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Rest Easy with a Nurse Anesthetist Career
What Do Nurse Anesthetists Do?
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) specialize in giving anesthesia to patients undergoing surgery. They provide about 65 percent of the 26 million anesthetics given to patients each year in the United States, working alongside surgeons, dentists, obstetricians and other health care professionals. CRNAs work anywhere from traditional hospital surgical rooms to ophthalmologist offices to military facilities. They're also the sole anesthesia providers in nearly 70 percent of the rural hospitals in the United States.
Education & Training Required to Become a Nurse Anesthetist
According to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, it takes at least 7 years of experience and training to become a CRNA. After completing a bachelor's of science in nursing (BSN) and working as a registered nurse (RN) for a few years, aspiring CRNA's must then finish a master's degree in nurse anesthesia. Once certified, CRNA's are required to keep up with at least 40 hours of continuing education every two years.
As of 2008, there were 109 nurse anesthetists programs in the United States, all at the master's level or higher. While some may offer online degree components, the majority of the work happens on site in a clinical setting.
Typical Characteristics of a Nurse Anesthetist
Nurse anesthesia is a demanding field with a reputation for exceptionally high standards. So CRNA's have to be dedicated and able to stay level headed in high-pressure situations. A strong interest in chemistry and biochemistry is also crucial, as a CRNA's main responsibility is administering and monitoring different types of anesthetic medications to all kinds of patients.
High Demand for Nurse Anesthetists
CRNA's are quickly becoming the main providers of anesthesia, thanks to their cost-efficiency compared to doctors. But just because they don't have an MD doesn't mean they don't get respect--CRNAs carry a heavy load of responsibility and are compensated accordingly--well into the six figures in some cases. As an essential part of the American health care system, CRNAs are in increasingly high demand.
Registered Nurse Degree Programs
With convenient class locations as well as online learning, University of Phoenix makes quality higher education highly accessible. Whether you're seeking an associate's, bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree, we can help you reach your goal while you work-and much sooner than you might expect.
Advance your career and get the distinct competitive advantage you need with an online degree from Kaplan University. And do it without missing a day of work.
Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.
Take your career to new heights with Colorado Tech Online! Since 1965, Colorado Technical University has helped thousands of students achieve success in business, management and technology careers. Learn more today.
South University enjoys a long-standing tradition of excellence in education and personalized student attention. Enjoy the convenience of earning your bachelor's degree entirely online.
We keep our tuition affordable because it is an integral part of the overall mission for our university. The vision of our Chancellor, Jerry Falwell Jr., is to keep Liberty's Distance Learning Program affordable so as many individuals as possible can experience a Christ-centered education and become equipped for excellence, professionally as well as spiritually.
Flexible. Convenient. Affordable. Enroll at Independence University (IU) and enjoy the ease of studying at home, whiletraveling, or when stationed abroad. IU's accredited programsare proven, effective alternatives to a traditional classroomeducation. Speak with an IU Enrollment Advisor to create afinancial roadmap and payment schedule. You'll be surprised athow quickly an investment in your education pays for itself.
Advance in the nursing profession with Jacksonville University Online! JU offers a comprehensive degree program that allows nurses to complete their BSN - with 100% online lectures.
Earn your Master's degree online from a prestigious and innovative university. Norwich University offers programs in Justice Administration, Civil Engineering, Military History, Business Administration, Diplomacy, and more.
Take control of your career at Herzing College. Day and evening classes are offered in Business, Design/CAD, Electronics/Telecommunications and Information Technology.
Advance your nursing career with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specialization in Health Care Systems Management (HCSM) from Loyola University New Orleans Online.
Start your nursing career with The College Network. Earn your NLNAC/CCNE accredited nursing degree online from one of our partner universities: Regis University, Indiana State University, Angelo State University and more at half the cost and time of traditional universities with no campus attendance, no wait list and local clinicals.
