Elizabeth Tran initially started college with the plan to attend medical school. Then, while visiting a GI practice and shadowing healthcare teams, the anesthesia care providers drew Elizabeth's attention. The experience sparked a change of heart. “I got to see the importance that anesthesia plays in the surgical setting,” says Elizabeth. “It just changed my career path from that moment on.”
While Elizabeth is not originally from the Savannah area, she was attracted to the Master of Medical Science in Anesthesia Science program at South University, Savannah and decided to apply. When she was accepted, she relocated to attend the school.
“It was a little scary to move 20 hours away from the rest of my family,” she admits. “But, honestly, everyone was friendly and sweet here. It's been great, which is why we chose to stay.”
At South University, Elizabeth appreciated the rigorous education she received. She was also excited about the curriculum including clinical experience early on in the program. Between her coursework, labs, and clinical experiences, the program helped Elizabeth to build her skills and become confident in administering anesthesia care to patients of all ages, degrees of illness, and across the entire spectrum of surgical procedures.
“South University definitely challenged me in the clinical setting and the classroom," she says. "At first, you learn everything in the classroom. Then you get to apply those things in the clinical setting."
In her clinicals, Elizabeth valued the support and mentorship of her preceptors – licensed anesthesiologists and anesthesiologist assistants who help students learn the ropes of the field. Their guidance allows students to put what they learn in the classroom and labs to practice in real medical settings.
Today, Elizabeth is a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA). She completed her Master of Medical Science in Anesthesia Science from South University, Savannah in 2022.
Today, Elizabeth continues to take pride in her work and in getting her patients through the nerve-wracking experience of undergoing anesthesia. “I just love taking care of the patients,” she shares. “You're going to be with them the whole time. That really provides comfort to patients, and I enjoy that. When they wake up, you're there too. I like being that person there for them.”
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South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.
Graduates are required to sit for and pass the national certification exam and obtain a state license in order to work in the field. (Exam names vary by program.) Please refer to the State Professional Licensure Determination and National Certification/Licensure section of the University catalog for program and state specific information. South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations. Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification/licensing exams and are subject to change without notice to South University. Students must pass the required licensure to work in their respective field.
Testimonials have been provided by students/alumni in their own words and without coercion. This spotlight is based on a video interview with Elizabeth Tran published in 2024.
