VCOM View Magazine Vol. 14 | No. 1

Academics VCOM-Virginia and Bluefield University to Launch the First Anesthesiologist Assistant Program in the Commonwealth T he Virginia campus of the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) has announced that the College has plans to accreditation approval to launch a second program on the VCOM-Carolinas campus; its first students arrived on campus in September 2025. Students in the MHSA programs engage in comprehensive training that includes patient assessment, anesthesia planning by Amy Ostroth launch a new Master of Health Science in Anesthesia (MHSA) program in 2027—which would make it the first such program in the state of Virginia. Developed in partnership

“ “There has been a national shortage in the anesthesia workforce for decades, which is only projected to get worse in future years.” — Mike Nichols, dean of the anesthesiology assistant programs at VCOM

and delivery, and real-time evaluation of anesthesia care, while always working under the supervision of the anesthesiologist. The clinical rotations in the program expose students to a wide range of anesthetic techniques and scenarios, ensuring a broad and practical foundation. Historically, 100% of program

with Bluefield University, the graduate level program is 28 months following graduation from an undergraduate program, and it prepares graduates to become highly skilled in anesthesia care, while working under the medical direction of a physician anesthesiologist.

graduates across the country secure employment within six months—a reflection of what has become an urgent demand for well-trained anesthesia assistant professionals. “There has been a national shortage in the anesthesia workforce for decades, which is only

VCOM and Bluefield launched a program on the VCOM-Auburn campus in 2023. Its first class graduated in September 2025, significantly increasing the number of CAAs in the state. The program has been a great success and resulted in the

28 Academics