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    Re: More information Archived Message

    Posted by DC on August 20, 2008, 6:32 pm, in reply to "More information"

    Hi Kenny just as Stanley mention the difference between AA-C & CRNA are...

    1.AA-Cs work under the supervision and/or medical direction of an Anesthesiologist M.D. or D.O. 100% work in the ACT.

    2.CRNAs may also work under the supervision and/or medical direction of an Anesthesiologist M.D. or D.O. 80-85% work in the ACT.

    3.CRNAs may also work under any physician or independently with out an Anesthesiologist M.D. or D.O. out of the ACT, but still under the supervision of an surgeon but bill for their own services. Approximately 10-15% work in rural areas were there are no MDAs/DOAs.

    4.AA-Cs are recognized by Medicare and Medicaid and can bill for their own service as well depending on out patient surgery center they work at and/or hospital they work at.

    5.A higher percentage of CRNA schools teach more on regional anesthesia due to independent practice if they chose to work out of the ACT in rural areas.

    6.A higher percentage of AA-C schools teach more on invasive procedures in the ACT, such as floating a Swan-Ganz PA catheter, Central lines, Cordis, & Arterial line. In reality both schools CRNA & AA-C do teach and can perform both (regional anesthesia & invasive procedures) in the ACT. Meaning as an AA-C in the ACT you will be with an anesthesia group or employed by the hospital assigned to do bigger cases more complex high risk complicated procedures such as CV/Hearts, Transplant/all specialties, Trauma, & Neuro/Heads etc.


    The plus side of being an AA-C vs. CRNA if you chose to to become an Anesthesiologist M.D. as an AA-C already having your under-graduate degree along with your pre-med science just like the Anesthesiologist. As an A.A.-C. you continue through medical school for 4 years after 4 years your an M.D. already plus your residency = 4 years specialty in Anesthesiology = Kenny Good, Anesthesiologist M.D., R.N.A.A.-C.,M.S.A. something to think about with the door always open for advance practice as an AA-C. Now you have earned the respect to be called Doctor".

    No offense but the disadvantage for CRNAs is if he/she chose to become an Anesthesiologist M.D. they would have to start all over from the beginning. Why ?..because they would first have to obtain a under-graduate degree with pre-med science just like the Anesthesiologists and A.A.-C.s. Why ?..because CRNA credit and courses count towards nursing science not medical their degree would have to be in "medical science" in order to become an Anesthesiologist M.D. . Which means more time in school and more $money it can be done if they chose to make the long sacrifice to get there which some CRNAs have done not many though.

    As a CRNA you can make the starting $$$salary of an M.D. or D.O. if you work in the rural areas that do not have anesthesiologist. You may not like the condition or area you live or work in, or certain cases but the money is good if your willing to except the assignments and conditions. The only set back is the majority of your cases are bread & butter cases vs. working in the ACT with AA-Cs/CRNAs doing bigger cases some CRNAs have done just that. Come back into the ACT why ? they miss taking care of real sick patients and some feel they are losing their clinical skill too money isn't everything to some people.

    In conclusion both anesthetists provide excellent patient care regardless what route you chose to take in becoming an anesthetist(AA-C or CRNA). It's just "politics" when it comes to CRNA vs. AA-C as a nurse if you go AA-C route you will receive a solid base pre-med education.

    As a nurse if you chose to go CRNA route you will receive a solid base nursing education either way you go C.R.N.A.,M.S.N. or R.N.A.A.-C.,M.S.A. you will be "respected" highly as both.

    Which ever route you choose to take I sincerely wish you the best in anesthetist school CRNA/AA-C

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