I realize that for now the job opportunities look better than ever. However, I am a little concerned about the long term prospects;while most strongly recommend the profession, and I have spoke to crna's and MDA's, I have come across a few crna's who have voiced some serious concerns about the profession. They have expressed that they feel that MDA's are really trying to eventually replace crna's with AA's and that it is only a matter of time. Now the few that have expressed this work at a academic hospital were the MDA's lobbied for a new AA school and almost got it. As a matter of fact, they may eventually get it. I am trying to find out if this is an isolated event or a trend across the U.S.? T

Any input would be appreciated, I have a interview for crna school next month and feel that this is a good direction to be going in, but those concerns do worry me.

Anthony, Anthony, Anthony,

Don't worry, get into school, graduate, get a job and get active in AANA and state nurse anesthetists organizations.

There is a critical shortage of both CRNAs and MD anesthesiologists. That is happening while the need for anesthesia services is increasing, due to aging population. Economics 101--supply and demand.

There will always be problems, many unique to a profession where doctors and nurses can do the same thing. But CRNAs have been around for over 100 years. I can assure you that if we weren't good, the profession would not have survived.

I personally love this profession, love administering anesthesia and keeping abreast of new and better ways of making my patient comfortable.

It's hard work, but we get paid very well and have many opportunies for practice settings.

YogaCRNA

Here are the links to the two programs that offer the AA curriculum:

http://www.emory.edu/WHSC/MED/ANESTHESIOLOGY/PA_Program/index.html

http://www.anesthesiaprogram.com

Would anyone "in the know" care to compare these programs to a typical CRNA curriculum? From what I've seen just by glancing at them, the AA does not have a research component. Looks like fewer credit hours are required too.

notice that AAs are not required to have any clinical experience at all. only a bachelor degree in any subject. pretty scary that someone who might not have ever pushed meds before, or ever taken a blood pressure will be taught to adm. anesthesia. is this safe? is this in the pts best interest? NO. it allows for cheaper labor. the ASA has been saying for years that a crna provides sub-standard care compared to an ologist, yet they some how find reason that AA will be good for gen public by decresing the shortage of anesth. providers. what it boils down to and what it will always boil down to is $$$$ and control.

Thanks everyone for your replies so far, as luck would have it I ran into another experienced crna and he basically echoed the same comments as yoga. I guess, I just needed some reassurance.

Yogi,

I am with you please see my thread under CRNA this is terrible .

Amanda McGuire:o