CRNA job outlook

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What does the job outlook look like for a Crna? I was researching and many people think that there won't be a demand for them because there will be simply too many and then pay will be driven down a lot. So I was wondering if this is true?

I am interested in becoming a Crna in the future.

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Well if you look at the study the RAND corporation did a few years back it does indicate that there will be a surplus of CRNA's by 2020.

We use a simple linear projection of supply and demand to examine the evolution of both labor markets until 2020, starting at equilibrium. Using the clinical-week averages from our surveys, average entry and exit rates from the recent past for both groups, and a growth rate in the demand for surgeries of around 1.6 percent between 1985 and 2004, we find a projected shortage of ANs by 2020, and an excess supply of CRNAs.

That being said in the field of nursing CRNA's are going to be the most in demand due to it's selective and restrictive entry requirements into the profession. Entry level nursing already has a massive surplus with new nurses struggling to get jobs. A separate study has also been done by the RAND corporation regarding NP's and they are facing a huge surplus by 2020. So while it is true in the future it may be difficult to get jobs as a CRNA it's going to be much more difficult for all other careers in nursing.

I have posted the link to the study below:

http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/technical_reports/2010/RAND_TR688.pdf

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Thank you!

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I read over that study earlier as well and my take away is if one is willing to move to certain locations, there will be a job!

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Specializes in Critical Care.

With many hospitals (especially rural) adopting CRNA-only practices (as opposed to MDA/CRNA) for cost-effective purposes, the need might be higher than originally expected. I think if anything, the need for MDA's will decrease and the needs for CRNA's will increase proportionally. They're simply too expensive for smaller hospitals when a CRNA can accomplish the same task for a fraction of the price.

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A separate study has also been done by the RAND corporation regarding NP's and they are facing a huge surplus by 2020.

How valid is this as it directly opposes what the BLS has predicted for the next decade for APRN's?

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How valid is this as it directly opposes what the BLS has predicted for the next decade for APRN's?

Not surprised that a huge surplus of NPs are predicted. I get 1,000 emails per day from online programs attempting to recruit NP students. There is absolutely no competition to get accepted into an NP program. People can even become an NP now without any bedside experience. There's no need to discuss what this will due to the overall quality of graduating NPs.

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Specializes in ICU.
Not surprised that a huge surplus of NPs are predicted. I get 1,000 emails per day from online programs attempting to recruit NP students. There is absolutely no competition to get accepted into an NP program. People can even become an NP now without any bedside experience. There's no need to discuss what this will due to the overall quality of graduating NPs.

My buddy just started an NP program. He got in with a 2.5 gpa and no gre. Actually, they pretty much rolled out the red carpet for him to start the program.

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That's the way it is. I live on the south and a woman I worked with always felt the need to brag about how she's in NP school and will earn a doctorate. This chick was so loud, obnoxious and unprofessional that she would never be accepted into any NP program of mine. I looked up her program and it was an online program in Vegas...no GRE, 2.5 minimum GPA. Such a shame.

My buddy just started an NP program. He got in with a 2.5 gpa and no gre. Actually, they pretty much rolled out the red carpet for him to start the program.
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