Do You Need an Anesthesiologist Assistant License? State-by-State Guide
Anesthesiologist assistants work under the supervision of anesthesiologists to help administer anesthesia during medical procedures. Not all states have established regulatory frameworks for this relatively newer profession, and licensing requirements vary widely.
Quick Answer
20 of 51 states require an state-level anesthesiologist assistant license or certification.
State-by-State Anesthesiologist Assistant License Requirements
The table below shows whether each state requires an state-level anesthesiologist assistant license, the regulation level (where available), and a link to the relevant licensing authority.
| State | License Required | Regulation Level | Board Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Alaska | ✗ Not Required | — | Visit Board |
| Arizona | ✗ Not Required | — | Visit Board |
| Arkansas | ✗ Not Required | — | Visit Board |
| California | ✗ Not Required | — | Visit Board |
| Colorado | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Connecticut | ✗ Not Required | — | Visit Board |
| Delaware | ✗ Not Required | — | Visit Board |
| District of Columbia | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Florida | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Georgia | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Hawaii | ✗ Not Required | — | Visit Board |
| Idaho | ✗ Not Required | — | Visit Board |
| Illinois | ✗ Not Required | — | Visit Board |
| Indiana | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Iowa | ✗ Not Required | — | Visit Board |
| Kansas | ✗ Not Required | — | Visit Board |
| Kentucky | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Louisiana | ✗ Not Required | — | Visit Board |
| Maine | ✗ Not Required | — | Visit Board |
| Maryland | ✗ Not Required | — | Visit Board |
| Massachusetts | ✗ Not Required | — | Visit Board |
| Michigan | ✗ Not Required | — | Visit Board |
| Minnesota | ✗ Not Required | — | Visit Board |
| Mississippi | ✗ Not Required | — | Visit Board |
| Missouri | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Montana | ✗ Not Required | — | Visit Board |
| Nebraska | ✗ Not Required | — | Visit Board |
| Nevada | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| New Hampshire | ✗ Not Required | — | Visit Board |
| New Jersey | ✗ Not Required | — | Visit Board |
| New Mexico | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| New York | ✗ Not Required | — | Visit Board |
| North Carolina | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| North Dakota | ✗ Not Required | — | Visit Board |
| Ohio | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Oklahoma | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Oregon | ✗ Not Required | — | Visit Board |
| Pennsylvania | ✗ Not Required | — | Visit Board |
| Rhode Island | ✗ Not Required | — | Visit Board |
| South Carolina | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| South Dakota | ✗ Not Required | — | Visit Board |
| Tennessee | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Texas | ✗ Not Required | — | Visit Board |
| Utah | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Vermont | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Virginia | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Washington | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| West Virginia | ✗ Not Required | — | Visit Board |
| Wisconsin | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Wyoming | ✗ Not Required | — | Visit Board |
What If My State Doesn't Require a License?
Even if your state does not mandate an state-level anesthesiologist assistant license, you may still need to meet local requirements. Many cities and counties impose their own licensing, registration, or permit requirements. Additionally, voluntary certification from professional organizations can enhance your credibility and job prospects. Always check with your local government and relevant professional associations.
How to Get Licensed
If your state requires an anesthesiologist assistant license, requirements typically include completing an approved education or training program, passing an exam, and submitting an application with applicable fees. Specific requirements vary by state — visit your state's licensing board website (linked in the table above) for detailed information on the application process.
Requirements change — always verify with your state's licensing authority.
Check Your State's Requirements
See the full licensing requirements for your state, including fees, education hours, and exams.