[rlg]

I noticed there are two places in the US to attend in order to become an anesthesiologist assistant. Are any of you CRNA's familiar with an anesthesiologist assistant? Will a degree in this allow one to do the same job as a CRNA? Are there many jobs available for AA's and do they make the same money as a CRNA?

Thanks!

RLG

[mhenning8]

AA's get a Masters Degree and do basically the same thing that a CRNA with some exceptions. AA's can only work in OHIO, GA and I believe Texas and they must work with an anesthiologist. While they are trained in anesthesia, they for the most part do not have a medical/nursing background like CRNA's. CRNA's can practice in some settings without an anesthiologist. They usually make the same money.

[Bucky]

AAs and PAs in Anesthesia are presently the two alternative, non-medical, non-nursing anesthesia specialties. AAs and PAs work in many states (Colorado has some, New Mexico, too).

AAs and PAs *must*, by law, work under the immediate and direct supervision of an anesthesiologist (they may not work independently in any jurisdiction.) CRNAs can work independently providing that hospital bylaws provide for such.

Depending upon locale and custom, AAs, PAs and CRNAs earn comparable incomes, however CRNAs in general have the ability to earn far, far more than AAs and PAs due to the lack of restrictions on their practice models.

In scenarios where AAs and PAs work, they do essentially the same work as a CRNA.

I don't know the job availability stats for AAs and PAs.