CRNA vs ACNP vs PA education

JWOkStRN · Jun 19, 2017

Each provider option provides different aspects of care to patients. You should thoroughly research each provider option prior to deciding your track. I would not base my decision solely on science based education. There is much more to each option than just the education. I suggest shadowing NPs, PAs, and CRNAs. That will give you and idea of how each approaches their profession and their mode of patient care. That way you can make a better informed decision. Hope that helps a little.

PresG33 · Jun 19, 2017

Agree with above poster that rigor of science education is low on the list of things to consider when deciding between these options. Tons of threads out there that examine the similarities and differences between them and shadowing is always the best option. That being said, I would generalize and say that PA and CRNA have similar levels of science education that are focused differently. PA is more generalist with a little focus on everything (pharm, micro, Chen, etc.) where CRNA is less broad but more focused (much deeper into pharmacology, chemistry, and physics, less into micro b/c we don't generally choose which antibiotics to give to which patient). From

Talking to ACNP students/graduates who went to several different programs, their level of science didactics is less. This will vary from program to program. However, to be a good ACNP, you need to have the scientific knowledge to make good decisions. The ACNPs I know ended up doing a lot of extra reading/learning on acid-base, pharm, patho to become good practitioners.

Bluebolt · Jun 20, 2017

Based strictly on the difficulty of in-depth sciences I would rank it CRNA first, then PA then NP. Keep in mind that as a CRNA you can independent practice, even as an NP you have the possibility. As a PA it doesn't matter how well you know your sciences and are capable, you'll always have your hands tied to the physician's apron strings.