The first week of September, 2025, marked a milestone at VCOM-Carolinas, as Bluefield University and VCOM leadership welcomed the inaugural class of anesthesiologist assistant students to the campus. The joint program, already established at VCOM-Auburn, has expanded to the Carolinas to meet the growing demand for skilled anesthesia providers in hospitals, surgical centers, and rural communities. During orientation week, students gathered for onboarding sessions, faculty and advisor meetings, and networking events, laying the foundation for the rigorous training ahead.
The Master of Science in Anesthesia (MHSA) program spans 28 months and prepares graduates to work as certified anesthesiologist assistants under the direction of physician anesthesiologists. Students will complete intensive coursework, simulation training, and clinical rotations at partner hospitals across South Carolina and the entire Southeast United States, gaining hands-on experience with patient care in a variety of surgical settings.
“The expansion of our program into South Carolina is a direct reflection of our mission to bring high-quality healthcare education to the regions where it is needed most. By launching this new campus and welcoming our inaugural class, we are strengthening access to care in underserved communities by preparing the next generation of highly skilled anesthesia providers. This is a proud and purposeful step forward for our institution, and a meaningful investment in the health and well-being of the people we are called to serve.
VCOM’s mission has always centered on improving healthcare for rural and medically underserved populations, and the addition of the MHSA program aligns with that vision. With the first class now underway, VCOM-Carolinas is proud to prepare a new generation of anesthesia providers who will serve patients across the region with skill, compassion, and excellence.
