<![CDATA[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.

]]>preaapathways.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Thu, 15 Oct 2026 23:52:50 GMTWed, 01 Apr 2026 03:54:08 GMT60Tiffany & Adrienne<p>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.</p>episodicTiffany & Adriennepreaapathways@gmail.comno<![CDATA[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


RESOURCES TIFFANY USED

Connect with us on IG, TikTok, & YT: @PreAAPathways | 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.

]]>29907fbe-4c99-4797-b2d6-d6e564a09bc0Mon, 21 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p>THE STUDY</p><p>Monroe, K. S., Amerson, L., Bundy, W., Greene, Y., Jarvis, G., Stever, J., &amp; 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. <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://doi.org/10.2147/AMEP.S480696" target="_blank">https://doi.org/10.2147/AMEP.S480696</a></p><p><br />RESOURCES TIFFANY USED</p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FWZY1182" target="_blank">Kaplan MCAT books</a>;use lib gen .vg for pdf downloads</li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@professoreman2289" target="_blank">Professor Eman</a> &amp; <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@yusufahasan" target="_blank">Yusuf Hasan </a>on YT</li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ankihub.net/mcat-deck" target="_blank">AnKing MCAT</a>: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1neyVXp_prnmVManHHCB6lZOOL6xEykPE/view" target="_blank">MileDown</a> + <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zcni3moeevG20iEuKHa443VljXck9Er1/view" target="_blank">Pankow</a> for P/S</li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ankimobile-flashcards/id373493387" target="_blank">Anki iOS app</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://gradschool.uworld.com/mcat/question-bank/" target="_blank">UWorld MCAT QBank</a> </li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://store.aamc.org/mcat-prep.html" target="_blank">AAMC Official Prep</a> </li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/the-jack-westin-mcat%C2%AE-chr/jgglfdpjpddcdaeapbcfgckfheabbdpi?hl=en&amp;pli=1" target="_blank">Jack Westin's Chrome extension</a> </li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.mcatbros.com/_files/ugd/69e71c_6fb066f455db442685a7472e0226b51b.pdf" target="_blank">MCATbros</a> or <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tA7FXw2lZSmjz4dfFGAJHq3Objf2uOiOxBEUM-qUK4M/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.sq9ddv10gycx" target="_blank">MCATatalyst</a> P/S docs </li><li>Practice FLs: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/Erasable-noteboard-Staedtler-Experience-Simulation/dp/B084MJ9D9C/ref=sr_1_1?channelId=500&amp;clpRedir=Y&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.7s1cDtigYE9TQIGhKhC3gmmd9JY5Xnbm0fQpt40j8U-mPEI9GiqkYHizaTlciOZSk0SwTvJApzU0GWkc5qoWVYgeaB5zojnw7CFI1s9WEUEEZXFdJ630XnTnL1Pj5cC-mQPr63n7EmfIV7hZQibuxcTvHCN81VFQnnAOGrXFFvdmolL3VOL264PclqzHGfxP-1D8b7-uu7cmxprzwPLwEAJX6n4VyzuRelQ3K3reciw.IxhBsLhwUdRHgf3tpjcX7svzotubxqw93fJmNvEnJIs&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=Mcat+Noteboard+Booklet&amp;plpRedirect=mhFallback&amp;qid=1789935431&amp;sr=8-1" target="_blank">dry erase booklet</a> &amp; generic foam earplugs</li></ul><p></p><p>Connect with us on IG, TikTok, &amp; YT: @PreAAPathways | <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://preaapathways.com" target="_blank">preaapathways.com</a></p><p>__</p><p>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.</p>no00:36:52111Episode 11: Pre-AA Perspectives on the MCATfull<![CDATA[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

