While you may be familiar with the medical professional known as an anesthesiologist, did you know there is a select group of nurses capable of performing the same anesthesia services as MD anesthesiologists? These medical professionals are known as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, or CRNAs. These highly trained and skilled nurses are capable of performing the same tasks and are held to the same level of accountability as their doctor counterparts.
As a CRNA, you'll embark upon a career that's not only the highest paid within the realm of nursing, but also one of the most in-demand throughout all healthcare settings (see data here). Did you know that throughout the United States, CRNAs are the only anesthesia provider in over two-thirds of hospitals scattered across rural America. In fact, CRNAs administer roughly 30 million anesthetics per year. These unique and skilled nursing professionals are among the most important out of any hospital or clinical facility as they provide not only the necessary skills to administer anesthesia, but they also provide above-average nursing skills to all patients.
In order to become a CRNA you must first obtain an RN licensure and complete all required coursework/training for this position. While many aspiring CRNAs choose to work as an RN for several years, some choose to delve directly into a specialized program for this profession. Although your path to becoming a CRNA may differ from those around you, many experts in this field suggest working for several years as an RN to cultivate your nursing skills and truly understand whether or not delving into the realm of anesthesia is a perfect fit. If so, there are many schools throughout the country designed to provide you with accredited education so you may sit for the CRNA examination (www.crnaschoolstoday.com).
Once you've satisfied the education and experience requirements set forth by your state, you must pass the CRNA examination. While the state you live in may feature unique eligibility requirements, the general requirements to sit for this exam are relatively universal. To uncover the state-specific requirements, contact your State Board of Nursing for current eligibility requirements and application instructions.
So you've finally passed your CRNA exam and you're ready to go job hunting? As a general rule of thumb, you should be prepared to work in a hospital, health clinic or emergency room setting. While the facility you work in may vary, the salary for these professionals is well-above average. In fact, many CRNAs earn more than their doctor counterparts. The average salary for CRNAs ranges from $136,000 to over $175,000 per year.
As a CRNA, you'll embark upon a career that's not only the highest paid within the realm of nursing, but also one of the most in-demand throughout all healthcare settings (see data here). Did you know that throughout the United States, CRNAs are the only anesthesia provider in over two-thirds of hospitals scattered across rural America. In fact, CRNAs administer roughly 30 million anesthetics per year. These unique and skilled nursing professionals are among the most important out of any hospital or clinical facility as they provide not only the necessary skills to administer anesthesia, but they also provide above-average nursing skills to all patients.
In order to become a CRNA you must first obtain an RN licensure and complete all required coursework/training for this position. While many aspiring CRNAs choose to work as an RN for several years, some choose to delve directly into a specialized program for this profession. Although your path to becoming a CRNA may differ from those around you, many experts in this field suggest working for several years as an RN to cultivate your nursing skills and truly understand whether or not delving into the realm of anesthesia is a perfect fit. If so, there are many schools throughout the country designed to provide you with accredited education so you may sit for the CRNA examination (www.crnaschoolstoday.com).
Once you've satisfied the education and experience requirements set forth by your state, you must pass the CRNA examination. While the state you live in may feature unique eligibility requirements, the general requirements to sit for this exam are relatively universal. To uncover the state-specific requirements, contact your State Board of Nursing for current eligibility requirements and application instructions.
So you've finally passed your CRNA exam and you're ready to go job hunting? As a general rule of thumb, you should be prepared to work in a hospital, health clinic or emergency room setting. While the facility you work in may vary, the salary for these professionals is well-above average. In fact, many CRNAs earn more than their doctor counterparts. The average salary for CRNAs ranges from $136,000 to over $175,000 per year.