2 questions???

Not sure about the length of the program, I don't think there is a sifference in rank or pay.

I graduated from an online program...and have an interview next week!

well thats encouraging. Anyone know whats the deal with the 24 and 32 month program????

I have yet to see a program that is less than 27 months and more than 36. There isn't a difference. Some are front-loaded and some are not. Front-loaded programs allow you to take the didactic portion up front and then focus on clinicals. The other is integrated didactic and clinical. You have to choose the one that best fits you. There are two choices with CRNA now: MS degree nurse anesthesia and MSN nurse anesthesia. The MS doesn't have the core nurse classes as the MSN does. Both end in nurse anesthesia. With either 24, 27, 31, 36 month programs, the school has to meet the minimum requirements set forth by accredidation. You should definately be sure that the school is accredited, etc. I hope this helps.

Programs tend to be between 2-3 years, all provide you with a similar education and the right to become a CRNA. Some award a MS in Anesthesia, others award an MSN. There are pros and cons to each. A program that takes less time will likely be a little more intense (not that any are laid back), and you may have fewer breaks. A program that goes for 36 mo. may provide semester breaks, or it may include more introductory classes or all those nursing theory courses. Nursing school did the same thing, remember? The length of people's nursing programs ranged from 12 months (some accelerated BSN programs) to three years (nursing portion of some traditional BSN programs) - we all sit for the NCLEX-RN and make the same pay.

Anyone know whats the deal with the 24 and 32 month program????

You won't see any difference in income directly due to the legnth of the program, but you may get difference skills in one program over the other. The longer programs are likely to have more clinical time, which can mean that you will get more experience in things like regional anesthesia. You may be able to get a different position based on that, for example an all CRNA group that covers OB. Those groups pay more than an anesthesiologist group that supervises CRNAs, and will look for someone with a good level of experince. It may appear that the shorter program is a better investment, less time off work, but you want to have a solid clinical background.

thanks for all the input. I can now make a better decision on which school to apply.