]]>769e3dbe-1209-49d0-931d-503f76891a96Mon, 07 Sep 2026 18:06:23 GMT<p>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.</p><h6><b>Key topics</b></h6><ul><li>Why Stephanie chose the GRE over the MCAT</li><li>How school-specific requirements affect the GRE-versus-MCAT decision</li><li>The current GRE format, scoring scale, and adaptive sections</li><li>Analytical writing expectations and time-management strategies</li><li>Why GRE quant can be harder than expected</li><li>Study tools including GregMat Plus, PrepSwift, vocabulary review, and targeted math practice</li><li>Test fees, retakes, score reports, CASAA codes, and accommodations</li><li>In-person testing compared with at-home proctoring</li><li>How to schedule the GRE around application deadlines</li><li>Advice for non-traditional applicants who are balancing work, school, and application preparation</li></ul><h6><b>Timestamps</b></h6><p>00:00 — Introducing Stephanie<br />01:10 — Making the Decision: GRE vs MCAT<br />05:20 — Current GRE structure and scoring basics<br />06:24 — Analytical writing section<br />08:33 — Why GRE quant can be challenging<br />09:29 — GRE cost, retakes, and score-report fees<br />10:16 — Sending GRE scores through CASAA<br />12:23 — What GRE scores may be competitive<br />15:41 — GRE Study tools that helped<br />18:45 — Fee reduction and GRE accommodations<br />19:29 — In-person GRE testing-center experience<br />20:18 — At-home GRE testing experience<br />23:29 — Receiving GRE scores<br />28:00 — Advice to past selves about the GRE<br />29:49 — Stephanie’s GRE score breakdown<br />31:30 — Closing thoughts<br /><br />Music licensed through Soundstripe.</p><p>Code: Z7GAV35MD6QTOFCQ</p>no00:32:27Episode 10: Pre-AA Perspectives on the GREfull<![CDATA[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:

Remember: Voices create change, so don’t wait for the diploma to start speaking up. Your future depends on it.

]]>cbaf12e4-37ed-44f4-8965-795d07210d2dFri, 03 Jul 2026 22:30:00 GMT<p>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.</p><h6><b>In this episode:</b></h6><ul><li>The latest updates on federal court stalling the "narrower professional degree list" law</li><li>How these legal hiccups impact pre-AAs</li><li>Practical Steps and actions you can take right now as a Pre-AA</li><li>Why engaging in advocacy is more important than ever for future anesthesiologist assistants</li><li>How the fight over professional degree definitions controls your funding and status</li></ul><h6><b>Timestamps:</b></h6><p>00:00 - Welcome to the wild world of pre-AA legislation </p><p>00:20 - The federal court stay explained: pause, not endgame </p><p>01:00 - How the "Rise Final Rule" shrank professional degree definitions — and how courts put it on hold </p><p>01:40 - What this legal pause means for your student loans and funding limits </p><p>02:20 - Adrienne’s perspective on why the list jumped from 11 to 29 fields</p><p>03:00 - Impact of the court stay on loan limits: what’s changed on paper </p><p>04:00 - The end of Grad Plus loans</p><p>04:45 - How the federal caps, income, savings, and co-signers shape your financial future </p><p>05:30 - The critical importance of reading official documents yourself </p><p>06:20 - How you can kickstart advocacy today as a Pre-AA</p><p>07:10 - Why your voice matters in rulemaking and litigation </p><p>08:00 - Final recap: stay informed, get involved, and protect your future</p><h6><b>Resources &amp; Links:</b></h6><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.slptocaa.com/take-action" target="_blank">Ready-made Pre-AA advocacy letters</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://StudentAid.gov" target="_blank">StudentAid.gov</a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://studentaid.gov/" target="_blank"> Federal Student Loan Limits</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://aaahq.org/Advocacy" target="_blank">American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants (AAAA) Advocacy Page</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/electronic-announcements/2026-06-29/update-list-professional-degree-programs-due-court-order" target="_blank">The Formal Update to the List of Professional Degree Programs Due to Court Order (Electronic Announcement, June 29, 2026)</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://StudentAid.gov" target="_blank">StudentAid.gov</a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/big-updates/definitions#loan-limits-exception" target="_blank"> — Big Updates: Loan Limits Interim Exception (eligibility for continuing borrowers)</a> </li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://StudentAid.gov" target="_blank">StudentAid.gov</a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/big-updates" target="_blank"> — Big Updates: Student Borrower Scenarios (find the example closest to your situation</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://StudentAid.gov" target="_blank">StudentAid.gov</a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/big-updates" target="_blank"> — Big Updates hub (overview of all OBBBA/RISE changes)</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://nsldsfap.ed.gov/login" target="_blank">National Student Loan Data System</a> - Use if you have a history of already borrowing federal student loans<p></p></li></ul><p>Remember: Voices create change, so don’t wait for the diploma to start speaking up. Your future depends on it.</p>no00:12:501Coffee Break: A Pre-AA Legislative Update (7/2026)bonus<![CDATA[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: 

