CRNA or Other Specialty?

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Specializes in NVRN, ICU, Critical Care.

Hello All,

I was hoping the experience accumulated on this forum could help me out. And, I appreciate any information given.

I am currently working on my Pre-req's towards a BSN. However, I have been taking a few tests to determine if that is the right choice for me, and what seems to show up highest every time is a career in BioChem or Anesthesiology (Haven't taken a MBTI yet, but Dr. Hollands' test places me as Investigative, Realistic, and Social). Now, I don't place all my faith in the results of these tests, but they work best when they confirm an original thought, and they are doing just that.

So, to get to the point, I have a few questions... I keep running into conflicting answers, so I thought I would ask for the "realistic" answers on this forum.

1. All the educational sources I look into say it takes 6 years of school to become a CRNA. However, I've read on here that it is around 8ish. 4Bsn + 2Masters + 1Critical Care + 2.5CRNA school. so 8-10 years ?!?!? Is that true? 3 different schools have informed me that a BSN + Masters program + licensing test = CRNA

2. Also, if the route I mentioned in question 1 is true...What would one specialize in for their Masters? And, is it wise to go directly from BSN to Masters without working full time in between, if CRNA is the goal?

3. I don't mind paying my dues in bedside nursing, but I would be happier in a less social, investigative, research type position. Would anyone recommend another nurse specialty that fits into this type of role I'm looking for? Hopefully, with the maximum school being a Masters degree. I've gone through hundreds of threads on here, and just hoping for a more tailored answer.

I am a Massage Therapist and an adult student, with a 4.0 gpa. I would love to do CRNA (or whatever is a best fit) not b/c of the high salary potential, but just because I want to be happy. Thank you for any info possible!

-Bobby

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Specializes in L&D.

CRNA school is a master's degree.

So you just need a BSN, a few years of ICU experience to qualify for CRNA school and then the actual CRNA master's program. Which is maybe 2 years full-time ( I think?). Most CRNA schools require full-time.

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Specializes in NVRN, ICU, Critical Care.

Thanks adpiRN, that makes me feel better. I'll have to investigate the quickest route to the ICU. Perhaps med/surg would be best? I was under the impression that ICU rarely takes on new grads. Although sometimes they're mixed sometimes not? the differences in units is really confusing to me sometimes.lol

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Hi Bobby,

Being a CRNA requires you to work with patients in the OR. If you want something that is maybe more investigative have you tried looking into Forensics Nursing? That seems like a good option where you may only need to do the minimum of bedside care.

Good Luck!

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Specializes in NVRN, ICU, Critical Care.

That's a great idea and my school offers a 30 hour double major option for BSN holders. However, in reading about forensics nursing, the career opportunities listed are 1. Sexual Assault Nurse or 2. Child Abuse Specialist and these are just not for me. However, a Bio major with the same 30 hour double major option in Forensic Science lists forensic molecular biologist which sounds right up my alley. I would like to stick with nursing though. It seems as though there are WAY more opportunities once a BSN is "under the belt."

Ready to pull out my hair, but it's worth the stress :)

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CRNA is 4 years BSN+ 1 year Minimum ICU exp. the 2.5 MSN in Anesthesiology then take CRNA test

but check with the ANA because they are making both ARNP and CRNA a DNP programs meaning 2 more years of school starting 2015 you need to have a doctorates to sit for either test ARNP or CRNA

so its the same to become an MD.... it really doesnt make since to ask for a doctors in nursing. most medical schools are only 3 years plus residency

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but check with the ANA because they are making both ARNP and CRNA a DNP programs meaning 2 more years of school starting 2015 you need to have a doctorates to sit for either test ARNP or CRNA

The ANA has nothing to do with certification or examination of nurse anesthetists.

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Specializes in NVRN, ICU, Critical Care.

I should add that I am certainly up for any suggestions on non advanced-practice nursing specialties that are similar to the function or commonalities relevant to a nurse anesthetist. Thanks!

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
CRNA is 4 years BSN+ 1 year Minimum ICU exp. the 2.5 MSN in Anesthesiology then take CRNA test

but check with the ANA because they are making both ARNP and CRNA a DNP programs meaning 2 more years of school starting 2015 you need to have a doctorates to sit for either test ARNP or CRNA

so its the same to become an MD.... it really doesnt make since to ask for a doctors in nursing. most medical schools are only 3 years plus residency

It takes a minimum of 7 years to become a CRNA. 4 yrs undergrad + 1 yr acute care + 2yrs for the shortest nurse anesthesia school.

ANA has no authority over CRNAs. The AANA has decided to make the DNP/DNAP the standard for nurse anesthesia practice starting in 2025 not 2015 like other APNs.

Medical school is 4 years with an anesthesiology residency another 4 yrs total counting the internship year.

The average time to become a CRNA is around 10 years. It takes most MDAs 12-13 years of college plus residency to become an anesthesiologist.

FYI: It was the AACN that came up with the recommendation for DNP for APNs.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
I should add that I am certainly up for any suggestions on non advanced-practice nursing specialties that are similar to the function or commonalities relevant to a nurse anesthetist. Thanks!

Research different APN association websites and shadow different types of APNs. Being a CRNA apeals to some people and some people absolutely hate it. It has little to do with a standardized personality test.

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I'm not understanding why you're going nursing at all if you don't want to be around people...

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Specializes in Neurosurgical/Trauma ICU, stroke, TBI,.

I would *highly* suggest more that 1 year of ICU experience. You will be administering anesthesia to patients during surgery. This is not the job for those who are just looking to make $$$.

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