About Certified Clinical Anesthesia Assistants
Certified Clinical Anesthesia Assistants (CCAAs) are integral members of anesthesia care teams (ACT) in Canada. As members of the specialist-physician led ACT, CCAAs work under the direction and supervision of anesthesiologists to safely and effectively implement anesthesia care plans and extend anesthesia services.
CCAAs perform important interventions such as airway management, the administration of prescribed anesthesia medications, patient assessment and monitoring, and operating anesthesia equipment. There are more than 600 CCAAs in Canada, over 90% of whom are registered respiratory therapists. Eligible Registered Nurses (RNs) may also earn this credential.
CCAA: The Certified Clinical Anesthesia Assistant Credential
The Certified Clinical Anesthesia Assistant (CCAA) credential recognizes CSRT registered and associate members working in the field of anesthesia, who have completed additional education and clinical training to become an anesthesia assistant, who demonstrate involvement in professional development activities and who display a commitment to maintaining proficiency and professionalism as an anesthesia assistant.
Certification incorporates an external and independent practice-focused evaluation based on the validated National Competency Framework for Anesthesia Assistance. The CCAA designation is the only national benchmark for AA practice in Canada and serves as an independent and impartial assessment of ongoing competency.
How to become a CCAA?
Certified Clinical Anesthesia Assistants must demonstrate that they are able to perform the competencies outlined in the National Competency Profile for Anesthesia Assistance to be eligible for the credential.
Becoming a CCAA first involves completion of a postgraduate Anesthesia Assistant program that is accredited by the CSRT. Accredited anesthesia assistance education programs typically require learners to be registered respiratory therapists or nurses with demonstrated experience in a critical care or operating room environment. These programs are offered on full- or part-time bases, so the duration will vary. Most learners complete this education in 1 to 3 years.
Graduates of accredited anaesthesia assistance education programs are eligible to write the CSRT National Anesthesia Assistance Exam. Successful candidates may then earn the Clinical Anesthesia Assistant (CCAA) credential. CCAAs are also required remain a member in good standing of the CSRT, maintain their registration with their respective respiratory therapy or nursing body, complete 25 practice-relevant CPD credits annually, and participate in the annual CPD audit process.
Looking to write the National Anesthesia Assistance Exam to earn the CCAA credential? Click here for more information.
Accredited Anesthesia Assistance Education Programs
CSRT accreditation of anesthesia assistant (AA) education programs is a means of assuring the public and the employers that graduates of a post-diploma AA education program have achieved the competencies for the safe and effective practice of anesthesia assistance, and that the AA education programs meet national standards. The following organization each have AA Education programs that have obtained accreditation statuses with the CSRT:
Alberta Health Services (Provisional Status*)
Fanshawe College
Mohawk College (Provisional Status*)
The Michener Institute of Education at UHN
Thompson Rivers University
Vancouver General Hospital
*Note that programs with a provisional status have demonstrated that they are designed in a manner that ensures students attain the competencies outlined in the National Competency Framework and that they have quality assurance processes in place. They have not yet undergone a full accreditation site visit.