Music Attributions: EJJGYNSZ1AEPSKXD, 8TT2QTUI8M5MPKV9, Y1YMZNGDHX8QHM7H, GDDOM0NWBV0ZKGRH

]]>e3ab3670-242b-40f9-8369-630d577148a1Wed, 24 Jun 2026 22:00:00 GMT<p>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.<br /><br />In this episode:</p><ul><li>How many volunteer hours are needed</li><li>What kind of volunteering activities counts</li><li>The link between volunteering and clinical experience</li><li>The true value of volunteering as a Pre-AA<br /></li></ul><p>Timestamps:</p><p><b>00:00</b> - Debunking the volunteer hours myth — no set minimum!</p><p><b>00:20</b> - Standard Intro &amp; Disclaimer</p><p><b>01:36</b> - Episode Start &amp; Types of Volunteering</p><p><b>02:12 </b>- Volunteering hours, how many are needed?</p><p><b>02:50 </b>- What kind of volunteering counts? </p><p><b>03:15 </b>- How genuine community involvement beats hospital shifts every time</p><p><b>04:35 </b>- Adri’s volunteering experience example</p><p><b>05:55 </b>- Tiffany’s experiences with volunteering and non-volunteering community</p><p><b>07:21 </b>- How volunteering lowers barriers to clinical experience</p><p><b>08:42 </b>- How authenticity in volunteering helps</p><p><b>10:02 </b>- Challenges of volunteering as a Pre-AA</p><p><b>12:24 </b>- Key takeaways<br /></p><p><b>Connect with Pre-AA Pathways: </b></p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@preaapathways" target="_blank">TikTok</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/preaapathways/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@preaapathways" target="_blank">YouTube</a><br /></li></ul><p>Music Attributions: EJJGYNSZ1AEPSKXD, 8TT2QTUI8M5MPKV9, Y1YMZNGDHX8QHM7H, GDDOM0NWBV0ZKGRH</p>no00:13:5619Episode 9: Pre-AA Perspectives on Volunteeringfull<![CDATA[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, 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

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

]]>a74bc1b1-a04f-4a65-a4a2-0e7d63e11ba9Sat, 13 Jun 2026 18:19:51 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p>IN THIS EPISODE</p><p>00:52 — The shadowing question that shows up constantly in pre-AA spaces</p><p>01:42 — 24 jurisdictions: why this is a structural access gap, not a personal failure</p><p>03:03 — Where to look first: hospitals, volunteer offices, and your state AA board</p><p>03:51 — AA programs that facilitate shadowing + the info-session pro tip</p><p>04:26 — Shadowing other anesthesia providers (MD/DO, CRNA): not a consolation prize</p><p>05:20 — Networking shadowing at the AAAA Conference</p><p>05:53 — The four things to confirm before you send a single email</p><p>06:32 — Building a prep kit so you can reply fast when someone says yes</p><p>08:12 — Read this before day one: Anesthesia Made Easy</p><p>09:57 — No responses for months: what to do next</p><p>10:54 — Teaching hospitals, the Department of Anesthesiology, and matching their language</p><p>12:13 — Why ambulatory surgery centers are underrated</p><p>12:53 — Using LinkedIn the right way</p><p>14:08 — Shadowing vs. clinical experience: the distinction that matters</p><p>17:01 — The 5-part structured request framework</p><p>18:46 — A sample shadowing email, start to finish</p><p>20:50 — The frustrated "please let me shadow" post, said with empathy</p><p>23:05 — The travel reality of a regionalized profession</p><p>25:01 — OR etiquette: don't touch anything blue</p><p>26:31 — Sarah Whitfield's shadowing prep guide on body language</p><p>27:32 — Asking specific questions that get real answers</p><p>28:27 — Why you forget the details within 48 hours, and what to do about it</p><p>29:17 — Contact info, signed forms, and the 24-hour thank-you email</p><p>29:51 — Key takeaways</p><p>31:58 — Next time: volunteering in the pre-AA context</p><p></p><p>RESOURCES MENTIONED</p><p>- Anesthesia Made Easy by Jeff Steiner — a digestible first pass on induction, maintenance, emergence, medications, and monitoring.</p><p>- Sarah Whitfield's Shadowing Prep Guide — practicing CAA at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://AspiringCAA.com" target="_blank">AspiringCAA.com</a>, on shadowing etiquette and body language.</p><p>- AAAA Conference — covered in earlier Pre-AA Pathways episodes; an in-person route to shadowing connections.</p><p>- Episode 7 (All Things Clinical Experience) — the deeper breakdown of shadowing vs. clinical experience vs. patient care experience.</p><p></p><p>CONNECT WITH US</p><p>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.</p><p>Instagram: @PreAAPathways</p><p>TikTok: @PreAAPathways</p><p>YouTube: @PreAAPathways</p><p>Web: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://preaapathways.com" target="_blank">preaapathways.com</a></p><p></p><p>COMING UP NEXT — EPISODE 9</p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>DISCLAIMER</p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>Pre-AA Pathways — Turning ambition into admission.<br /><br />Music Attribution: QL9LXCGP5Y9BUTTD</p>no00:32:2418Episode 8: Pre-AA Perspectives on Shadowing an Anesthesiologist Assistantfull<![CDATA[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

