AA vs CRNA

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Hi, im trying to figure out what would be a better choice a nurse anesthesist or the anethesiologist assistant. I realize their are pros and cons to each but i need some opinions preferrably people in the field. Thanks

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.................uh oh...............

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
Hi, im trying to figure out what would be a better choice a nurse anesthesist or the anethesiologist assistant. I realize their are pros and cons to each but i need some opinions preferrably people in the field. Thanks

Ok, you are asking a bunch of nurses which is better being certified registered nurse anesthetist or anesthesiologist assistant....Well let's see..CRNA of course...lol.

Being a CRNA gives you more options (they can practice in all states & US territories etc), and the ability to practice totally independent. As an AA you are limited on the states you can practice in and they cannot practice independently. Assuming that you don't have your nursing degree already and your ultimate goal is to practice anesthesia then AA would probably be the quicker route vs. CRNA. That is really the only advantage over being an AA vs CRNA.

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Well also i will have a premed background so i can move up to anesthesiologist or even switch careers much easier, but i am worried about not being able to work at certain states and i here you have the potential to make more money as the crna.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
....... you have the potential to make more money as the crna.

Yah. I have physician friends in my subdivision who carp about how little I work and how much I make (not that I brag, mind you.)

I just tell them, Hey, all the CRNA schools accept new applications every day --try it, you might make the cut!

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