Top 15 Anesthesiologist Assistant Schools In Texas (2026)

Texas has become a significant destination for anesthesiologist assistant (AA) education, with multiple accredited programs now operating across the state. Anesthesiologist assistants are highly skilled, graduate-level professionals who work under the direction of licensed anesthesiologists as part of the anesthesia care team, designing and implementing anesthesia care plans during surgical procedures.

Texas law requires AA graduates to complete a graduate-level training program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), pass the certifying examination administered by the National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants, and obtain a license from the Texas Medical Board . The state currently has two fully operational CAAHEP-accredited AA programs: UTHealth Houston’s Master of Science in Anesthesia program and Case Western Reserve University’s Austin location .

Top 15 Anesthesiologist Assistant Schools In Texas

1. UTHealth Houston – McGovern Medical School

UTHealth Houston offers Texas’s first Master of Science in Anesthesia program at a Texas state institution, located at McGovern Medical School . The inaugural cohort of 35 students began in August 2024, and the program received initial CAAHEP accreditation in January 2025.

The rigorous 28-month curriculum includes 100 credit hours, 900 hours of didactic and simulation-based learning, a minimum of 650 anesthesia cases, and over 2,500 clinical hours. Students train at Memorial Hermann Hospital – TMC, the nation’s busiest trauma center, gaining experience across multiple subspecialties including trauma, cardiovascular, pediatric, and obstetric anesthesia.

2. Case Western Reserve University – Austin Campus

Case Western Reserve University’s Master of Science in Anesthesia Program established its Austin, Texas site with the inaugural class starting in May 2022.

This location builds on the program’s long history since 1970 at its Cleveland main site and extends its successful educational model into one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. The Austin program is fully committed to its graduate-level anesthesiologist assistant education and integrates students into the growing anesthesia community in the Austin area. Prospective students can contact the Austin office for information on tours, shadowing opportunities, admissions, and other inquiries.

3. Case Western Reserve University – Houston Campus

Case Western Reserve University also operates an established Master of Science in Anesthesia program campus in Houston, in collaboration with Memorial Hermann Hospital. This off-site location was established in 2010, following the main Cleveland site and preceding the Washington, D.C. site established in 2012. The Houston campus provides comprehensive training in anesthesia care, preparing students for vital roles on surgical teams within one of Texas’s largest medical communities.

4. University of Houston – Pre-AA Advising

While the University of Houston does not offer an Anesthesiologist Assistant degree program, it provides comprehensive pre-health advising for students pursuing this career path . The university offers prerequisite coursework in anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, calculus, and English, along with guidance on competitive application strategies. Students can access an Anesthesiologist Assistant Program Directory and prerequisite guides through the university’s Health Professions Advising office.

5. University of North Texas – Pre-AA Advising

The University of North Texas offers a Pre-Anesthesiologist Assistant pathway through its Office of Health Professions. Students can pursue a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Biology or Chemistry to fulfill prerequisites for AA programs, and advisors recommend taking additional science coursework beyond the minimum requirements. The office provides guidance on competitive application strategies, including GPA targets of 3.5-4.0, MCAT scores of 499 or higher, GRE scores of 150+, and significant shadowing and volunteer experience.

6. Texas A&M University – Pre-AA Advising

Texas A&M University provides pre-health advising for students interested in anesthesiologist assistant careers, offering the prerequisite science coursework needed for admission to AA programs. Students can access guidance on competitive applications, shadowing opportunities, and the CASAA application process through the university’s health professions office.

7. University of Texas at Austin – Pre-AA Advising

UT Austin offers pre-health advising and the required prerequisite coursework in biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and mathematics for students pursuing AA programs. The university’s strong science programs provide a solid foundation for admission to competitive master’s-level AA programs.

8. Texas Tech University – Pre-AA Advising

Texas Tech University provides pre-health advising and a comprehensive science curriculum that fulfills the prerequisites for anesthesiologist assistant programs. Students can work with advisors to plan their coursework, secure shadowing experiences, and prepare competitive applications through the CASAA system.

9. Baylor University – Pre-AA Advising

Baylor University offers pre-health advising and the necessary science prerequisites for AA programs, including anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics. The university’s commitment to undergraduate research and health professions preparation supports students pursuing AA careers.

10. Rice University – Pre-AA Advising

Rice University provides pre-health advising and a rigorous science curriculum that prepares students for admission to AA programs. The university’s strong emphasis on research and small class sizes allow for individualized guidance through the application process.

11. Southern Methodist University – Pre-AA Advising

SMU offers pre-health advising and the prerequisite coursework needed for AA program admission, including biology, chemistry, and physics. Students can work with advisors to develop competitive applications and identify shadowing opportunities in the Dallas-Fort Worth medical community.

12. University of Texas at Dallas – Pre-AA Advising

UT Dallas provides pre-health advising and a strong science foundation for students pursuing AA programs. The university’s location in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex offers access to extensive shadowing and clinical observation opportunities.

13. Texas Christian University – Pre-AA Advising

TCU offers pre-health advising and the required science prerequisites for AA programs. The university’s small class sizes and personalized advising support students through the competitive application process and CASAA system.

14. University of Texas at San Antonio – Pre-AA Advising

UTSA provides pre-health advising and the necessary science coursework for AA program admission. Students can access guidance on prerequisites, competitive application strategies, and shadowing opportunities in the San Antonio medical community.

15. University of North Texas Health Science Center – Pre-AA Advising

UNTHSC offers pre-health advising and resources for students interested in AA careers, including guidance on prerequisite coursework, competitive application strategies, and shadowing opportunities in the Fort Worth medical community.

Comparison Table

Success Tips for Applying to Anesthesiologist Assistant Schools

Start by completing all required prerequisite coursework, including one year each of biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and English, along with coursework in anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, and calculus . Aim for a competitive GPA of 3.5 or higher, as admission to AA programs is highly competitive.

Take either the MCAT or GRE, as most programs require one of these standardized tests; an MCAT score of 499 or higher or GRE scores of 150+ in verbal and quantitative sections will make your application more competitive.

Gain significant shadowing experience, with a minimum of 8-10 hours observing an anesthesiologist, though many applicants have far more hours.

Build 100+ hours of volunteer experience and engage in various extracurricular activities to demonstrate your commitment to healthcare and patient service.

Apply one year before your intended start date using the CASAA (Centralized Application Service for Anesthesiologist Assistants) online application service . Ensure the program you apply to is accredited by CAAHEP, as Texas law requires graduation from an accredited program to obtain licensure.

Finally, understand that Texas requires separate state licensure, which includes passing the National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants exam and meeting additional qualifications established by the Texas Medical Board.

Closing

Texas offers a growing and well-structured landscape for anesthesiologist assistant education, anchored by the newly accredited UTHealth Houston program and the established Case Western Reserve University campuses in Austin and Houston. While only two CAAHEP-accredited AA programs currently operate in Texas, many additional universities provide comprehensive pre-AA advising and the prerequisite science coursework needed for admission. The field is highly competitive, with admission requiring strong academic credentials, competitive standardized test scores, and meaningful clinical experience.

Aspiring anesthesiologist assistants should work closely with health professions advisors at their undergraduate institutions, utilize the CASAA application service, and ensure they meet all Texas Medical Board licensing requirements. Note that all information, including program accreditation status and admission requirements, is subject to change, so it is essential to verify current details directly with each institution and the Texas Medical Board.