Connect with PreAA Pathways:

• Instagram

• TikTok

• YouTube

@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

]]>4eae8317-c194-41a6-b374-e4b3c056bbdcWed, 03 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT<p>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.<br /></p><p>In this episode, we cover:</p><p>• Why getting your first clinical role is harder than "just get your hours" suggests</p><p>• The pay cut and scheduling realities that don't get talked about enough</p><p>• Common clinical roles in pre-AA communities</p><p>• Healthcare experience vs. direct patient care — and why the distinction matters</p><p>• What seems to carry weight when building toward AA school</p><p>• How to document your hours before application time<br /></p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:53 — Why clinical experience can be the hardest part of your pre-AA journey</p><p>02:31 — The real cost of gaining clinical experience</p><p>03:17 — Strategic patience &amp; building healthcare experience</p><p>05:16 — Common entry roles introduced &amp; information on Medical Assistant positions</p><p>07:51 — Certified Nursing Assistants and Patient Care Technicians</p><p>10:17 — EMT, paramedic, and OR tech options</p><p>11:15 — Anesthesia Tech positions</p><p>14:05 — The difference between healthcare experience and patient care hours</p><p>16:00 — Shortcuts or stepping stones? Phlebotomy, scribing, volunteering, and their roles</p><p>21:02 — What we think really matters</p><p>24:10 — Tracking, Documenting &amp; Preparing Early</p><p>28:27 — Final takeaways &amp; Closing<br /></p><p>Resources &amp; Links:</p><p>🔗 Learn more at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://preaapathways.com" target="_blank">preaapathways.com</a><br /></p><p>Connect with PreAA Pathways:</p><p>• <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/preaapathways/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></p><p>• <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@preaapathways" target="_blank">TikTok</a></p><p>• <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@PreAAPathways" target="_blank">YouTube</a></p><p>@preaapathways</p><p><br /><i>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.</i><br /></p><p><i>Music license code: 6JJQRMA689NY4NTL</i></p>no00:30:4717Episode 7: Pre-AA Perspectives on Getting Clinical Experiencefull<![CDATA[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
🔗 Adrienne's course & university reviews — 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 

🔗 Awakened Anesthetists’ — Emily Mycyk interview — buzzsprout.com/1219709/episodes/19165712
🔗 Learn more at 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.

