I have a BA double honors in chem and genetics minor in biotech. I volunteered in an OR shadowing an anesthesiologists and a CRNA at a prestigeous hospital. I want to enter the anesthesia career. With a lots of pharmaceutical background and independent research exp about drugs I do not see any reason why the competitive CRNA path should make me go through an accelerated course for second bachelor's in BSN that takes 1.5-2 years + 1 year ICU exp + 2 years= minimum 4.5years VS an Masters in AA in 2 years. Notice, that all pre med/pre pharmacy/other pre medical careers require a biology, chemistry, psych, physics, math background EXCEPT the CRNA course that needs a BSN for getting into the same 2 year course work for AA and CRNA. I do agree that the ICU requirement is a good headstart for this career but even if a person like me has it I am unable to enter the CRNA 2 year track. This hinders many potential bachelors in a non nursing area to learn the art and chemistry of anesthesia and enter the profession. If it has to take 5 years to become a CRNA for a person like me I'd rather put in another 3 years and become an MD Anesthesiologists and make 150k more than mid level anesthesia provider. Also my experience working with an anesthesiologist was much professional and educational as compared to a CRNA who instead of parting his skills went about wining and dissuading me from applying for AA program. How ridiculous is that and this is the kind of insecurity and unprofessionalism he has in the OR when there is a trauma case going on. I was shocked at his and another senior CRNA's (15 years in practice) had. Talking about dirty politics at such a serious time in OR instead of explaining me his true job.
