026 at 8:00 PM EDT
- October 27, 2026 at 8:00 PM EDT
- November 12, 2026 at 6:00 PM EST
Earlier test dates in this cycle have already passed.
Test dates can change: confirm availability in your Acuity Insights account at takecasper.com.
Complete Casper before or when submitting CASAA, preferably early enough for results to arrive before priority review. A reapplicant must take Casper again. The application is complete only after Casper results arrive.
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.
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Case Western Reserve University Anesthesia Application Deadlines 2026-2027
- Apply through
- CASAA
- Applications open
- March 10, 2026
- Application fee
- CASAA: $165 for the first program and $55 for each additional program.
| What | When |
|---|---|
| Priority review application deadline | October 1, 2026upcoming |
| Casper score distribution deadline | November 26, 2026upcoming |
| Standard review application deadline | December 1, 2026upcoming |
Submit materials via CASAA.
Case Western Reserve University Anesthesia Admissions Statistics
Period: 2025-2026 matriculants for GPA and test scores; annual estimates for class size and admissions ratio
- Seats / class size: Approximately 120 across four locations annually
- Average GPA: 3.73 overall; 3.75 prerequisite GPA
- Average test score: MCAT 506; GRE verbal 159, quantitative 161, analytical writing 4.3
- Typical applicant-to-acceptance ratio: 8:1; about two interviews and one acceptance per eight applicants
Eligibility Requirements for Case Western Reserve University Anesthesia
- Degree / credits
Bachelor's degree, or equivalent, from an accredited U.S., U.S. territory or Canadian college or university before matriculation; online degrees are not accepted.
- Citizenship
Canadian citizens may apply; they are considered international students and are not eligible for U.S. need-based or federal aid.
Prerequisites must be completed at an accredited U.S., U.S. territory or Canadian institution before matriculation. Biochemistry, human anatomy with lab and human physiology must be within five years of the application deadline; other prerequisites, within seven. An MCAT of 500 or higher taken within three years waives those time limits; a GRE does not.
Other requirements
- Physical and technical standards: Students must meet the program's motor, sensory, intellectual, communication, professionalism and physical-health requirements.
- After admission: A $1,000 tuition deposit is due with written acceptance. Admitted students must complete the instructed background check and drug screen and meet immunization requirements before clinical training.
Selection Factors Case Western Reserve University Considers
Prerequisites
| Course | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Biochemistry | One semester Advanced preferred; no blended biochemistry/organic chemistry or bioengineering. |
| Biology with lab | One year Introductory sequence for science majors. |
| Human anatomy with lab | One semester Advanced preferred. |
| Human physiology | One semester Advanced preferred. |
| Chemistry with lab | One year Introductory sequence for science majors. |
| Organic chemistry with lab | One semester A second semester with lab is preferred. |
| Physics with lab | One year Algebra- or calculus-based. |
| Calculus | One semester No precalculus or survey calculus. |
| Advanced statistics | One semester No elementary, basic or AP Statistics. |
| English with expository writing | One semester Qualifying humanities or science writing courses may fulfill it. |
Admissions tests
- MCAT (one of several accepted): MCAT or GRE within three years of the application deadline. A score of 500 or higher is recommended. Self-report in CASAA and have AAMC release the official score to CASAA.
- GRE (one of several accepted): MCAT or GRE within three years of the application deadline. Recommended: at least the 60th percentile in Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning and 4.0 in Analytical Writing. Send official scores using CASAA institution code 4354.
Experience and volunteer hours
Recommended.
The program strongly recommends at least 16 hours shadowing a certified anesthesiologist assistant in an operating room. Where CAAs are scarce, shadow an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist working in the anesthesia care team model. Record hours on the program's shadowing form for CASAA.
Supplementary application
Submit three online CASAA evaluations, each containing attribute ratings and a letter. CASAA must receive them before verification; letters sent directly to CWRU are not accepted. Submit official MCAT or GRE scores and complete Casper.
How applicants are ranked
The committee considers GPA, prerequisites, MCAT or GRE, recommendations, life and clinical experiences, leadership, research and commitment to healthcare. Complete, verified applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; competitive applicants go first to their preferred location. Offers are made on a rolling basis, with only one offer per applicant.
Interview Format at Case Western Reserve University
Format: One-on-one interviews
One-on-one interviews with the admissions committee, in person or virtually by Zoom. Interview once at your first-preference location; you may also be considered for other locations you selected.
- Who is invited
- Top applicants whose CASAA applications are verified and whose official MCAT or GRE and Casper results have been received.
- When
- Interviews are conducted throughout summer and fall, or until the class is full.
