Several benefits are included in the cost of tuition for each Master of Science in Anesthesia student. The benefits are available to all students at our locations in Cleveland, Houston, Washington, and Austin.
While other MSA programs offer some of these opportunities, no other program offers the complete benefit package provided by Case Western Reserve University. These benefits are designed to help students develop professional skills in and outside of the operating room, with a particular focus on advocacy, professional development, and networking.
Professional Development Opportunities for Students
Upon enrollment in the Master of Science in Anesthesia Program, all students gain membership to both the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants.
American Society of Anesthesiologists
The ASA is the national organization for anesthesiologists, who are key partners in practice to certified anesthesiologist assistants. MSA students, like professional anesthesiologist assistants, hold non-voting memberships that provide them with access to the network.
Each year, student leaders from each location have the opportunity to attend the ASA annual meeting. Learn more about ASA events here.
American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants
The AAAA is the national organization for certified anesthesiologist assistant professionals, and membership provides students with access to the organization’s quarterly newsletter, networking opportunities, and a number of other resources and benefits, including discounts on the NCCAA examination.
Each year, CWRU MSA students are required to attend the AAAA annual meeting and career expo. At the meeting, students have the opportunity to network with students at other MSA programs, potential employers, regional organizations, AAAA leadership, and other exhibitors. CWRU MSA students also compete in Anesthesia Jeopardy annually.
In addition to the events arranged by AAAA, CWRU hosts an alumni reunion reception at the AAAA each year.
State-level Memberships
As well as membership to the national organization, students hold local memberships in the Ohio, Texas, and the District of Columbia anesthesiologist assistants’ professional organizations, respective to their location of study.
These organizations are component societies of the AAAA, and include:
- Ohio Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants
- Texas Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants
- District of Columbia Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants
These national- and local-level memberships are important for the professional development opportunities, and provide students access to the legislative arena where decisions regarding healthcare policy and practice are being debated and decided on a continual basis. Advocacy and legislative leadership are key skills taught by the program, and one of the key differentiators between CWRU and other MSA programs.
CWRU MSA students who are particularly passionate about advocacy and leadership have additional opportunities for refining these skills as class leaders.
CWRU Graduate Student Resources
All MSA students have access to graduate student resources through Case Western Reserve University. All of the resources outlined below can be accessed in-person or online, and are available to students in Cleveland, Houston, Washington, and Austin.
Other graduate student resources can be reviewed here, but may not be easily accessible to our Houston, Austin, or Washington students. Additionally, the MSA Program maintains local partnerships that ensure students in each location have access to top-tier resources and facilities. Learn more about the location-specific resources in Cleveland, Houston, Washington, and Austin.
Wellness Resources
All CWRU MSA students have access to resources in support of physical and mental wellbeing that can be found in our Wellness Reference Guide.
In addition to CWRU Health & Counseling Services, enrolled students have 24/7 access to FREE, virtual mental health and medical services through our partner TimelyCare (timelycare.com/cwru). TimelyCare physicians and counselors can treat/discuss a wide range of conditions, and after talking to you, will decide on the best course of treatment. Some common concerns that can be safely diagnosed and treated remotely are: cold, sinus infection, influenza (flu), stress and anxiety, relationships, and depression. All you need is an internet connection.
Additionally, TimelyCare boats a wealth of on-demand and live workshops and classes including yoga and meditation. Students can learn more about TimelyCare and how to register for it in this short video.
Graduate Student Career Development
Career Development, a division of Student Affairs, offers individual career counseling, advising, resume and cover letter reviews, interview preparation, and job or salary negotiation. Students also have access to online job boards, career management systems, and other digital networking resources.
Kelvin Smith Library
Students can use the VPN to log into the Kelvin Smith Library electronic database to access a vast collection of eJournals and eBooks—which provide resources for assignments whether students are on campus or rotating off-site—as well as leisure reading.
Writing Resource Center
Writing Center advisors are available for in-person consultations or online appointments, and can provide helpful insight for research papers, presentations, and more.
Additional Graduate Student Benefits
CWRU Master of Science in Anesthesia students have the option to opt into additional benefits, including health insurance coverage and the university fitness plan. The fees for these benefits are briefly discussed here, and more information can be found in the CWRU Student Medical Plan. Additional information is provided to students upon enrollment.