Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): Could You Make the Grade?

Which health care professional can trace ancestry back to the Civil War, actively helps reduce health care costs, and is just as likely to be a man as a woman?

If you answered "The certified registered nurse anesthetist!" go to the top of the class. This rapidly growing nursing specialty is one of a handful of advanced practice nursing careers that require months of dedicated training, intense testing and unwavering devotion to health care practice. Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) administer approximately 30 million anesthetics to patients in the United States each year.

Nurse anesthetists in the USA have been providing anesthesia to patients for over a century, starting with their care of Civil War casualties. The certification of nurse anesthetists began in the 1950s, and today almost 40,000 collaborate with doctors and anesthesiologists in medical centers across the country. Because nurse anesthetists make less money than anesthesiologists yet perform similar functions, hospitals can lower costs by hiring nurse anesthetists to work under the supervision of a doctor. This nursing specialty is unique in that nearly half of nurse anesthetists are men, in contrast to under 10% men in nursing as a whole.

A CRNA takes care of a patient's anesthesia needs before, during and after surgery or the delivery of a baby by:

• Performing a physical assessment
• Participating in preoperative teaching
• Preparing for anesthetic management
• Administering anesthesia to keep the patient pain free
• Maintaining anesthesia intraoperatively
• Overseeing recovery from anesthesia
• Following the patient's postoperative course from recovery room to patient care unit.

Since patients will be unconscious for most of the time, this specialty appeals to nursesseeking a high degree of responsibility,autonomy,professional respect, and high earning potential. Does this sound like you? Read on to discover how to start the journey to becoming a nurse anesthetist.

How to Become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

To qualify for a nurse anesthesia education program, you'll need to be a registered nurse with a bachelor's degree in nursing. Some programs require a minimum of one year of critical care experience.

All accredited nurse anesthesia education programs offer a master's degree, but depending on the particular program, your degree may be in nursing, allied health, or biological and clinical sciences. Upon graduation, the nurse must pass a national certification exam to become a CRNA.

A program will typically include 24 to 36 months of graduate course work including classroom and clinical experience. The curriculum has an emphasis on anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics and pharmacology as related to anesthesia. You will also study anesthesia techniques and procedures for all types of surgery and obstetrics.

Career Opportunities for a CRNA

As a nurse anesthetist, you'll have the opportunity to practice in a range of diverse settings, from traditional hospital surgical suites and obstetrical delivery rooms to critical access hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers, not to mention the offices of other health care professionals such as dentists, plastic surgeons or podiatrists. You can also consider a career in the military or public health. In about two thirds of all rural hospitals in the United States, CRNAs are the sole providers of anesthesia, and in some states they provide anesthesia services in nearly 100% of these hospitals.As advanced practice nurses, CRNA`s are given a high degree of autonomy and professional respect.

Within your chosen job, you might take on a number of roles anywhere between conducting the pre-operative interview to rousing the patient in recovery. Because your CRNA training qualifies you to administer any type of anesthetic, you'll work on all kinds of medical cases, including orthopedics, neurosurgery, vascular surgery and more.

CRNAs are the sole providers of anesthesia in approximately two thirds of all rural hospitals in the United States, enabling these healthcare facilities to offer obstetrical, surgical, and trauma stabilization services. In some states, CRNAs are the sole providers in nearly 100% of the rural hospitals.

Although you won't make as much as an anesthesiologist, nobody could call your wage skimpy: CRNAs regularly command six figure salaries and can make up to $150,000. Along with the high pay comes a high level of responsibility and skill, so you'll need to be sure you're up to the challenge.

If you have ever dreamed of a fulfilling career beyond the call of bedside nursing, one filled with challenges and rewards in abundance, the becoming a CRNA might be exactly what you`ve been looking for.Take the first step today by exploring programs that will provide you with the educational qualifications you`ll need. Earning a Bachelor`s degree in Nursing is the first step towards becoming eligible for an accredited CRNA program. Take charge of your future today!

Pathways To Earning A Bachelor`s in Nursing (BSN) Degree:

1. Traditional Campus Based BSN Program: Persons interested in earning a BSN degree who are not LPN`s, RN`s, or Paramedics already will need to attend an accredited campus based school of nursing.

