crna vs Md

[erkantarik]

i have a dilemma and don't know what to do. I have been accepted by crna program and also a medical school in Caribbean. i checked the school and most students who graduate from it end up in family medicine. they both have pros and cons i just cannot make my mind.

[dnptobe20]

Go with your gut. Are you interested in only focusing on anesthesia or you would rather have the option to get into other specialties? How many years are you willing to put in and how much money do you want to spend? Be honest with yourself concerning which area really really makes you tick...this should help make your decision a bit easier I hope. I personally, if in your shoes, would be praying hard for some kind of sign to make this easier! All the best!

[erkantarik]

i like to be totally independent and make decisions on my own so i should be md but i like being a nurse and flexibility comes with it. time and money not an issue right now. i just have to make a decision. thanks :)

[wtbcrna, MSN, DNP, CRNA]

i like to be totally independent and make decisions on my own so i should be md but i like being a nurse and flexibility comes with it. time and money not an issue right now. i just have to make a decision. thanks :)

You do realize that CRNAs do work independently?. There are several practices that are CRNA only either in groups or solo practice where you will never even see an MDA. There are also mixed CRNA MDA practices where each works independently of each other.

Going to medical school in the Caribbean from what little I know would severely limit your future residency options and employment options.

[NurseIndependa]

Which one costs more? Because I have read that going to med school in the Caribbean is incredibly expensive, roughly a quarter of a million dollars including food, transportation and accommodations. Attending CRNA school might be expensive too but it shouldn't be as high as $250,000. I would go with whichever would leave me with less debt.

And like wtbcrna stated, your residency/employment is limited. You are not guaranteed a residency in the US and without that you cannot practice here.

[Bluebolt]

You do realize that CRNAs do work independently?. There are several practices that are CRNA only either in groups or solo practice where you will never even see an MDA. There are also mixed CRNA MDA practices where each works independently of each other.

Going to medical school in the Caribbean from what little I know would severely limit your future residency options and employment options.

What he said.

[-AO-]

I know it is probably more rare than not, but I currently work with a anesthesiologist who went to med school in the Caribbean and he is currently in a critical care fellowship at a large, prestigious teaching hospital. So I wouldn't say it is a dead end in that regard, but agree that it probably is harder to match to get into top residencies. Good luck in your decision!