Why or why not CRNA?

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I'm a senior in high school currently. I have been researching for a six figure job that takes less than 8 years of education. I have found several over the past month but recently I found out about CRNAs who have the best money to education ratio by far. What I want is a job that I can go home with a smile and a heavy paycheck. Satisfactory seems to be amazing with this job and the pay is above what I was aiming for.

I never looked into the medical field until now yet it seems like something I could really get into. The reason for having less than 8 years of education is so I don't waste all of my youth. I know there are plenty of alternatives but, CRNA seems like a safe route to a happy and successful life.

This is the biggest decision of my life so I'm not taking it lightly. I do not want to switch my career and waste my time picking a direction through life. So before I make it I want to know exactly what I'm getting into.

I want to know from people who have been through this already, why or why not CRNA? Any advice or additional tips will be very appreciated.

Also anything that you found surprising or caught you off guard while becoming CRNA? As in is it what you expected?

(How hard the schooling is for CRNA is not one of my concerns)

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I wish I could provide some sort of guidance, but I did not go that route. With that said, I would do it in a heart beat! Just do your research. I great place to start is calling around different schools that offer the program and talk with the program chair about it. Good luck, sounds great

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Have you heard of a software engineer? It is a 4 year degree and they almost always make 6 figures and above. It is a booming career field.

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Go under specialty up top and you will find a CRNA category. In yellow at top it shows, nurses then specialties...they may have better knowledge :-)

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Specializes in Reproductive & Public Health.

CRNA programs are extremely, extremely competitive, and I believe most require critical care nursing experience. So it might take longer than 8 years in reality. That being said, it is a good career choice with great earning potential. If you work inpatient (which most do), the hours can be rough though.

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Yours is not an original idea. Be prepared to get in line after those 8 years in school and a big loan payment (unless you have other funding) and possibly only finding a position working in an area far removed and undesirable to you.

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Specializes in Urology.

I would advise you not to pick a career solely based on salary (especially crna). Pick a career you will be happy with. 6 figure means nothing if you're miserable.

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Thanks I will check it out tonight!

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Yours is not an original idea. Be prepared to get in line after those 8 years in school and a big loan payment (unless you have other funding) and possibly only finding a position working in an area far removed and undesirable to you.

Thanks for the tip but, I would like something backing up your statement. This is a concern of mine.

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Have you heard of a software engineer? It is a 4 year degree and they almost always make 6 figures and above. It is a booming career field.

Thanks, yet I don't like engineering.

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Specializes in Cath/EP lab, CCU, Cardiac stepdown.

Well you're probably gonna take at least 4 years to do your bsn. Then you need to find a job with your bsn to get some icu experience, typically 2 years or more I think. New grads are finding it hard to find employment right out of school and more so landing icu right away. Then you gotta go back to school for your crna and who knows how long that's gonna take.

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Thanks, yet I don't like engineering.

How do you know you like nurse anesthesia?

Besides gold dust in the eyes.

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