Pros & Cons of CRNA vs AA

[NurseDiva04]

I was doing some research on a school and found out that they have an Anesthesiologist Assistant Program. I know that the program doesn't require a BSN degree. Also, it may require more advance science courses. However, to you, what do you see as the Pros & Cons vs. CRNA?

Thanks.

[athomas91]

i agree...i don't think there is alot of contention between CRNA's and anyone...it seems the contention lies TOWARD CRNA's.... AA's are there (as stated by another poster) to leave the "power" in the hands of MDA's - but the practice of an AA is so limited - that there is no reason to have them - an MD must ok every order (why pay another person to push drugs that you have to ok and order...???)

CRNA's (that i have met) seem completely content w/ their practice and have no desire to be MD's - yet can practice on their own...the best of both worlds...

[user69]

My understanding (and I may be wrong) is that AAs work independently during surgery, but there must be a MDA on site somewhere. Does the MDA end up micromanaging the entire procedure?

I know that the AAs do not have any previous medical training, but how does the actual program that they do go through compare to a CRNA program? When I was looking into school, the requirements appeared to be pretty strict.

Allen

[meandragonbrett]

My understanding (and I may be wrong) is that AAs work independently during surgery, but there must be a MDA on site somewhere. Does the MDA end up micromanaging the entire procedure?

Allen

If I remember correctly, AAs are not able to make medical based decisions and must be incontact with the MDA. On the other hand, CRNAs, depending on the practice situation, can give what drugs they want and also make their own decisions regarding care. Also, a MDA can only manage four cases being run by AAs at a time..or something of that nature.