VCOM Dean Mike Nichols discusses new anesthesiology program in Spartanburg

During a recent meeting of the Senate Medical Affairs Subcommittee in South Carolina, significant discussions centered around the introduction of a new anesthesiology assistant program at the VCOM Carolinas location in Spartanburg. Mike Nichols, Dean of Anesthesiology Assistant Programs at VCOM, presented the program's details, emphasizing its potential impact on healthcare education and employment in the state.

Nichols announced that the inaugural class will welcome 41 students in September, with 13 hailing from South Carolina, including nine graduates from Clemson University. He highlighted the importance of legislative support for the program, particularly concerning the supervision ratio for anesthesiology assistants (AAs). Nichols warned that without the proposed bill, South Carolina risks becoming an exporter of anesthesia talent, as neighboring states like North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida do not impose the same supervision restrictions.

The growth of the AA profession was also a focal point of Nichols' testimony. He noted a significant increase in accredited AA programs across the nation, rising from three in 2004 to 28 today. This expansion has led to a projected annual graduation of approximately 650 AAs, a substantial increase from previous years. Nichols urged the committee to consider the implications of the supervision ratio on the training and employment of future AAs in South Carolina.

The discussions underscored the critical need for legislative action to support the development of healthcare education in the state, ensuring that South Carolina can retain its trained professionals and meet the growing demand for anesthesia services. As the committee continues to deliberate on this bill, the outcome could have lasting effects on the state's healthcare workforce and educational landscape.