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What is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist?
A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is a licensed nurse similar to an anesthesiologist who offers anesthesia services. The nursing position came into existence in the year 1956. To become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, you have to acquire the necessary level of education, and also a board certification in anesthesia. There is also a national association in the United States under the name of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, representing around 42,000 CRNAs as well as stent nurse anesthetists in the United States. Just like many other nursing occupations, CRNAs can practice in any state after they are certified by the state board upon completion of the appropriate nursing education and training.
A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist is paid very handsomely in comparison to other nurse jobs. This may explain why this particular nursing career is getting more popular. According to a survey by American Association of Nurse Anesthetists in 1999, around 32 million patients were given anesthesia every year in United States. The CRNA has a lot of responsibilities, usually playing a very crucial role. The other tasks performed by a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist include administering oxygen, taking care that the patient does not suffer from surgical shock, and inserting artificial airways.
How Do I Become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist?
Students seeking a career in this field will have to make up their minds before high school. They should opt for science subjects like biology, physics, and chemistry. Once they are in college, they should first attain a Bachelor’s degree in nursing and become a registered nurse. Then, it’s time to get 1 year of experience. They can then complete some online nursing programs and pass a certification examination. An important requirement for a CRNA is the ability to handle stressful situations.
What Requirements Are There For Becoming A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist?
To be a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, you need the following:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN)
- License of a Registered Nurse (RN)
- 1 Year Care Experience
- Undergone a Nurse Anesthesia Educational Program
- Successful Completion of Certification Examination
What Are The Qualifications Required For Becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist?
The job of a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist is very important. To be a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, you must have the following qualifications:
- Graduation from a nurse anesthesia program or LPN program which is accredited by the Nurse Anesthesia Educational Program’s Council of Accreditation (COA).
- Successful completion of the certification examination which is issued by the Council of Certification.
What Is A Typical Working Environment For A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist?
The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist usually works in the operating room of a hospital. The CRNA also works in dental offices, plastic surgery centers, emergency rooms, and obstetrics departments. They are required during all the major operations.
What Are Some Nursing Programs for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists?
There are a number of nurse anesthesia programs which are being offered in the United States. All the programs are affiliated by known institutions. The tenure of the programs range from 24 months to 36 months, depending on the type of course. These nursing schools prepare the students to be competent Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists by providing them with a thorough education and clinical experience.
The courses in a CRNA program include physics, chemistry, pharmacology, management, advanced practice nursing, and more. The online RN programs also include clinical experiences with anesthesia so the student can develop a clearer and fuller understanding. Proper care is taken so that the students develop the required technical skills. Once you have successfully completed your CRNA program, you will be awarded with a master’s degree or precisely, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
What Is The Average Nurse Anesthetist Salary?
The salary of a nurse anesthetist depends upon a number of factors like the state, the working location, the nursing school, and other factors. Overall, a nurse anesthetist earns a good salary due to the huge responsibilities that come along with the job. The average salary of a Certified Registered Anesthetist Nurse is estimated to be in the region of $150,000 in the United States. This makes it a highly rewarding nursing career. Other factors that affect the salary of a nurse anesthetist include:
Education: The higher your degree, the better it is. Nurses with a master’s RN program degree have better compensations than the ones with lower degrees.
Employer: Your salary depends a lot on the place where you work. A nurse working in a hospital would be earning less than a nurse working in a private clinic, no matter what their qualifications are.
Experience: The more experience you have, the better you will be paid. A standard requirement for any high paying job is a lot of experience, and thus experience plays a very important role in deciding your salary.
Which Schools Offer Some Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs?
The following are some of the educational programs and online LPN programs offered by colleges and universities in the US.
Albany Medical College Nurse Anesthesiology Program: For duration of 28 months, this program is for the Master of Science degree. The school is located in Albany, New York.
Barry University Master of Science Program in Anesthesiology: For a time span of 28 months, this program is for the Master of Science degree in Anesthesiology. Barry University is located in Miami, Florida.
William F. Connell School of Nursing Nurse Anesthesia Program: This program is for 27 months and it’s for the Master of Science in Nursing and Post Masters Certificate. Boston College is located in Boston, Massachusetts.
Carolinas Medical Center Nurse Anesthesia Program: Lasting 27 months, this program is for the Master of Science in Nursing and Post Master’s Certificate. UNC Charlotte is located in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Excela Health School Anesthesia: This program is for the Master of Health Sciences degree and it is for a time period of 28 months. The school is located in Greensburg, Pennsylvania.
Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences Nurse Anesthesia Program: It is for the Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia degree and the program length is 28 months. The main campus is located in Orlando, Florida.
Franciscan Skemp Healthcare School of Anesthesia: On successful completion of this course, the candidate receives the Master of Science in Biology. The course duration is 27 months. The school is located in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
