Southbound

So theoretically, if a student were to enroll in a master's level NP program prior to 2015, but would not FINISH until after 2015 - would they still be awarded the master's level, accredited, NP degree? Or is this deadline such that your program must FINISH prior to 2015? Another way to phrase this same question is - will schools be phasing out their master's programs by 2013, so that all students will be able to finish prior to the 2015 deadline, or will they be able to wait until 2015 to phase them out, thereby admitting some classes of master's NP students who wouldn't graduate until after 2015. Hope that makes sense.

HenryH, What did you end up deciding?

I wouldn't want to work part time right out of the gate. I agree that I'd want to get some real world experience in anesthesia, hone my skills, and enjoy the career that I'd worked so hard for. However, my ultimate goal is to have a well-paying, interesting, rewarding part-time job. I'm willing to front-load a lot of hard work in order to have what I consider a high quality of life the rest of the time. I'm only 24, so I would still be fairly young when I could potentially semi-retire, still live comfortably, and have a "cool" job that I woke up excited about each morning. These are my goals anyway. I just want to know if they're a pipe dream, or if the kind of part time work I'd ultimately seek is really an option.

Hi all, I'm a Biology major in Kansas City, MO. I'm trying to decide my career path, and have narrowed it down between CRNA and AA. Now I know everyone here is a bit biased .. But I recognize that you are all also very knowledgeable and can help answer some questions that I have. First, let me share that I love science. It was my original goal to pursue medical school, but I now have a family with small children, and I think that ship has sailed (plus I realized I wouldn't have wanted the lifestyle anyhow.) I also specifically love physiology and pharmacology. Anesthesia is very interesting to me, and I am pretty convinced that a career in it will be satisfying and engaging. So ... as a Bio major ... AA school would be the quickest route for me. I am struggling with the decision though, because I worry about the politics, and effects on job security. I also know that one day I would really like to explore flexible work schedule options for more time with family, or to pursue other interests. After searching on gaswork, indeed, etc... I'm finding a lot of part time and locums tenens work for CRNA's, but none of these opportunities for AA's. So here are my questions. 1) Can you tell me how available part time work is for CRNA's? If you wanted to work a part time job right now, could you find one? Would you have to move? What would the pay sacrifice be? 2) Can you tell me if AA's have these same opportunities, or if they are reserved for CRNA's? 3) Can you tell me what you love or hate about your job and are you happy or remorseful about following the path that you did? 4) What do you predict will happen to the CRNA and AA job market / compensation (respectively or collectively) when health care reform happens? Thanks in advance for your help and insight!