Is becoming a CRNA worth it? (2024)

FAQs

Is becoming a CRNA worth it? ›

Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) are among the most trained and highest-earning nurses. They provide essential care for patients during surgery and procedures. Becoming a CRNA takes years of education and professional experience, but this career is worth the effort in terms of salary and job security.

Working as a CRNA can be physically demanding and tiring because nurses often work long shifts. Taking part in surgery may also require you to remain standing on your feet and moving about the operating room for several hours at a time.

Rankings. Nurse Anesthetists rank #5 in Best-Paying Jobs. Jobs are ranked according to their ability to offer an elusive mix of factors. Read more about how we rank the best jobs.

One of the most significant challenges facing Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) is the risk of burnout, which can result from the high-stress nature of their job, long hours, and demanding work environment.

While the CRNA degree is challenging, most health care professionals would agree that medical school for doctors is far more rigorous.

A certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) typically works two 24-hour long shifts per week. There are some settings which a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) may work 8 or 12-hour shifts, but 24-hour shifts are also common.

If you care more about earning a higher salary, working complex or specialized cases, and maintaining your independence anywhere you choose to practice, anesthesiologist may be the career choice for you. If you want to join a rapidly growing field sooner and with less debt, you may consider a career as a CRNA.

You should be patient, compassionate, accurate, and responsible... willing to work diligently and meticulously until the patients are taken care of. A CRNA needs to be self-motivated and willing to continue their education after graduation to keep pace with changes in the field of anesthesia."

A nurse anesthetist works 48 hours a week, with two 24-long shifts and the remaining days off, on average. Some nurse anesthetists work 8 to 12-hour shifts, but 24 hours twice a week is the most common.

The path to becoming a CRNA typically requires less time and education than becoming an anesthesiologist, which can take over a decade of education and training. However, if you are willing to invest the time and effort, becoming an anesthesiologist can lead to a higher salary and greater autonomy in patient care.

How many people drop out of CRNA school? ›

What Percent Of CRNA Students Drop Out? The dropout rate varies by program but typically four to five percent of each student cohort leaves the CRNA program voluntarily or due to dismissal for low grades.

Meanwhile, among certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), the shortage could reach 7,800 by 2028.

Will I be able to work during the program? Due to the rigorous nature of the nurse anesthesia program, employment is discouraged. To promote patient safety and student wellbeing, the student is not permitted to work within ten hours of the start of a clinical shift.

The application process and getting into CRNA school is extremely competitive, and acceptance rates vary from program to program (as well as class size) but most are around the 15-25% range. Class sizes can range from 10 students to 40. Most programs have around 20-30 students per cohort.

College algebra and statistics are the two core classes that make up the CRNA math requirements. These mathematical topics give you the groundwork required to take on the intricate computations and analytical reasoning involved in anesthetic administration.

The most common reason why CRNA School is too hard is academics. Most students who fail out after they get their second “B”. In one popular program, there is a certain class where your final grade is made up of two exams. Do poorly on either exam and you're put on probation.

The pros of being a nurse anesthetist are competitive benefits and stability, while the cons include extensive education requirements and the potential for liability.