UK to USA conversion

allnurses Guide · Jan 11, 2015

Hi, I would like to know if I am a RN and CRNA in the UK (which is my future plan), how do I become one in the USA? I already know how difficult it will be just to get the green card for work. However, once that's sorted, the quals are different for CRNA in the USA to here but the COA are not being very helpful so far. Ideally I'd like to transfer my skills rather than pay for a masters in the USA as this is extortionate compared with training here (about $90,000(?!). However, I understand that CRNAs do a lot more in the USA than here. Has anyone out there managed this or know someone who has? Any informative help appreciated.

I don't know of any provision that will allow recognition of a CRNA from another country to come to the U.S. and practice as a U.S. CRNA. You should try contacting the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) to see if they have any further information.

http://home.coa.us.com/accreditation/Documents/Practice%20Doctorate%20Standards%20Trial%20Standards_May%202014.pdf (minimum graduating requirements for SRNAs in the U.S.)

Become a CRNA

http://www.nbcrna.com/certification/Documents/20140303%20NCE%20Candidate%20Handbook.pdf

Accreditation Standards, Policies and Procedures

jwk · Jan 12, 2015

Correct me if I'm wrong, but there is no such thing as a CRNA in the UK. As I recall there are "anesthesia nurses" but their roll is pretty limited.

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Jan 12, 2015

International Federation of Nurse Anesthetists: UK Country ...

In the UK anaesthetic nurses are the 'assistant' to the anaesthetist, which we view as a collaborative and supportive role with the emphasis on multi disciplinary teamwork.

allnurses Guide · Jan 12, 2015

On the IFNA website it states that in the UK their NAs train for 9 months. We are moving to a minimum of 36 months for SRNA training in the U.S.

babyNP., APRN · Jan 12, 2015

You will probably have trouble getting the US RN license (required to become a CRNA) as well, depending on when you did your training. Nurses in the UK, as you know, are trained as specialists in adults, peds, mental health, or learning disabilities. US nurses are trained in all of these areas, plus OB/L&D. You'll need to find some way to make up these hours if you don't have the appropriate amount of hours in each area. You can get your RN degree reviewed by a company called CGFNS (look at the allnurses international forum for more info).

My guess is that you probably would need to undergo another CRNA program here in the USA, which is about 2 years and some change now, going to 3 years in the next 10 years (some schools are already changing over to 3 years now). Yes, it is definitely expensive, but keep in mind that most CRNAs make a very good living, usually well over 6 figures, and are able to pay it off in a few years depending on their personal situation.

subee, MSN, CRNA · Jan 21, 2015

Well, unless the OP is going to apply for citizenship and stay here, it makes no sense to go to CRNA school here. You can't take it back to the UK and work as a CRNA since there is no such entity in England.