Hey Guys and Gals,
I'm currently employed at a very well respected Cardiovascular ICU in the South East. I am currently exploring options in regards to advanced practice areas. There are so many options out there it is crazy!! When exploring the anesthesia field, which is what I would like to do more so than any other as it satiates some of the most enjoyable aspects of my current role in CV, I am hesitant. Where my major concern lies is with job growth, supply and demand and the overall economic structure of healthcare. In my own research the Bureau of Labor quotes a poor growth rate for the next few years. Taking that and the fact that here in the SE the market is saturated into consideration, schools are pumping out 2000+ new grads a year and the average CRNA age is mid 40's, I am not left with much confidence in pursuing such an expensive and taxing education. True, if you love it you should do it, but we all want the greatest reward for our efforts. How do you guys see growth continuing? Do you think pay will suffer as a result? Do regulating bodies have the authority to limit schools and student entry? Any opinions or resources on the matter would be much appreciated!