The University of Colorado's Master of Science in Anesthesiology is a 28-month program at the Anschutz Medical Campus. Clinical training begins in the first semester. Applicants apply through CASAA and must submit an MCAT score, complete Casper, and document at least eight hours of operating-room anesthesia shadowing.
- Program
- Master of Science in Anesthesiology (MSA)
- Credential
- MSA
- Location
- Aurora, Colorado, United States
- Casper
- Required
- Seats
- 14-16 students per cohort
- Length
- 28 months
Casper Requirement for University of Colorado Anesthesiologist Assistants
University of Colorado Anesthesiologist Assistants requires Casper for the 2026-2027 cycle.
- Test to book
- United States Casper 2
- Languages
- English
- Other Acuity assessments
- Duet (not required)
Check available Casper test dates in your Acuity Insights account at takecasper.com.
Complete Casper as part of the application; select 'Other' when searching for the program. Duet is not needed.
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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University of Colorado Anesthesiologist Assistants Application Deadlines 2026-2027
- Apply through
- CASAA
- Applications open
- April 15, 2026
- Application fee
- $165 for the first CASAA program
| What | When |
|---|---|
| CASAA application closure | Rolling; the portal closes when the class is full, typically in September or October. |
Apply early through CASAA: admission is rolling, and the portal closes when the class is full. Submit official MCAT scores and transcripts through CASAA, along with evaluations and program materials.
University of Colorado Anesthesiologist Assistants Admissions Statistics
Period: Typical cohorts; no class year specified
- Seats / class size: 14-16 students per cohort
Eligibility Requirements for University of Colorado Anesthesiologist Assistants
- Degree / credits
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Citizenship
Applicants with F-1 or T visas are eligible for enrollment; applicants with J-1 visas are not.
- Language proficiency
Applicants subject to English-proficiency requirements should consult International Admissions for accepted tests and applicable scores.
Applicants with foreign coursework must submit official transcripts through CASAA and an ECE or WES evaluation. Prerequisites must be complete before the program starts. Courses older than seven years are accepted with an MCAT score of 500 or higher.
Other requirements
- Background check: Complete a CastleBranch background check using package code UF28 at application; it is required before an interview invitation.
- Technical standards form: Upload the completed Documentation Concerning Technical Standards Form to CASAA.
- Release forms: Upload the Criminal Background Check Release Form and Drug Screen Release Form to CASAA.
- Shadowing documentation: Upload Documentation of Shadowing Experience under CASAA's Shadowing/Healthcare Hours; combine multiple forms into one file.
Selection Factors University of Colorado Considers
Prerequisites
| Course | Requirement |
|---|---|
| English | 1 semester Exempt from the seven-year course window. |
| Biology I and II with labs | 2 semesters |
| General Chemistry I and II with labs | 2 semesters |
| Organic Chemistry I and II with labs | 2 semesters |
| General Physics I and II with labs | 2 semesters Trigonometry- or calculus-based preferred. |
| Biochemistry | 1 semester |
| Statistics | 1 semester |
| Human Anatomy and Physiology | 1 combined semester or 1 semester of each |
| Calculus | Preferred |
GPA
- How it is calculated
No program-specific GPA calculation is published on the AA admissions pages.
- Minimum
- No stated minimum; the program looks for a GPA of 3.0 or above and reviews applications holistically.
The program has not published a competitive GPA cutoff; it looks for test scores around the 50th percentile.
Admissions tests
- MCAT (required): Submit an official MCAT score attained within five years of applying; have the score report sent to CASAA. No minimum score is specified.
- GRE (not required): The program does not accept GRE scores in place of the MCAT.
- English proficiency (required for some applicants): International applicants subject to English-proficiency requirements must follow the university's International Admissions rules.
Experience and volunteer hours
Required.
Complete at least 8 hours of shadowing with an anesthetist or anesthesiologist in an operating room environment; exceed this minimum to demonstrate commitment. The program maintains the 8-hour requirement (some programs waived shadowing due to COVID). Anesthesia-related experience, such as working as an anesthesia technician or medical assistant, strengthens your profile. Log shadowing details for the personal statement.
