CRNA in the Military

[Don't Tread On Me]

I am not sure if this would go under the military or CRNA subspecialty forum.

But I was wondering what is the current state of CRNAs in the military? I have heard somewhere along the lines that the military was in need of CRNAs, but I am not quite sure. I am really passionate about the anesthesia field and would do anything to work my way into the field, whether it is through working my way towards becoming a CRNA or MDA if I can't somehow get into CRNA school.

[jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA]

There's always a need, since civilian CRNA's typically make more money than military CRNA's. That's probably the only nursing specialty where civilian pay outpaces military pay. However, I would caution you to avoid thinking that the military is a sure-fire way to get into a CRNA school.

The military CRNA AFIT program is extremely competitive. Innumerable ICU nurses want to go that route. You'd be much more likely to get into a civilian CRNA school. It's not like you can apply to another school if you're a bedside military nurse who gets turned down for the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS).

[jeckrn, BSN, RN]

Of all the long term health education programs in the Army the CRNA is the hardest to get into. Most of the other programs if you are qualified you will get in. The CRNA program only around 50% get in on a good year.

[Don't Tread On Me]

I will be starting my naval career later this fall and I know that I have a long way before applying for CRNA school. I really would be a dream to get to do DUINS for the CRNA DNP program at Uniformed Services University. To be honest the pay between the civilian sector and the military isn't a factor for me, since I am grateful for the Navy for being my first employer and will hopefully stay with the Navy until I retire, but I am going to take it one step at a time. I hope the demand for CRNAs are still high when I apply for DUINS.