Anesthetist or Physicians Assistant?

suzanne4, RN · Dec 28, 2007

There is much to go thru to get thru either of those programs, and the subsequent licensure that goes with both. It is very hard in the beginning to decide which specialty in anything that you would like before you have even started basic nursing training, if that is what you want to do. Any of the specialty's in nursing now require at least the MSN for the Advanced Practice role and there are also strict requirements to even be able to get into one of these programs.

It is actually harder now to get into a CRNA program than it is for medical school. Without having any experience in the field of medicine or any training in it, how do you know that this something that you wish to do? You also need to be aware of the fact that you will not be working for more than 2 years while in a CRNA program and will incur loans and debts of about $150,000 that will need to be taken care of when you finish.

Suggest that you do much more research on the specific programs that you are interested in than just the paycheck that comes with it. There is much that you should be aware of. We do have forums here for the nursing specialties as well as a pre-CRNA forum.

Katnip, RN · Dec 28, 2007

Not really, I know both make great money over 120k a year which will be enough so at that point its not about the money... The main thing I would need to know is which job people would rather have.
PA or CNA?

It really doesn't matter what other people would rather do. It comes down to what you want to do.

To be honest, a lot of people go into the medical field for the money. That's fine, but it's still something you need to want to do for its own sake or you could find yourself washing out really fast. Neither of those jobs is a cakewalk and CRNA, especially takes a lot of financial committment up front.

Both careers carry huge responsibility and liability.

Mommy2NQ · Dec 29, 2007

Not really, I know both make great money over 120k a year which will be enough so at that point its not about the money... The main thing I would need to know is which job people would rather have.
PA or CNA?

IMHO I don't think PA's make that much. CRNA's may make $120K or above.

Wolfe24 · Dec 29, 2007

^ Thats what I thought as well. I remember researching PA's pay, and it was somewhere in the neighborhood of 50-60K, much below what I expected. CRNA's make over 100K right out of school.

Also, keep in mind that if you are in nursing school now, unless you are getting a 4 year degree, you will still need to complete a BS before getting into PA school. I know where I'm at, you need a BS in any field (not necessarily nursing, just something in science) to complete your masters in physician assistant. If you decide your ultimate goal is to be a PA, then nursing school now might not be your best choice.

As for CRNA school, you need a BSN (in almost all cases... some an ADN + another bachelors degree will work, but thats rare) and then 1-2 years critical care, then you can apply for CRNA school which then takes two years full time, year round. Its expensive, and you usually can't work on the side at all.

suzanne4, RN · Dec 29, 2007

Nurses in the Bay Area make in the neighborhood of $120,000 plus per year if they have experience, and that is without any other training, at the bedside alone.

Logos · Dec 29, 2007

Physicians Assistant- I think it would be more fun-

I don't think being a CRNA would be very interesting- kind of boring doing the same thing every day- no I would be a PA

core0 · Dec 29, 2007

^ Thats what I thought as well. I remember researching PA's pay, and it was somewhere in the neighborhood of 50-60K, much below what I expected. CRNA's make over 100K right out of school.
Also, keep in mind that if you are in nursing school now, unless you are getting a 4 year degree, you will still need to complete a BS before getting into PA school. I know where I'm at, you need a BS in any field (not necessarily nursing, just something in science) to complete your masters in physician assistant. If you decide your ultimate goal is to be a PA, then nursing school now might not be your best choice.
As for CRNA school, you need a BSN (in almost all cases... some an ADN + another bachelors degree will work, but thats rare) and then 1-2 years critical care, then you can apply for CRNA school which then takes two years full time, year round. Its expensive, and you usually can't work on the side at all.

Mean Salary for new grad PAs is $71,825 mean salary for all PAs is $86,214. Some specialties such as CVS can earn more (mean $104,363).

Also bear in mind that about 2/3 of PA programs either require or "recommend" medical experience. Last year there were 36,000 applications for 3400 seats by 7600 applicants (4.7 applications per applicant). Overall the chances of getting into PA school were about 44%. Also keep in mind that about 30% don't use the centralized application process and some of those anecdotally have higher rejection rates.

Like CRNA school most PA programs will not let you work while in school so you have to figure that in your costs. As far as CRNA salaries I have seen anywhere between $110k and $160k quoted by various agencies.

The other thing that you have to ask yourself is are you willing to do anesthesia for the rest of your life. If you like to move around within medical specialties then PA (or NP) make work out better even if it doesn't pay as well.

David Carpenter, PA-C

CRNA2007 · Dec 29, 2007

As a New CRNA this past September I can tell you I do not know of any CRNA who makes less than $130K per year as a new grad and many make 140-150k per year. Being a PA is darn hard work and they earn every dime they make and are way under paid. As a CRNA you will work less hours for more money and generally a nice sign on bonus to boot. PA's are really a jack of all trades. The PAs at the hispital I work at do clinic/ER/surgery and even round on patients. I can tell you I as a CRNA I didn't even work 9 hours this week and I am salaried at 190K right out of school. So if taking care of your parents and making some nice scratch is your goal CRNA would be my suggestion.

Future-nurse · Dec 29, 2007

As a New CRNA this past September I can tell you I do not know of any CRNA who makes less than $130K per year as a new grad and many make 140-150k per year. Being a PA is darn hard work and they earn every dime they make and are way under paid. As a CRNA you will work less hours for more money and generally a nice sign on bonus to boot. PA's are really a jack of all trades. The PAs at the hispital I work at do clinic/ER/surgery and even round on patients. I can tell you I as a CRNA I didn't even work 9 hours this week and I am salaried at 190K right out of school. So if taking care of your parents and making some nice scratch is your goal CRNA would be my suggestion.

Thank you CRNA2007... I sent you a message as well if you check your private message inbox you will see it... please check =]

bellasage · Dec 29, 2007

If you do this job for the money then you will learn real fast that you don't get paid enough for the the stuff we do...

But the real measure is not how much money she/he makes but whether or not they are willing to do it for free.....

Yes I get paid for what I do, but I also volunteered to help patients before I ever got my degree. I would do it for free.

I hope you find other reasons to go after a nursing career. I know we all had our reasons but if your main reason is the money then I am scared to see the type of nurse you will become.

Your heart has to be in it.

:nono:

CRNAGAL · Dec 30, 2007

Physicians Assistant- I think it would be more fun-
I don't think being a CRNA would be very interesting- kind of boring doing the same thing every day- no I would be a PA

Being a CRNA is definitely not boring. Our day is varied just as a nurse on the floor or in the unit is varied. We care for patients of all ages, with many different health problems, co-morbidities and syndromes, deliver anesthesia for major surgery like AAA repair to minor like lap chole, care for emergent, trauma, critically ill patients, stat c-sections, and respond to codes. Each day we work with different, surgeons, circulators, and OR crew, sometimes in the OR, and sometimes in ancillary departments. We are always critically thinking, rapidly assessing and responding to situations, and function independently. We don't need protocols or doctor's orders to perform our job. Induction and emergence are definitely not boring. Being a CRNA is not sitting on a stool all day just turning dials!

Athenas83 · Dec 30, 2007

I think CRNA would be an almost too interesting job!