major in biology...

Kiwi, BSN, RN · May 8, 2005

Read the FAQ at the top of the page. It sounds like you've heard a little bit of this and that about the profession of Nurse Anesthesia.

EmeraldNYL, BSN, RN · May 16, 2005

If you want to go to med school and be an anesthesiologist, then major in biology. If you want to be a nurse, and then go to nurse anesthesia school, get your BSN. Originally I thought I wanted to go to med school, but that didn't pan out, so after my bio degree I spent a whole extra year and a ton more money getting my BSN. I really wish now I had just gotten my BSN in the first place. I think first you need to decide if you want to be a nurse or a doctor?? Both have advantages and disadvantages!

thebirdgirl · May 16, 2005

I'm thinking of being a nurse anesthesiologist and am wondering if I major in biology if it's longer to become one (and a wast of time) if I do that or if I should just go straight into a nursing program and get my RN, which I think I have to have. Can someone tell me where I go from there, when I get my bachelor of science and if it is a wast of time instead of going straight into nursing school. Also post a timeline, that would be helpful. Also, which is better being an anesthesiologist or a nurse anesthesiologist. Thanks

I agree, that if you want to become a nurse anesthetist, you should major in nursing. I first got a degree in biology, thinking I would go on to medical school, but decided after graduation that I would rather become a nurse. Even though I was at the same school, getting my BSN is taking me an additional 3 years! If you have a BSN, you then enroll in a nurse anesthetist program, which will give you a Master's degree. These programs are 2-3 years in length.