Return to CRNA school or go for MDA

Specialties CRNA

Published

So, I was enrolled in a CRNA program and withdrew due to health. Now I am at a point where I can return to school. The only problem is, I have two children and the nearest program is 90 miles from me (program I withdrew from is 10 hours). The program close to me is now a 3 year DNP program. I have a med school 12 miles from me. Although it will take longer, I am caught between leavng my children with a nanny when CRNA clinicals begins versus taking the longer rad to becoming an MDA.

Anyone with similar experience and/or those who know any CRNA's who have returned to school to become a MD-A that could offer advice based on personal experience is appreciated.

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Specializes in ER/Tele, Med-Surg, Faculty, Urgent Care.

What is MDA/MD-A? I am not familiar with this acronym.

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What is MDA/MD-A? I am not familiar with this acronym.

Medical doctor of anesthesiology

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MDA - 4 years of medical school, then you have to interview and match into one of the anesthesia residency programs (anywhere in the country) and complete 3 years of residency (80 hr weeks with call) and many anesthesia residencies require a 1 year ICU internship prior to entry. If then you want to further specialize - you have another fellowship (2 years) in pediatric anesthesia or OB anesthesia.... Then you get to apply for a job as an MDA (and finally make more than 30-50k as a resident)

either way you have a ton of clinical hours to perform, it's required for the profession. I'm not sure how going for an MD would avoid the problem of leaving your kids with a nanny - in my opinion it would require them to spend even more time with the nanny (if the nearby CRNA program is only 3 years).

can you contact your old Crna program and try to pick up where you left off and save some time and $$$

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The real question is do you want to be a MD or a Nurse?

If this was me I would choose the DNP CRNA route just for the fact that you have kids. Family time is very valuable. This route is a lot shorter and less sacrifice for your family. The MD route will take at least 8 years before you will be finished. It comes down to 8 years of training vs 3 years of training. I totally agree with @gazpaz.

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Specializes in CRNA.

If you have already gone to CRNA school, I don't really understand why you would want to go through medical school and residency... (you know what anesthesia school is like) Unless you don't mind the expense and the extra EXTRA hours of work and studying. If being an anesthesiologist is truly within your heart, then you should go for that; with the understanding that it will take a lot longer and require a lot more of your time. Don't go through CRNA school if you're going to become one of those frustrated nurse anesthetist that want to be doctors.

" I am caught between leavng my children with a nanny when CRNA clinicals begins versus taking the longer rad to becoming an MDA"

I don't get this part of your comment.. Wouldn't the longer rad also require a nanny? and therefore more money?

Good luck in your decision.

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Also, going to med school doesn't guarantee you a job as an MDA, not everybody gets the type of residency they want. When you go to to school to be a CRNA, you know for sure what your job is at the end.

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