I've become increasingly leery of the AA profession as my research has progressed. No doubt the AA route looks good for the next 5 years or so, but what I'm concerned about is my future (10,20+ years from now). MDAs love AAs because they pose no threat, and because they also make money off them (1 MDA for every 4 AAs). As reimbursements decline, instead of being dragged down with the MDAs like the AAs, CRNAs have the option of breaking off and working independently. Until AA's gain the ability to practice independently, I'd have to think that CRNA is the 'safer' long-term route. This coming from someone with an MCAT score and a degree in Biochem who could apply to AA school tomorrow vs taking the much longer CRNA route. If I'm way off here please let me know, because I'm really looking for reasons to choose AA.