Best CAA Programs (2026)
There is no single "best" CAA program — there's the best program for you. Below are the factors that actually separate programs, then the complete, non-ranked list of all 30 accredited programs.
How to judge a CAA program
CAAHEP accreditation
Only programs accredited by CAAHEP (via the ARC-AA) qualify you to sit for the NCCAA certifying exam and practice as a CAA. Every program here is accredited — start here, never below it.
State practice & job outlook
CAAs practice in a limited (but growing) set of states and jurisdictions. Consider where a program's graduates actually get licensed and hired — it shapes your whole career, not just school.
Cost & funding
CAA programs are master's degrees (~24–28 months). Total cost of attendance — and whether you can realistically work during clinical phases (usually not) — matters more than sticker tuition.
Prerequisites & admissions test
Prereq science coursework, GPA, and whether the program takes the GRE, the MCAT, or is test-optional vary widely. The 'best' program is one where you're a realistic, strong applicant.
Clinical sites & cohort
Where you rotate shapes your case variety and network; smaller cohorts can mean more hands-on OR time. Fit and clinical strength matter more than prestige.
All accredited CAA programs
Alphabetical and non-ranked — search and filter to build your shortlist.
Showing 30 of 30 programs
Turn your research into a plan
Build your school shortlist, track deadlines, and get honest fit scoring against every program — free in the Boost CAA app, built by CAAs.