]]>3bca3b0b-e650-4089-a45e-97a7cec88a73Wed, 27 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p><b>Episode 7 — Pre-AA Perspectives on Prerequisites</b></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p><b>Chapters</b></p><p>00:00 — Intro &amp; disclaimer <br />01:12 — The moment prerequisites got real <br />02:34 — What are AA program prerequisites? <br />03:27 — Why the science foundation matters in the Operating Room <br />04:00 — Recency requirements &amp; course age <br />05:25 — Course level, labs, and what programs are actually evaluating <br />07:08 — The prerequisite nuances that trip people up<br />09:30 — Online prerequisites &amp; transfer credits<br />11:05 — How to build your actual transcript inventory <br />12:17 — Sequencing your plan <br />16:57 — Grades, competitiveness, and the CAA Readiness Index <br />20:48 — Real barriers<br />25:46 — On timelines being longer than planned <br />27:06 — One thing to do after this episode <br />27:36 — Closing</p><p></p><p><b>Resources</b></p><p>🔗 CAA Readiness Index — <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://criscore.org" target="_blank">criscore.org</a> <br />🔗 Adrienne's course &amp; university reviews — <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://slptocaa.com/course-reviews" target="_blank">slptocaa.com/course-reviews</a> <br />🔗 Episode 3: GPA, GRE, MCAT &amp; Competitiveness — <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://preaapathways.riverside.com/e/episode-3-all-things-pre-aa-statistics-gpa-gre-mcat-competitiveness" target="_blank">preaapathways.riverside.com/e/episode-3-all-things-pre-aa-statistics-gpa-gre-mcat-competitiveness</a> </p><p>🔗 Awakened Anesthetists’ — Emily Mycyk interview — <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://buzzsprout.com/1219709/episodes/19165712" target="_blank">buzzsprout.com/1219709/episodes/19165712</a> <br />🔗 Learn more at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://preaapathways.com" target="_blank">preaapathways.com</a></p><p><br /></p><p><i>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.</i></p>no00:25:1016Episode 6: Pre-AA Perspectives on Prerequisitesfull<![CDATA[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:

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.
]]>58f195c1-6c22-407d-8f69-e5a24c6cc047Wed, 20 May 2026 02:16:49 GMT<p>In this episode, we discuss CASAA with a successful AA applicant and incoming S-AA for the 2026 school year:</p><ul><li>How CASAA is structured</li><li>Why timing matters to apply &amp; prep letters of recommendation</li><li>Financial Considerations</li><li>Decoding the CASAA GPA</li><li>Common pitfalls</li><li>Application strategy</li><li>&amp; Practical tools used</li></ul><h6><b>Timestamps:</b></h6><p>00:00 - Welcome and what CASAA is all about <br />02:01 - Features of the updated CASAA portal and new sections <br />04:13 - Why timing your application to school cycles can make or break your chances <br />07:02 - How to strategize program selection while managing costs <br />11:18 - Letters of recommendation: when to ask and who makes a strong reference <br />17:05 - Navigating the sections of the portal — what each tab contains <br />19:56 - Tools for organization: spreadsheets and tracking hours <br />23:19 - How CASAA calculates the GPA and what can surprise you <br />25:31 - Common challenges: standardized testing<br />27:44 - Timeline tricks: when and how to input transcripts and supporting documents <br />29:56 - Drafting your personal statement and avoiding last-minute stress <br />31:52 - Strategic Takeaways &amp; Next Steps</p><h6><b>Resources &amp; Links:</b></h6><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://casaa.cas.myliaison.com/applicant-ux/" target="_blank">CASAA Portal</a> — your centralized application portal for AA applications</li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://anesthesiaonesource.com/" target="_blank">Anesthesia OneSource</a> — program details and requirements listed here</li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/Graduate-Admissions-Essays-Fourth-School/dp/1607743213" target="_blank">Personal Statement Book Recommendation - Graduate Admissions Essays, Fourth Edition by Donald Asher</a> — your go-to resource to for your personal statement</li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://sheets.google.com/" target="_blank">Google Sheets</a> — your new best friend for tracking hours</li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="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" target="_blank">Pre-AA Pathways Episode 3: All Things Pre-AA Statistics-GPA, GRE, MCAT &amp; Competitiveness </a></li></ul><p><b>Key Takeaways:</b></p><ul><li>Make an account on CASAA early—familiarity reduces stress</li><li>Plan your timeline based on program openings and cycle variations</li><li>Start collecting recommendation letters at least 2 months ahead</li><li>Use tools like Google Sheets to organize hours and experiences</li><li>Remember: applying late doesn’t mean you’re out, but strategic early submissions help<br /><br />*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.</li></ul>no00:35:4815Episode 5: Pre-AA Perspectives on CASAAfull<![CDATA[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

Advocacy for CAAs

  • To learn more about advocacy, start HERE.
  • For Adri's framework on HOW to educate and advocate, visit HERE.

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.