2. Paramedic to RN bridge program: Paramedics have the option of earning an Associate degree in Nursing (RN) online in as little as 18 months through this accredited program designed to accommodate the busy and irregular schedules of EMS & fire service professions.Earning an Associate degree in Nursing opens the door for going on to earn a BSN degree through your choice of many top ranked online nursing schools which offer online RN to BSN programs.

3. Online LPN to BSN Transition Program: Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN/LVN) have the option of earning an NLNAC accredited LPN to BSN degree at their own pace while continuing their present job and without ever stepping foot in a classroom through Indiana State University and The College Network.

4.Online RN to BSN Programs: Accredited online RN to BSN Degree Completion meet the needs of working registered nurses by enabling them to earn a Bachelor`s degree in Nursing while continuing to work. Advantages include:No campus residency required - take all classes online; Attend class anytime - day or night.

Pathways To Become An Advanced Practice Nurse

1. Traditional Campus Based Nursing Programs: Persons interested in becoming an advanced practice nurse such as a Nurse Anesthetist or Nurse Practitioner can attend traditional campus based nursing schools that offer programs ranging from LPN through Doctorate in Nursing Practice.

2. Online RN to MSN Bridge Programs: RN to MSN bridge programs let RNs complete a B.S.N. degree and M.S.N. degree in a combined online program in half the time of traditional programs and keep working while they earn their degree.Additionally, many online RN to MSN bridge programs offer the added benefit of selecting an area of concentration such as Nurse Practitioner, Nurse-Midwifery, Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Educator, or Nursing Administration for example.

3.Online Nursing Master's Degree Programs: A Master's in Nursing Science degree enables nurses to pursue more challenging careers in healthcare such as Nurse Executive, Nurse Leader, Nurse Educator, Nurse Administrator, Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Midwifery, Nurse Anesthesia, Care Coordinator, Case Manager, and Managed Care Consultant. For busy nursing professionals looking for career advancement, a Master's degree in Nursing earned online from an accredited school of nursing is your ticket to success.

4. Online Nurse Practitioner Programs: Nurse Practitioners specialize in practice areas that include: Pediatrics, Neonatal, Acute Care, Adult Family Practice, Gerontology, Nurse-Midwifery, and Nurse Anesthetist among others and the opportunities available for advanced practice nurses is continually expanding. Online Nurse Practitioner programs include RN-to-MSN, M.S.N. for Nurse Practitioners, MSN. - Nurse Practitioner (with specialty focus), through Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

Roseman University

Online

The USN accelerated online program offers accelerated nursing education that allows you to earn a BSN in just 14 months. This new program blends the personal convenience of online course study with enriching clinical learning in Henderson, Nevada.

Programs:

• Accelerated BSN

The College Network

Online

Start your nursing career with The College Network. Earn your NLNAC/CCNE Accredited nursing degree online from one of our partner universities: Regis University, Indiana State University, Angelo State University and more at 1/2 the cost and time of traditional universities with no campus attendance, no wait list and local clinicals.

Programs:

• LPN/LVN to RN - AS in Nursing (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
• LPN/LVN to RN - BS in Nursing - Indiana St. - (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
• Paramedic to RN

University of Phoenix

Campus

As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

Programs:

• M.S. in Nursing
• MS in Nursing (RN Required)
• BS in Nursing (RN Required)

Campus Locations:

Costa Mesa
Ontario
Lathrop
Bakersfield
San Jose
Oakland
Fresno
Pasadena
Roseville
San Francisco
Sacramento
Woodland Hills
Salida
Los Angeles
Lancaster
Online
Diamond Bar
Gardena
Rancho Cordova
Fairfield
Livermore
Murrieta
Elk Grove
Palm Desert

Walden University

Online

Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.

Programs:

• B.S. in Nursing (BSN)
• Post-Masters Certificates in Nursing - Nursing Education
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) - General

Kaplan College - KHE

Campus

Don't wait another day to take the next step forward in your career. Kaplan College can give you the real-world knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your chosen field.

