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This bar graph shows the annual salary for Nurse Anesthetists.
Data sourced from O*NET Online, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
This line chart shows the projected job growth over 10 years for Nurse Anesthetists.
Projected Growth Rate in Job Openings by 2031: 12%
Data sourced from CareerOneStop, provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Manage patients' airway or pulmonary status, using techniques such as endotracheal intubation, mechanical ventilation, pharmacological support, respiratory therapy, and extubation.
Monitor patients' responses, including skin color, pupil dilation, pulse, heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, ventilation, or urine output, using invasive and noninvasive techniques.
Respond to emergency situations by providing airway management, administering emergency fluids or drugs, or using basic or advanced cardiac life support techniques.
Embarking on the path to become a Nurse Anesthetist is a commitment to an advanced nursing role that requires dedication, skill, and a significant educational background. If you're aiming to join the ranks of these highly respected nursing professionals, here's a step-by-step guide to set you on the right track.
Before you can specialize in nurse anesthesia, you must first become a registered nurse (RN). This starts with earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited nursing program. During your BSN studies, you'll cover:
After obtaining your RN license by passing the NCLEX-RN exam, you'll need to accumulate experience in an acute care setting. Most nurse anesthetist programs require at least one year of full-time critical care experience. Preferred settings often include:
Next, you'll need to apply for a graduate program in nurse anesthesia. As of January 2022, the requirement is to earn a doctorate degree from a program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA). This typically involves:
Upon completion of your graduate program, you must pass the National Certification Examination (NCE) administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). This exam tests your knowledge and skills in anesthesia practice necessary for certification as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).
To practice as a CRNA, you need to obtain state licensure. Requirements vary by state but generally include submitting proof of education and certification. Additionally, CRNAs must meet continuing education requirements to maintain their certification through the NBCRNA's Continued Professional Certification (CPC) program.
Many Nurse Anesthetists choose to specialize further or engage in ongoing professional development. Opportunities include:
By following these steps and committing to lifelong learning and clinical excellence, you can build a fulfilling career as a Nurse Anesthetist, contributing significantly to patient care within the healthcare system.
To pursue a career as a Nurse Anesthetist, you need to:
The timeline for becoming a Nurse Anesthetist generally includes:
In total, you can expect to invest approximately 7 to 10 years from starting your BSN to becoming a CRNA.
Upon completing your education, you must obtain the following certification:
Additionally, maintaining your certification requires meeting Continued Professional Certification (CPC) requirements every four years.
Earnings can vary widely based on factors such as geographic location, years of experience, and employment setting. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for Nurse Anesthetists was $183,580 as of May 2020. The top 10 percent earned more than $208,000.
The demand for CRNAs is expected to grow due to an aging population and increased access to healthcare services. The BLS projects employment of nurse anesthetists to grow 14 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Yes, CRNAs may specialize in areas such as:
Specialization often requires additional training and certification in the specific area of interest.
CRNAs work in a variety of settings, including:
Joining professional organizations can provide networking opportunities, continuing education resources, and advocacy support. Some notable organizations include:
Engaging with these organizations can help CRNAs stay current with best practices and industry developments.