]]>f15a5c89-1f22-4078-8a01-5d08e898dac4Tue, 05 May 2026 19:45:00 GMT<p><i>This episode is about why showing up before you're accepted isn't just allowed. It's the point.</i></p><p></p><hr /><p></p><p><b>What we cover:</b></p><ul><li>What the AAAA (American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants) National Conference is</li><li>Why in-person professional exposure builds a different kind of context than content consumption (and the cognitive science behind why)</li><li>How to actually show up: introducing yourself, which sessions to prioritize, what to ask practicing CAAs</li><li>7 myths about attending as a pre-AA, busted</li><li>... and MORE</li></ul><p></p><hr /><p></p><p><b>Links &amp; Resources</b></p><ul><li>AAAA <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.anesthetist.org/" target="_blank">website</a> + affiliate <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.anesthetist.org/join-aaaa" target="_blank">membership</a></li><li>Pre-AA Pathways <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://preaapathways.com/" target="_blank">website</a></li><li>Follow us on our socials <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://linktr.ee/preAApathways" target="_blank">HERE</a></li><li>Tiffany's Coffee Break <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://preaapathways.riverside.com/e/coffee-break-tiff-s-takes-on-the-aaaa-conference-26" target="_blank">episode about the AAAA</a> (Ep 3.5)</li></ul><p></p><hr /><p></p><p><b>Advocacy for CAAs</b></p><ul><li>To learn more about advocacy, start <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://slptocaa.com/advocacy" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</li><li>For Adri's framework on HOW to educate and advocate, visit <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://slptocaa.com/advocacy" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</li></ul><p></p><hr /><p></p><p><b>Disclaimer:</b> 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.</p>no00:20:2114Episode 4: All Things Pre-AAs Need to Know About the AAAA Conferencefull<![CDATA[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.linkedin.com/in/shenandoahchefalo 

Dr. Rishi Kumar Speaker | Physiologically challenging airway session https://www.instagram.com/rishimd/ 

Sarah Whitfield, CAA Speaker | Cardiovascular implantable electronic device & Founder of AspiringCAA.com → aspiringcaa.com | 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/

Mary Jeanne Roberts CAA | 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: house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative

Follow Us

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/preAApathways

Tiktok → http://tiktok.com/@preaapathways

Website → preAApathways.com 

]]>a2f07ef0-596f-44a6-a98c-104e240e54daTue, 21 Apr 2026 20:00:00 GMT<p>Tiff goes solo and gets out some highlights while they’re still warm for this one while Adri’s recovering from gum surgery. </p><h2><b>In This Episode</b></h2><ul><li><b>The clinical sessions</b> — 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</li><li><b>Legislation</b> — 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</li><li><b>The keynote</b> — Shenandoah Chefalo on ACEs, belonging as the number one predictor of life outcomes, and why Tiff got personal</li><li><b>Mary Jeanne</b> — watching your mentor show up as her truest self and achieve a lifelong dream in front of you</li><li><b>Emily Mycyk</b> — 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</li></ul><h2>_____</h2><p><b>Shenandoah Chefalo</b> Keynote speaker | Trauma-informed wellness expert <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.chefaloconsulting.com/" target="_blank">https://www.chefaloconsulting.com/</a> | <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/shenandoahchefalo" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/shenandoahchefalo</a> </p><p><b>Dr. Rishi Kumar</b> Speaker | Physiologically challenging airway session <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/rishimd/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/rishimd/</a> </p><p><b>Sarah Whitfield, CAA</b> Speaker | Cardiovascular implantable electronic device &amp; Founder of <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://AspiringCAA.com" target="_blank">AspiringCAA.com</a> →<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://aspiringcaa.com/" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://aspiringcaa.com" target="_blank">aspiringcaa.com</a> | <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahwhitfield" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahwhitfield</a> </p><p><b>Representative Jamila Taylor</b> Washington State Legislature | 30th Legislative District Championed Washington's CAA licensure bill</p><p><b>Chabely’s CAA Map: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://caa-state-practice-map.streamlit.app/" target="_blank">https://caa-state-practice-map.streamlit.app/</a></p><p><b>Mary Jeanne Roberts</b> CAA | <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/awakenedanesthetist/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/awakenedanesthetist/</a> </p><p><b>Emily Mycyk</b> AAAA President 2026 </p><p></p><h2><b>Take Action Now</b></h2><p><b>The Anesthesia for All Act — HR6545</b> Federal legislation pushing for expanded CAA recognition. You can contact your congressional representative about this today. Find your representative:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative" target="_blank">house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative</a></p><p></p><hr /><h2><b>Follow Us</b></h2><p>Instagram → <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/preAApathways" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/preAApathways</a></p><p>Tiktok → <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://tiktok.com/@preaapathways" target="_blank">http://tiktok.com/@preaapathways</a></p><p>Website → <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://preAApathways.com" target="_blank">preAApathways.com</a> <br /></p>no00:10:39Coffee Break: Tiff's Takes on the AAAA Conference '26bonus<![CDATA[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:
]]>92ce09fa-160e-47cf-9720-71b9e01faaa3Tue, 14 Apr 2026 17:16:36 GMT<p>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!</p><h6>In this episode:</h6><ul><li>Your GPA &amp; how CASAA calculates it differently</li><li>Thoughts on what “competitive” really means</li><li>Holistic reviews &amp; how your full profile matters</li><li>The role of standardized tests</li><li>The common pitfalls of comparison</li><li>Strategies to improve</li><li>Practical tips: log into CASAA, know your numbers, tell your story, and move forward</li></ul><h6>Timestamps:</h6><p>00:00 - The real story behind GPA and application thresholds<br />00:15 - Why GPA calculations differ<br />01:24 - The importance of holistic review<br />03:33 - The truth about minimum GPA vs. competitive GPA<br />04:37 - Interpretation of test scores<br />06:10 - Why comparison is toxic and how bias skews perceptions<br />10:02 - Reframing your numbers<br />15:28 - Key Takeaways</p><h6>Resources &amp; Links:</h6><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://criscore.org/" target="_blank">CRI Score - Assess Your Readiness</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://casaa.cas.myliaison.com/applicant/login" target="_blank">CASAA Official Website</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/preaapathways/" target="_blank">Follow on Instagram &amp; TikTok @PreAAPathways</a></li></ul>no00:16:3413Episode 3: All Things Pre-AA Statistics - GPA, GRE, MCAT, & Competitivenessfull<![CDATA[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:

