cowpaper

I think there is an aspect of this discussion that has been over looked, the "big picture" factor. If we, as a profession, do not contribute to our knowledge base through research then we are allowing physicians to dictate our practice. Doctoral education is a prerequisite to be taken seriously at the national level, to get funding and grant money. Most program directors do not even have a PhD. Is this acceptable in other professions? Not generally. More professors in nurse practitioner programs have PhDs and other doctorates that anesthesia programs. A CRNA DNP will not add that much time to the program length, and will lend parity with other professionals, such as PTs and ParmDs. Also, to say that one may have chosen to go to med school instead of CRNA school implies that they are seen as being equal in time and training, but this is not true. After a bachelor degree, a DNP will take 3-31/2 years, while med school + residency is 7+ years. From a strictly monetary standpoint, CRNA offers enormous "bang for your buck". Many physicians graduate with >150k in debt and if you are not a specialist will start out around 90k a year. CRNA have much less debt and start out making more money, in general. Doctoral education enhances the standing of the profession in a time when the struggle to legitimize ourselves has intensified.

Thanks for the input everyone. As I said in my previous post, I am a former Marine and fully understand what it means to serve. I simply asked if anyone had any information on what is was like in the Air Force as a CRNA, and information on both active and reserves is welcomed, though I did not specify in my original post. If I wanted a lecture on patriotism and service I would have gone to a different message board. I miss the days when people would just serve and not feel the need to make themselves a martyr.

Thanks for the imput! I am going to see how this first semester goes, then possibly sign up in the spring. We will see.

I am considering using the Air Force to help pay for CRNA school (I am out of state and already promised one kidney to the devil to get into school, so I can't sell one to pay for it). Anyone have any time as an AF CRNA? I am prior service (Marine Corps) so I have an idea of what I am getting into, but what about practice? number of cases? Scope of practice? ANY help or advice would be great. P.S. I know this is a school/financial aid question, but it's one only practicing folks would be able to answer