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Start Practicing FreeCurriculum at Case Western Reserve University Anesthesia
- Program length
- 24 months
- Structure
Didactic instruction, simulation and hands-on clinical training across two years.
- Campuses
- Cleveland
Clinical training begins about a month after first-year coursework starts. First-year students complete approximately 300 cases and over 600 clinical hours; graduates average 2,200 clinical hours and over 600 cases.
Campus and facilities
Located in Cleveland, Ohio, the program leverages Case Western Reserve University's health sciences campus, with clinical training at University Hospitals facilities. Access to state-approved simulation labs and operating rooms supports hands-on learning. Cleveland's medical hub provides diverse rotation sites. Proximity to Cleveland's urban amenities, though academics dominate.
Tuition and Funding at Case Western Reserve University
- Published 2026-27 Cleveland MSA tuition, students entering summer 2026: $25,820 per term; $77,460 for summer, fall and spring
These published charges apply to an earlier entering class, not to current applicants. The program currently offers no scholarships while students are enrolled.
Case Western Reserve University's Mission and Values
The program positions itself to train the world's best anesthesiologist assistants through rigorous preparation for clinical practice. Case Western Reserve University emphasizes a demanding curriculum that prepares graduates for high-stakes anesthesia environments.
train the world's best anesthesiologist assistants
What Applicants Are Saying
Students report an intense, workhorse culture, with core rotations often exceeding 85 hours weekly, particularly in ICU and cardiothoracic settings. Matriculated students describe a rigorous pace that forges clinical competence. Students describe interview day as structured, with overviews of the profession and application tips provided beforehand.
Forum discussions highlight the program's workhorse reputation, preparing CAAs for demanding careers. Current students advise building stamina early. You will encounter a high-intensity environment, with students logging extreme hours on rotations.
Shared by applicants and students on forums and communities. It is anecdotal, not official program information.
How to Prepare Your Case Western Reserve University Anesthesia Application
- Complete the specified prerequisite courses and bachelor's degree.
- Take the MCAT or GRE within the program's validity window.
- Book United States Casper 2 and allow time for score distribution.
- Consider at least 16 hours of CAA operating-room shadowing, or the suggested alternative.
- Arrange three CASAA evaluations and submit official test scores.
- Prepare to discuss your qualifications, experiences and motivation in a one-on-one interview.
More About Case Western Reserve University Anesthesia
- Credential trained
Certified anesthesiologist assistants (CAAs)
- Clinical affiliates
University Hospitals
Frequently Asked Questions About Case Western Reserve University Anesthesia
Is Casper required for Case Western Reserve University Anesthesia admissions?
Yes. Take United States Casper 2 for Anesthesia and select CWRU for score distribution; a new assessment is required if you reapply in another cycle.
Does Case Western require MCAT or GRE for MSA applicants?
Yes. Submit an MCAT or GRE score taken within three years of the application deadline. For priority review, the school recommends testing early in the application year.
What is the interview format at Case Western Reserve University Anesthesiologist Assistants?
Top applicants with complete, verified applications may be invited to one-on-one interviews with the admissions committee, either in person or virtually by Zoom.
How competitive is Case Western Reserve University Anesthesia program?
The program reports approximately 120 matriculants annually across four locations and a typical applicant-to-acceptance ratio of 8:1. It reviews academic work, recommendations and experiences holistically.
What are the Casper test dates for Case Western applications?
Choose a remaining sitting listed by the program for United States Casper 2 and allow time for results to reach CWRU by its distribution deadline.
Can international students apply to Case Western Anesthesia?
Yes. Canadian citizens may apply with an accredited Canadian bachelor's degree and prerequisites. They are considered international students and must arrange appropriate visa status.
What rotations do Case Western MSA students complete?
Training combines didactic work, simulation and clinical experience. The program reports an average of more than 600 clinical cases and 2,200 clinical hours by graduation.
How to strengthen a Case Western Reserve University Anesthesia application?
Complete the listed prerequisites, arrange three strong evaluations, submit an MCAT or GRE score, and consider the program's recommendation of at least 16 hours of anesthesia-care-team shadowing.
Sources
- case.edu: msa program
- case.edu: admissions requirements
- case.edu: master science anesthesia program tips strong application and interview
- case.edu: frequently asked questions
- case.edu: careers certified anesthesiologist assistant caa or medical doctor
- case.edu: current students
- case.edu: curriculum
- case.edu: coursework
- case.edu: MSA Brochure
- quizlet.com: case western caa program interview flash cards
- scribd.com: Multiple Mini Interview MMI Winning Strategies From Admissions Faculty Desai Samir P Z lib org
Last updated: September 26, 2026