Anesthesiology?

[morganalexandra]

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Hey y'all! I'm new to SDN and this website has been very helpful so far! I recently graduated from high school and I want to be in anesthesiology, not sure if I want to be a nurse anesthetist or an anesthesiologist assistant. I was wondering if anyone could give me some guidance. I've researched both jobs and nothing has been very clear. I want to know about schooling, tests, being certified, staying certified, residency, etc. If anyone could help and explain that would be great! Thanks! I appreciate y'alls time.

 

[Tolbert]

Welcome!

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=how+to+become+a+nurse+anesthetist
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=how+to+become+a+Anesthesiologist+assistants

As for the other part of our question, neither are physicians, thus neither have residencies as far as I know. Hope this helps 🙂

 

[WholeLottaGame7]

Hey y'all! I'm new to SDN and this website has been very helpful so far! I recently graduated from high school and I want to be in anesthesiology, not sure if I want to be a nurse anesthetist or an anesthesiologist assistant. I was wondering if anyone could give me some guidance. I've researched both jobs and nothing has been very clear. I want to know about schooling, tests, being certified, staying certified, residency, etc. If anyone could help and explain that would be great! Thanks! I appreciate y'alls time.

There are 3 different paths into anesthesia.

1) Anesthesia assistant: undergrad + 2ish yrs AA school
2) Nurse anesthetist: undergrad (usually BSN) + 1yr in an ICU + 2ish yrs CRNA school
3) Anesthesiologist: undergrad + 4yrs medical school + 4yrs residency +/- 1yr fellowship

Every route is going to have a testing/credentialing/certification process of some sort. If there is one thing about medicine, it's that we love tests.

Since I've only done the MD route, I can tell you that it is MCAT (for med school applications), then USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CS and CK (in medical school), and Step 3 (internship), then the anesthesia-specific written and oral boards (after residency). Plus a bunch of tests during residency.

 

[JPodel]

I am not sure but I think AAs and Nurse Anesthetists are only allowed to work in certain states? Correct me if I am wrong. I'd check that out OP.

 

[WholeLottaGame7]

I am not sure but I think AAs and Nurse Anesthetists are only allowed to work in certain states? Correct me if I am wrong. I'd check that out OP.

AAs are regional, there are CRNAs in every state.

 

[JPodel]

AAs are regional, there are CRNAs in every state.

Ah I see, thanks!

 

[Masspremed]

Welcome!

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=how+to+become+a+nurse+anesthetist
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=how+to+become+a+Anesthesiologist+assistants

As for the other part of our question, neither are physicians, thus neither have residencies as far as I know. Hope this helps 🙂

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Don't+be+a+prick

As other people have said, no residency! Just a few years in nursing school, and then you specialize.

 

[Tolbert]

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Don't+be+a+prick

As other people have said, no residency! Just a few years in nursing school, and then you specialize.

not sure what you mean?.. was just kinda trying to help out. Those would send the OP to the right place. It's much quicker to google in the first place though so idrc if I'm perceived as such for simply posting the link.

 

[JPodel]

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Don't+be+a+prick

As other people have said, no residency! Just a few years in nursing school, and then you specialize.

Lol, Tolbert, I commend you for your amazing post. Masspremed, I would have done the same thing if someone posts a question that can be easily Google-d for an instant answer.

 

[sonofva]

I work at a hospital with both AAs and CRNAs...they all seem pretty happy with their choices. from talking with them i do gather that the job market is a little harder for AAs depending on where you go, and the pay is a little less. but it's also less schooling.

anyhow both are a really good gig. the pay is awesome, no call mainly... just work your shifts and go home. i think if i hadn't gone to medical school this is what i would've done.

one other thing, i wouldn't plan on doing the CRNA route if you can't stomach being just a plain ol' nurse for a few years before you get into CRNA school (no shame in that). but it just means that you have to be ok cleaning up bodily fluids and the like.