Programs:

• Diploma: Vocational Nursing
• Diploma: Nurse Assistant Training Program
• Diploma: Patient Care Assistant/Technician

Campus Locations:

San Diego
Vista
Chula Vista
Stockton
Bakersfield

American Career College

Campus

American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC's programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assistant
• Associate of Occupational Science in Respiratory Therapy

Campus Locations:

Anaheim
Los Angeles
Ontario

California College San Diego

Campus

California College San Diego (CCSD) offers degree programs in Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, and Computer Science. Online programs are offered by our affiliated college, Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing (Online)
• Master of Science in Nursing Education (Online)
• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing Administration

Campus Locations:

National City
San Diego
San Marcos

Chamberlain College of Nursing

Campus

Take the first step toward advancing your nursing career. Chamberlain College of Nursing offers a highly respected degree coupled with clinical learning experience in your local area.

Programs:

• Master of Science in Nursing
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)

Campus Locations:

Addison

West Coast University

Campus

Achieve your educational and professional goals with help from West Coast University. We offer accelerated Health Care Administration degrees designed for working adults like you.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• LVN to BSN
• RN to BSN

Campus Locations:

Ontario
Anaheim

Santa Barbara Business College

Campus

California is home to beautiful landscapes, a diverse population and countless things to do. Santa Barbara Business College is a California technical school that helps people just like you learn skills for their career. After all, without a good career, it can be difficult to enjoy all the wonderful things California has to offer.

SBBCollege is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. For information on graduation rates, median debt of graduates who completed these programs and other important information, visit http://www.sbbcollege.edu/consumerinformation/disclosures.php. SBBCollege offers financial aid to those who qualify.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assisting Diploma
• Medical Assisting Associate

Campus Locations:

Santa Maria
Rancho Mirage
Ventura
Santa Barbara

Carrington College California

Campus

Carrington College California offers the programs you need to begin a career in healthcare. Choose from Healthcare, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, or Veterinary Services.

Programs:

• AS in Vocational Nursing
• Certificate in Vocational Nursing
• AS in Registered Nursing

Campus Locations:

San Leandro
Sacramento
Antioch
San Jose
Emeryville
Citrus Heights
Pleasant Hill
Stockton

University of St. Mary

Online

Give your career a boost with University of Saint Mary. We offer online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels to help make your educational and professional goals a reality.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Career Colleges of America

Campus

Get your career started with Career Colleges of America. We have four campuses in the Los Angeles area offering a wide variety of allied health training programs.

Programs:

• Vocational Nurse
• Nurse Assistant
• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

South Gate
Los Angeles
San Bernardino
Gardena

Intercoast Colleges

Campus

Get your career started with Intercoast Colleges. We offer a number of certificate programs in a variety of fields, including medical, allied health, massage therapy, nursing, and electrical training.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Fairfield
Orange
West Covina
Elk Grove

Institute of Technology

Campus

You can get started on a new career with Institute of Technology. We offer diploma and associate degree programs for careers in the culinary, technical, medical, business, and legal fields.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.it-colleges.edu/disclosure

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing-Diploma
• Medical Billing/Coding Specialist
• Professional Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Redding
Stockton
Modesto
Clovis

Charter College

Campus

You can prepare for a new career with help from Charter College. Our accelerated Bachelors Degree, Associates Degree, and Certificate programs are designed to help you complete your education as quickly as possible. We offer year-round classes and flexible scheduling - study anytime from anywhere. We provide students not only with the technical skills necessary for success, but also job search and placement assistance so you can find new opportunities after graduation.

Programs:

• Diploma - Vocational Nursing
• Diploma - Medical Assistant
• Certificate - Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Canyon Country
Oxnard
Lancaster
Long Beach

Grand Canyon University

Campus

Don't Miss a Day of Your Future! Grand Canyon University is offering Bachelor and Master degrees through our College of Education, Ken Blanchard College of Business, College of Nursing & Health Sciences, College of Liberal Arts, and College of Entrepreneurship. Classes start soon!

