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College of Health Care Sciences - Anesthesia Assistant Program

M.S. in Anesthesia - Tampa

Orientation Documents & Links

New Student Orientation

Dear Students:

Congratulations on your acceptance into the Anesthesiologist Assistant program here at Nova Southeastern University’s Tampa campus! As you embark on your exciting and rewarding journey in anesthesia, the faculty and staff here in Tampa are thrilled to extend a warm welcome. We are dedicated to ensuring that you receive a preeminent educational experience to assist in the attainment of your professional goals.

The faculty and staff sincerely look forward to working with your class in a collaborative effort that will culminate your graduation as Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants. The goal of the Anesthesiologist Assistant program is to prepare students for lifelong learning and leadership roles that benefit the healthcare community. We are committed to ensuring each graduate is a competent anesthetist who provides safe, quality, and compassionate care in all degrees of illness for surgical patients.

Thank you again for choosing Nova Southeastern University, and please know that we are prepared to work with you and support you at every step along this journey. I hope you are as excited as I am. Welcome class of 2027!

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Carter

Program Director

Master of Science in Anesthesia Program - Tampa Program 
Nova Southeastern University

Orientation & White Coat Ceremony

The Orientation and White Coat Ceremony will be held on Tuesday, May 20, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., at the Nova Southeastern University Tampa Bay Regional Campus. You will initially meet in the lobby of the university (same area as when you interviewed) and sign in at the registration table. You will then be directed to the location of the ceremony by program staff and appropriate signage.

3400 Gulf to Bay Blvd.

Clearwater, FL. 33759

Immunizations

  • All incoming students must complete immunizations and TB requirements and have a physical examination prior to the first day of classes. Please have your physician fill out the NSU Physical Exam Form, TB form, and the Immunization Form.
    • Lab reports and proof of vaccines are required.
  • Hepatitis B
    • Hepatitis B- All students are required to complete a QUANTITATIVE (Qualitative will not be accepted) Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (titer) showing immunity and provide lab report.
    • If a student is having to repeat the Hepatitis B series, then one dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine must be completed prior to first day.
  • Evidence of TB testing:
    • The AA program will accept a two-step PPD or the QuantiFERON Gold blood test.
    • A clear chest x-ray will be accepted if the student has history of a positive TB test.
  • All immunization and physical records MUST be uploaded to the Castle Branch website prior to the first day of class.

Summer Courses

Please review the following documents in preparation for your entrance into the AA program. You will be tested on the entire "Anesthesia Medication Sheet" within the first two weeks of the program. Please know all drug names, drug classes, and dosages. Please read the "Introduction to Anesthesia Booklet" and become familiar with the medical abbreviations and terminology of the practice of anesthesia. You will have an exam on this material in the summer semester.

Please note that you will NOT be registering for summer courses. The program personnel will be completing your registration prior to orientation to ensure timely disbursement of financial aid.

Anesthesiologist Assistant Course Text List

A booklist is provided for the program. The student should purchase all textbooks that are denoted in “red” in preparation for the first semester. Many of these books are available electronically and can be purchased in that format from various resources on the internet. Free electronic versions of certain anesthesia textbooks are available for reading only through the NSU HPD library. However, it is highly encouraged that each student buys a hard copy of each textbook.

White Coats

All White Coats will need to be obtained prior to the date of orientation. As this process can take up to six weeks, please make sure that you have ordered your white lab coats prior to April 12, 2025. To ensure appropriate sizing for your white coat it is recommended that you receive a fitting for your white coats at your local uniform store. Once you have been fitted, you may then proceed with ordering your lab coat at the NSU bookstore website. You can order your white lab coat through the NSU bookstore at https://nsu.fashionsealhealthcare.com. Please select Anesthesiologist Assistant - Tampa Program and follow the instructions. Here are the necessary item #’s:

  • Men (#503550) and Women (#503503) 

Shark Cards

All Shark Cards will need to be obtained prior to orientation. As this process can take up to three weeks, please make sure that you have completed the necessary online application for your card prior to April 31, 2025. These cards will be required to access the Tampa Bay Regional Campus. Please complete the shark card application at https://www.nova.edu/nsucard/apply/index.html. 

Membership Applications

You will be required to join four anesthesia organizations that support the Anesthesiologist Assistant profession. Please complete the membership applications for the American Society of Anesthesiologists, Florida Society of Anesthesiologists, American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants, and the Florida Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants. Please follow the links below to complete your membership applications before the first day of class.

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