Supplementary application
Submit a personal statement and at least three evaluations through CASAA. Under Program Materials, upload a CV or résumé and the required shadowing, technical-standards, and release forms.
How applicants are ranked
After CASAA verifies submitted materials, the admissions committee reviews applications holistically and selects interviewees. Interviews and offers are rolling; the portal closes when the class is filled. The program does not publish a numerical interview or offer-ranking formula.
Interview Format at University of Colorado
Applicants selected after CASAA verification and admissions-committee review are notified by email of an interview invitation.
- Who is invited
- Applicants selected by the admissions committee after application review.
- When
- Interviews occur on a rolling basis; individual dates are not published.
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Start Practicing FreeCurriculum at University of Colorado Anesthesiologist Assistants
- Program length
- 28 months
- Structure
The 28-month, full-time program combines coursework and clinical days during its first four semesters; students work clinically five days a week during the final three semesters.
- Campuses
- Anschutz Medical Campus
Specialty rotations include cardiac, obstetric, and pediatric anesthesia at UCHealth, Children's Hospital Colorado, and affiliate sites across the country.
Campus and facilities
Located at the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colorado. The program leverages University Hospital and Children's Hospital Colorado for clinical training. Facilities support simulation labs and operating room observations essential for the shadowing requirement.
Tuition and Funding at University of Colorado
- 2026-2027 Colorado-resident tuition: $841 per credit hour
- 2026-2027 nonresident tuition: $1,232 per credit hour
- Approximate program tuition: $95,874-$140,448, depending on residency and annual rates
Tuition depends on residency and annual rates. Students are expected to purchase an AAAA student membership costing $200 for the program; scholarships and financial aid are described on the program's tuition page.
University of Colorado's Mission and Values
The University of Colorado Anesthesiologist Assistants program emphasizes delivering the highest caliber of training in a world-class clinical environment. This mission aligns with the program's goal of producing competent Anesthesiologist Assistants ready for diverse career paths in anesthesia delivery.
The University of Colorado Master of Science in Anesthesiology Program offers aspiring anesthetists the highest caliber of training and a world-class clinical experience.
What Applicants Are Saying
Matriculated students describe a culture focused on early clinical exposure, where students engage in anesthesia-related roles from day one to build proficiency in perioperive care. Matriculated students report competitive GPA ranges around 3.5+. Students report MMI questions on training programs, research, cases, and career paths.
Shared by applicants and students on forums and communities. It is anecdotal, not official program information.
How to Prepare Your University of Colorado Anesthesiologist Assistants Application
- Complete at least eight hours of operating-room shadowing and upload the documentation to CASAA.
- Arrange an MCAT score within five years of applying; the GRE is not accepted in its place.
- Complete Casper and check Acuity Insights for this program's available sittings.
- Request three evaluations and submit your CASAA materials early for rolling review.
- Prepare to discuss your motivation and experience if invited to interview.
More About University of Colorado Anesthesiologist Assistants
- Certification goal
Prepares students for certification as Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAA).
- Curriculum quote
Our 28-month MSA Program combines a rigorous didactic curriculum with a clinical immersion experience that starts your first semester.
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Colorado Anesthesiologist Assistants
Is Casper required?
Yes. Complete Casper; Duet is not needed.
What GPA is required?
There is no stated minimum. The program looks for a GPA of 3.0 or above and reviews applications holistically.
Is shadowing required?
Yes. Document at least eight hours observing an anesthetist or anesthesiologist in an operating room.
What is the interview format?
The AA program does not specify an interview format on its admissions pages.
How long is the program?
The full-time MSA program lasts 28 months; clinical immersion begins in the first semester.
Is the MCAT required?
Yes. Submit an MCAT score attained within five years of applying. GRE scores are not accepted in its place.
Can I apply late?
Admission is rolling; the application closes when the class is full, so apply early.
What does tuition cost?
Published rates are $841 per credit for residents and $1,232 for nonresidents.
Sources
- CU AA Program
- Admission Process & Requirements
- AA Frequently Asked Questions
- Anesthesiology Catalog
- Tuition & Financial Aid
- Curriculum
- International Graduate Admissions
- Acuity Insights Casper Test Types
Last updated: September 26, 2026