Nova Southeastern University recently announced plans to expand its anesthesiologist assistant (AA) program.

Students in NSU’s anesthesiologist assistant program practice their skills in a classroom simulator.

The 27-month program began at the University in 2006 with 29 students. Recognizing the severe shortage of anesthesia providers in Florida and throughout the country, NSU added another class of 36 students this summer. The University plans to add a new class of approximately 35 students each year.

The program will graduate its first class in 2008. Because the field is in high demand, these students are all but guaranteed jobs that offer a starting salary between $120,000 and $150,000, according to Wagner.