Can Anesthesiologist Assistants Practice in North Carolina?
Yes — CAAs are licensed in North Carolina.
The North Carolina Medical Board has licensed CAAs since 2007 under G.S. 90-9.4 and 90-18.5. A pending 2025-26 bill (H480/S396) would add a licensure-by-endorsement fast path for AAs licensed 5+ years in another state with an NC job offer.
Where CAAs can practice nearby
CAAs can also practice in 3 of North Carolina's 4 neighboring states.
CAA Programs in North Carolina
Accredited training options and pathways for applicants from North Carolina.
No CAA programs are currently located in North Carolina
While North Carolina does not have an in-state CAAHEP-accredited program campus, prospective students from North Carolina attend accredited master's programs across the United States. Graduates of any accredited program are eligible to sit for the NCCAA board exam and practice in North Carolina or any other authorized state.
Compare cohort sizes, tuition, and deadlines across all active campuses.
Check required science, math, and general courses for every campus.
Step-by-step guidance from undergrad prep and shadowing to licensing.
Supervision & Practice Authority in North Carolina
Supervision Requirements
The supervising anesthesiologist must be actively engaged in clinical practice and immediately available on-site. The base ratio is one anesthesiologist to two AAs; since 2010 the Board may allow up to four.
State Context & Regulatory Notes
Title protection dates to 2007: only licensees or enrolled students may use the AA title (G.S. 90-18.5). As drafted, H480's endorsement path requires five or more years of unrestricted licensure elsewhere, an employer letter, a clean five-year record, and meeting the standard NC requirements, with fee caps of $300 for endorsement and $200 for annual renewal. The bill would have taken effect October 1, 2025, but was still parked in Senate Rules as of August 2026.
Statutory Summary
- Legal Authority
- N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 90-9.4, 90-18.5; 21 NCAC 32W
- Effective
- 2007
- Practice Mechanism
- Licensed
Legislative Activity in North Carolina
2 bills on record (2 pending). Enacted and failed bills stay listed as history.
Medical Board Licensing Efficiency Act (adds G.S. 90-12.2B licensure by endorsement for physicians, PAs, and anesthesiologist assistants; raises AA fee caps)
Passed House 115-0; in Senate Committee on Rules and Operations
Last action: Referred to Senate Rules and Operations, June 25, 2025
Medical Board Licensing Efficiency Act (Senate companion to H480)
In Senate Committee on Rules and Operations
Last action: Referred to Senate Rules and Operations, March 25, 2025