Anyone have any experience with anesthesia assistants compared to CRNAs ?

There is already much information here on this site on the same topic. Suggest that you just do a search..............

Better check to see if you are really half way through undergrad classes and have some pre reqs for anesthesia school. Pre reqs for CRNA are pretty much master's level courses. Admission or allowance to take grad classes is usually contingent on completion of your undergrad.

My biased thoughts...
There is little similarity between AA and CRNA. All advantages lie with nurse anesthesia.

Facts...
A minority of states allow AA's to practice. There is much controversy about their practice.

MilwaukeeMike, I'll be glad to give you the true story and more info privately if you're interested.

Milwaukee Mike - I suggest that you do a search on this subject. As another alluded to - there is a lot of controversy about the AA and you are better off to just get the facts in the state where you live.

Both are very respectable professions and I don't think you can generalize CRNA's are better than AA's or the opposite. I have met crappy and awesome anesthesia providers in both fields. It's about what works for you. If you are not a nurse yet, you can become an AA quicker because of the whole nursing school thing and then a few years ICU experience. I prefer CRNA because:

1. more autonomy

2. can work in any state versus only a few

3. I can't imagine going into this field without an extensive healthcare background first........but that's just me.

I don't know if there is a salary difference or not. It's a decision that you should make based on your needs. Sounds to me like you could be an AA about 4-6 years quicker from the position you are currently in.

If AA's are the same let them take and get a lic to pratice without mds! If there the same .Wonder why they dont hmm. Just my 2 cents here , have great weekend

Nobody said the were the same.....

I really wonder when people say that they are VERY interested in becoming a CRNA, then don't know hardly anything about the profession. The funny thing is that EVERYONE can state the starting pay??????? Sorry, I know I shouldnt write anything b/c I am not a CRNA or SRNA, but since being exposed to the profession in 2001, I've been preparing for that special day when I might be able to apply. The last 4 years in nursing school was very challenging, (even if not true) hoping never to get a B just so I might have a chance when I apply to CRNA school. Now that that hells over with, here comes GRE, more Chem. classes, and the hope to transfer into an ICU once I complete my 1st year as a new grad in cardio.. All this to become a CRNA. As you can see, there is so much preparation needed in becoming a CRNA, so maybe just doing basic research would help you. I know I'll probley get blasted for writing this, but as a hopefully SRNA one day, I know how hard I've worked and will have to work if I ever want to accomplish this goal and it really urks me when people "act" interested, but can't state the very basics as the differences b/t AA's and CRNA.
I'm done, blast away

We're not the same. Thank god.