Connect with PreAA Pathways

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!

]]>4682218d-a94e-4965-a35e-10923948892bTue, 07 Apr 2026 12:46:09 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Understanding the role of a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA)</li><li>Comparison of CAA with other anesthesia providers</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Introduction to the CAA Profession</p><p>01:44 What does a CAA do? </p><p>03:18 The Daily Workflow of a CAA</p><p>05:04 Anesthesia and Similarities to Flying a Plane</p><p>07:08 CAA vs. CRNA vs. MD/DO</p><p>10:33 The Academic Path to Becoming a CAA</p><p>13:43 Salary and Return on Investment in CAA Career</p><p>14:45 Takeaways</p><p></p><p><b>Resources &amp; Links:</b></p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.caahep.org/" target="_blank">CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs)</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/Anesthesia-Made-Easy-Survival-Rotation/dp/0989840131" target="_blank">Jeff Steiner, DO - Anesthesia Made Easy (book)</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://gaswork.com/" target="_blank">GasWork</a></li></ul><p></p><p><b>Connect with PreAA Pathways</b></p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/preaapathways/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@preaapathways" target="_blank">TikTok</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@PreAAPathway" target="_blank">YouTube</a></li></ul><p></p><p><b>Remember:</b> 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!</p>no00:16:0512Episode 2: Understanding the CAA Professionfull<![CDATA[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
]]>bbb399bd-125a-43fd-a045-3ae340284ab9Wed, 01 Apr 2026 10:30:00 GMT<p>Welcome to the very first episode of the <b>Pre-AA Pathways</b> podcast!</p><p><br />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.</p><p>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.</p><p><b>In this episode, we cover:</b></p><ul><li>The "Why" behind the Pre-AA Pathways mission</li><li>What you can expect from future episodes</li><li>How to stay connected with a community that understands the grind</li></ul><p></p><p><b>Connect with us:</b> Follow the journey and get more resources on Instagram and TikTok: <b>@preaapathways</b></p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to Pre-AA Pathways</li><li>06:27 Creating a Supportive Community</li><li>12:36 Soft Skills and Clinical Care</li><li>20:09 The Nuances of the Pre-AA Journey</li><li>30:05 The Limitations of Googling Information</li><li>35:09 Conclusion and Next Steps</li></ul>no00:13:5511Episode 1: Why We Started This Pre-AA Podcastfull