Posted by DC on November 5, 2008, 10:02 pm, in reply to "need some advice "
Hi Laura, in my opinion regardless what advice I (DC), Dave J, or Stanley Kristiansen give you, you must decide what route is going to benefit you the most and make you happy in the long run.
I must say I do agree with Dave J CRNA 100% who I truly have the up most "respect for. If you can get into an AA-C program now I would go for it especially if you don't want to waste 2-3 years just to apply to CRNA program.
Keep in mind you may have to take 2-3 more classes in order to apply to AA-C program. Courses you may have to take if you do not have already such as Organic Chemistry with Lab 1 year or less, Calculus for Premedical/life Sciences 1 semester, and/or Biochemistry 1 semester.
Keep in mind depending on what AA program you attend you will either have to take the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) or the GRE.
As Dave J stated the CRNA program are going to offer a doctorate level degree by 2025. When it makes sense to become an Anesthesiologist M.D. or D.O. . Imagine the time and cost for that and at what cost?.. CRNA and AA-C program both are very expensive on a master's degree level already.
In closing both AA-C and CRNA profession have it's advantages and disadvantages in the field of anesthesia.
"Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist"
#1.CRNAs can work in or out of the ACT model in 50 states.
#2.CRNAs work under the supervision of an Surgeon M.D. out of the ACT (solo), but work under their own license and bill for their own service as an Nurse Anesthetist.
#3.CRNAs can earn more money out of the ACT vs. in the ACT only 15-20% of CRNA work solo out of the ACT. The other 80-85% of CRNAs work in the ACT in the same manner as AA-Cs under the Supervision or Medical direction of an Anesthesiologist M.D./D.O.
#4."Disadvantage of CRNAs who wish to become an Anesthesiologist would have to basically start over again by earning a undergraduate degree first with pre-med or taking several additional classes. Why? CRNA credit count towards "Nurse Anesthesia" program only not towards any "Medical school or school of "Medicine program as a CRNA. It would require more time and money and overlapping a career in order to become an Anesthesiologist.
"Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant-Anesthetist
#1.AA-Cs work in the ACT model not out of the ACT as true team player concept.
#2.AA-Cs work in 18 states and counting either by "License or Delegatory in the ACT.
#3.AA-Cs can work in all 50 states at VA Hospitals in the ACT only etc.
#4.AA-Cs work under the Supervision or Medical Direction of an Anesthesiologist M.D./D.O. in the same manner as CRNAs in the ACT. 100% of AA-Cs work in the ACT model vs. 80-85 of CRNAs in the ACT.
#5.AA-Cs can also bill for their own services when on call or standby in the ACT under the medical direction of an Anesthesiologist Hospital or Out Patient services as an Physician extender Anesthetist.
#6."Advantage of AA-Cs who wish to become Anesthesiologist can go from AA-C practice to M.D. to M.D.A. Why?..AA-Cs already have their undergraduate degree with pre-med curriculum which mean their credit and courses counts towards "Medicine and/or Medical. AA-Cs go straight into Medical school for 4 years after 4 years AA-Cs are automatically an M.D. + plus 4 years of residency specializing in Anesthesiology = 8 years total = "Medical Doctor Anesthesiologist" M.D.,A.A.-C.,M.S.A.
That's just what a lot of AA-Cs have done when they want to work independent (solo) out of the ACT model earning $300,000-$600,000 or more annually as an MDA.
I wish you the best Laura which ever route you chose to go. I would like to share a little something with you a R.N.,BSN who went AA-C route who was honor at a dinner awards this year summer of 2008 for "Outstanding Clinical Instructor" along with two other AA-Cs who were also honored. I will not use their whole name out of respect and protection however they all work at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine AA-C program.
(A) J M - male - R.N.,A.A.-C,M.S.A.,B.S.N (Nursing) voted by 2nd year Students.
(B) G H - female - A.A.-C.,M.S.A.,B.Sc. (Biology) voted by 1st year Students.
(C) G Y - male - A.A.-C.,D.D.S.,M.S.A.,B.Sc.H. (Health/Science) voted by 1st year students.
