Masters vs Doctorate CRNA

Published

I have heard that in 2015 that CRNA's will be moving to a doctorate program.

Does this mean that all prior CRNA's with a masters will have to go back to school to obtain their Doctorate?

Will it be harder for a MSNA to get a job in comparison to someone with their doctorate in anesthesia?

Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CT-ICU.
I have heard that in 2015 that CRNA's will be moving to a doctorate program.

Does this mean that all prior CRNA's with a masters will have to go back to school to obtain their Doctorate?

Will it be harder for a MSNA to get a job in comparison to someone with their doctorate in anesthesia?

Thanks!

I think I heard that in 2015 a certain number of schools will have to shift to a doctoral program, and by 2025 all crna programs are going to be DNP. Not sure if it'll be harder for someone with a masters to obtain a job, but alot of programs offer online DNP programs, so it certainly wouldn't hurt to start looking into it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CRNA.
I have heard that in 2015 that CRNA's will be moving to a doctorate program.

Does this mean that all prior CRNA's with a masters will have to go back to school to obtain their Doctorate?

Will it be harder for a MSNA to get a job in comparison to someone with their doctorate in anesthesia?

Thanks!

There is a lot of information on the site available related to your questions, but a short answer to the quesitons:

AACN has a position statement stating that APRNs should be educated at the practice doctorate level beginning in 2015. Many NP programs are following the recommendation but there is not a requirement currently. The COA has mandated that all nurse anesthesia programs must be doctoral beginning with students enrolled Jan 1, 2022 or later. So all nurse anesthesia graduates in 2025 will be at the doctoral level.

Practicing CRNAs will not be required to obtain a doctorate.

In most situations a CRNA with a MS and a CRNA with a DNP or DNAP will be treated the same. If seeking a faculty positions, then the doctorate will be an advantage.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion