Step 1: Complete the CASAA Application

The Centralized Application Service for Anesthesiologist Assistants (CASAA) is a web‐based application portal for individuals seeking admission to masters-level anesthesiologist assistant programs in the United States. CASAA is a service of the Association of Anesthesiologist Assistant Education Programs (AAAEP), the national organization of educational leaders advancing anesthesiologist assistant education. Applicants for KCU's Master of Health Sciences in Anesthesiologist Assistant (MHS-AA) program are encouraged to begin the application process a year prior to their anticipated matriculation. Requirements for each incoming class can be found here. Foreign graduates and non-US citizens are not accepted at this time.

Step 2: Complete the KCU Secondary Application

After reviewing CASAA applications, KCU invites qualified applicants to complete our secondary application online. The $60 nonrefundable fee is waived for applicants who have received a waiver for CASAA fees.

KCU evaluates applicants based on both academic excellence and nonacademic achievement.

Academic Criteria

Academic excellence is assessed using standardized test scores, grades and grade point averages.

Nonacademic Achievements

The Admissions Committee considers nonacademic achievements, including:

· Leadership roles

· Involvement in community organizations/projects

· Commitment to an organization(s) for two or more years

· Shadowing of an anesthesia professional (e.g., anesthesiologist, CAA or CRNA)

· Medical field experience (e.g., EMT, RT, LPN, CNA, ORA, scribe, technician – anesthesia, surgical, pharmacy, veterinary, etc.)

· Participation in domestic or international mission trips

· Health care-related volunteer experiences

· Research activities

Step 3: Complete your Interview with KCU

Qualified applicants are invited for a formal personal interview to demonstrate professionalism, critical thinking and high‐level communication skills. Typically, interviews start in April and end in August.

Following the interview, the Admissions Committee reviews the applicant's file and makes recommendations to the MHS-AA program director regarding admission. KCU admits students on a rolling basis, and applicants are notified via email once a decision has been made. Some applicants may be placed on a waitlist and admitted to the program if space becomes available.

Step 4: Complete your Acceptance and Pre-matriculation Activities

Acceptance is conditional until all fees, deposits, required documents and coursework are completed. Failure to submit all items by the posted due dates will result in forfeiture of the applicant’s seat in the upcoming class.

Deposits

Admitted applicants must pay two nonrefundable, nontransferable deposits to secure their seat:

1. Acceptance Deposit: $1,500 due within 30 days of email notification

2. Matriculation Deposit: $1,500 due within 60 days of email notification

Deposits are credited toward tuition upon matriculation but forfeited if the student does not attend.

Students are strongly encouraged to pay via KCU's online payment portal. However, if a student wishes to pay via paper check, the payment should be made payable to Kansas City University (KCU) and sent to:

Kansas City University

Attn: Finance Office 

1750 Independence Ave

Kansas City, MO 64106

Official Transcripts

Incoming students must submit official transcripts from all universities or colleges attended (including dual credit and advanced placement coursework) to KCU’s Office of Admissions. Official transcripts submitted to CASAA are downloaded by the Office of Admissions so applicants only need to submit updated transcripts showing courses that were in progress or showing degree conferred. Questions about transcript requirements should be directed to [email protected].

All required coursework must be completed with a grade of “C” or better, and degree completion be verified no later than January 2 of the matriculation year, unless an extension is granted by the Office of Admissions.

Criminal Background Check

All students matriculating to KCU must undergo a criminal background check by a certifying organization retained by the University at their own expense. This is required to satisfy federal and state regulations for individuals participating in clinical activities involving patient care. Students must pay for an extra background check in select degree programs before starting clinical activities.

Note: Discovery following admission or matriculation of intentional misrepresentation or omission of any information used in the application process will subject the student to disciplinary action, including rescinded admission, probation, suspension or dismissal. Matriculation will be denied to applicants who have failed to maintain a good record of scholastic performance and/or personal conduct between the time of their acceptance and matriculation at the University. The University reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant for any reason the University deems sufficient.

Immunization Requirements

Students who project themselves as future health care professionals are obligated to protect their health and the health of their future patients. All matriculating students at KCU must comply with immunization guidelines for health care workers established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Current guidelines are available here. KCU students are responsible for maintaining a current and thoroughly documented official record of immunizations. Students who fail to meet these guidelines will not be allowed to matriculate or may jeopardize their eligibility for continued enrollment or clinical assignments.

Health and Minimum Technical Standards

All candidates and enrolled students must meet health and technical standards to be admitted to, participate in and graduate from education programs of KCU.

Reasonable accommodation will be made as required by law; however, the candidate/student must be able to meet all technical standards with or without reasonable accommodation. Candidates attest to their abilities prior to matriculation. Enrolled students attest yearly and must inform KCU’s disability services coordinator of any changes in their status. Requests for accommodation should be directed to the University’s disability services coordinator at [email protected]. Additional information is available here.