Programs:

• M.S. in Nursing: Health Care Informatics (Bridge)
• M.S. in Nursing: Health Care Informatics
• M.S. in Nursing: Public Health (Bridge)

Campus Locations:

Phoenix

Summit College

Campus

Get your career started with an education from Summit College. We offer programs in legal office assisting, licensed vocational nursing, office administration, administrative and clinical medical assisting, medical billing and coding, dental assisting, and accounting assisting.

Programs:

• Licensed Vocational Nurse

Campus Locations:

Anaheim
Colton

Keiser University

Campus

Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni.

Programs:

• Nursing, MS
• Medical Assisting, AS
• Health Services Administration, AA (Online)

Campus Locations:

Fort Lauderdale

Saint Xavier University

Campus

Saint Xavier University is a Catholic, coeducational, comprehensive university focused on the liberal arts, and offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs to students across the country.

Programs:

• MSN in Clinical Leadership
• MSN in Executive Leadership
• Nurse Educator Certificate

Campus Locations:

Chicago

Stratford Career Institute

Online

Stratford Career Institute can help you earn your diploma from home in as little as six months, thanks to their proven study methods.

Programs:

• Health Care Aide
• Medical Office Assistant

Saint Peter's College

Online

Saint Peter's College has prepared its students for academic excellence and professional success for over one hundred years. Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to providing each student with the opportunity for educational and spiritual enrichment. That same commitment to individual support is now available to learners everywhere via the new online degree programs offered by the College.

Programs:

• RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Everest College

Campus

Develop the skills to succeed in today's highly competitive business environment. Everest College can prepare you for a rewarding career in some of today's hottest fields.

Programs:

• Diploma - Medical Assistant
• Medical General
• Diploma - Medical Administrative Assistant

Campus Locations:

Los Angeles
Gardena
Anaheim
Alhambra
LA Puente
Santa Ana
Reseda
San Francisco
Ontario
Torrance
Hayward
San Jose
San Bernardino

Platt College

Campus

Turn your talents into a career. Nationally recognized and accredited Platt College offers degree programs in Graphic Design, Multimedia, IT Networking and Paralegal.

Programs:

• Medical Assisting
• Medical Administrative Specialist
• Respiratory Therapy Associate of Science

Campus Locations:

Riverside
Alhambra
Ontario

Heald College

Campus

Heald College offers 18-month associate degree programs that will prepare you for a career in Business, Technology, or Healthcare. Small class sizes, hands-on instruction.

Programs:

• Medical Assisting
• Medical Office Administration

Campus Locations:

Concord
Fresno
Salida
Stockton
San Francisco
Milpitas
Hayward
Rancho Cordova
Salinas
Roseville

UEI College

Campus

UEI College can give you the real world medical, business, and technology skills you need to start a rewarding career. Let us know how we can assist you with your personal growth by helping you train for your perfect career.

Programs:

• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Bakersfield
Stockton
Gardena
Riverside
Fresno

Milan Institute

Campus

Successful careers begin at the Milan Institute. We offer quality hands-on training, experienced faculty and a staff committed to helping you realize your goals.

Programs:

• Medical Assisting
• Administrative Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Clovis
Indio
Bakersfield
Visalia

Empire College

Campus

Empire College, located in Santa Rosa, California, can give you the career training you need to launch or advance your career in the Business, Law, Technology, or Medical fields.

Programs:

• Medical Assisting

Campus Locations:

Santa Rosa

WyoTech

Campus

The career-focused programs at WyoTech can give you the hands-on training you need to succeed. Program areas includemechanics, technician training, and technology.

Programs:

• Medical Assistant
• Medical General

Campus Locations:

Long Beach

CBD College

Campus

Get career training with CBD College. We offer an associate degree in vocational nursing, plus diploma programs for careers in the fields of medical massage therapy/physical therapy, pharmacy tech, surgical technology, and vocational nursing.

Programs:

• Associate of Applied Sciences in Vocational Nursing
• Vocational Nursing

Campus Locations:

Los Angeles

Mayfield College

Campus

Give your career a boost with an education from Mayfield College. Our academic programs include medical front office, computer support technician, and general office management.

Programs:

• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Cathedral City