CRNA vs AA: pros and cons of both

[TheIncredible, MSN, RN, APRN]

i am a nursing student, and an aspiring CRNA student. i am new to these boards and i have been browsing for 2 days now, and i came across a post about anethesiologist assistant's. i never heard of this field, but from what i researched thus far, they both have a similar job description, similar pay, but AA seems to have less job oppurtunities.

can someone give me some input, i still want to be a CRNA but i want to know whats available to me out there if worses comes to worse.

1 particular question im looking to get answered, is what is the competiveness of getting into AA school as opposed to CRNA programs

thank you, you assistance is greatly appreciated

[MBCRNA]

I think both do close to the same thing. I am not extrememly familiar with AA career. I believe the major difference is that the AA doesn't have a license to practice without immediate supervision;whereas, the CRNA has a license. The CRNA still has a few laws to abide by in most states regarding supervision by an anesthesiologist, but I believe that the anesthesiologist doesn't necessarily have to be in the facility but within a few miles?? There are a few states where CRNAs do not have to be supervised...I really don't know a ton in this area, but I think that is relatively correct. Also, there are fewer schools for AAs at this time.

[loveanesthesia]

CRNAs can practice in any state with or without an anesthesiologist. AAs are officially recognized in around a dozen states, and must always be supervised by an anesthesiologist. You must be an RN to become a CRNA, but need an undergrad degree of some sort to enter an AA program. As anesthesia reimbursement tightens up the supervised model of anesthesia is becoming less prevelant. It is more cost effective to have every MD and CRNA do their own cases. You can cover more rooms with less people. Also with the surgicenters popping up everywhere, it's difficult to staff with the supervised model. When the ORs are spread out over the city, it's hard to have the correct number of people in every location.Some of the old practices will have a difficult time switching out of the supervised model, but as new practices are developed the trend is away from supervision. AAs will have a difficult time adapting to this. As an RN I don't know why you would want to go to an AA program. I have heard that the AA programs will take RNs that can't get accepted to a CRNA program. CRNA programs are competitive, but if you prepare well you'll get accepted.

[Josh L.Ac.]

I have heard that the AA programs will take RNs that can't get accepted to a CRNA program. CRNA programs are competitive, but if you prepare well you'll get accepted.

Yeah...if the failed RN takes additional basic science classes and does well on the MCAT, they might get into AA school.

[MBCRNA]

Here are the prerequisites: Obtain a Bachelor's Degree

REQUIRED and cannot be survey courses

English

1 Semester

General biology

2 Semesters

General chemistry

2 Semesters

Organic chemistry

1 Semester

Biochemistry

1 Semester

General physics

2 Semesters

Calculus

1 Semester

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) OR Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) scores must have been taken within the past five years and must be taken early enough for official scores to be received by admissions office by the supplemental application due date of February 28

No experience prior required

Most CRNA programs require all of the above except Physics I and II and Organic Chemistry I...some do though. All CRNA programs require atleast 1 year of ICU experience.

I hate when people show animiosity over a career choice. It is ridiculous. Both career seem to be good choices at this time. How can a nurse ask an anesthesiologist to not be condescending, but turn around and be condescending to the field of AA? I am a RN and I am applying to CRNA school. Please all let's not be self- indulgent.