Certified Nurse Anesthetist Programs Create Career Opportunities

By Tanisha Berg


Each year more than 34 million people undergo surgical procedures requiring anesthesia. The skills of a surgeon can determine whether or not an operation is successful, but without a trained anesthesiologist modern surgery would be impossible. Certified nurse anesthetist programs prepare people for a career not only in surgical and obstetrical centers, but also in fields such as podiatry, dentistry and cosmetic surgery.

There are two groups today responsible for administering anesthesia. Anesthesiologists are doctors who have completed medical training and residency, in addition to three years in an associated program. Certified nurse anesthetists performing an identical job function are trained in advanced nursing practices, have worked in acute care for at least one year, and completed all educational requirements, including a related graduate degree.

The responsibilities of an anesthetist are critical. These individuals must closely observe patients prior to a procedure and during the operation to make sure they are responding properly. Afterward, they are responsible for helping people regain consciousness safely, and must thoroughly explain that process ahead of time. They prepare the appropriate chemical anesthesia prior to surgery, monitor all physical signs during an operation, and constantly control the ongoing administration of drugs.

Because the level of competency required is very high, higher education is the underpinning of a career in this field. After graduating from high school, those intending to become anesthetists must complete a four year Bachelor of Science or related degree, and and obtain a license as a registered nurse. Additional requirements include a graduate degree from one of the over 100 accredited anesthesia programs in the United States.

Included in these graduate studies is advanced training in physics, biochemistry and anatomy, as well as pathophysiology and the pharmacology associated with anesthesia. Post-graduates usually obtain practical experience in a university-affiliated or local community hospital. Basic to this career is passing a national certification program that is specifically intended to assure the public that the highest possible standards are being met.

While nurses have traditionally played a supporting role during surgery, their importance in administering anesthesia is not secondary. In many rural and urban core medical centers there is a shortage of doctors, making nurses solely responsible for administering anesthesia. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) as well as the American Association of Anesthetists (AANA) are responsible for encouraging and promoting this development.

Those who qualify for these positions enjoy a salary higher than average, often in the six figure range. The demand for fully trained, competent personnel makes this a growing field in medicine. While the costs of the required education are significant, they are actually far lower than those for training physicians to do the same job. This impact on the bottom line important is the cost of medical care continues to rise.

People interested in following through on this career vector should truly enjoy helping others, and must not be intimidated by needles and complex technology. Schedules are demanding, and there is very little room for making mistakes. Some nurses still work together with anesthesiologists, but in many cases they are solely responsible for shielding patients from the physical pain of invasive surgery.




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Certified Nurse Anesthetist Programs Create Career Opportunities

By Tanisha Berg


Each year more than 34 million people undergo surgical procedures requiring anesthesia. The skills of a surgeon can determine whether or not an operation is successful, but without a trained anesthesiologist modern surgery would be impossible. Certified nurse anesthetist programs prepare people for a career not only in surgical and obstetrical centers, but also in fields such as podiatry, dentistry and cosmetic surgery.

There are two groups today responsible for administering anesthesia. Anesthesiologists are doctors who have completed medical training and residency, in addition to three years in an associated program. Certified nurse anesthetists performing an identical job function are trained in advanced nursing practices, have worked in acute care for at least one year, and completed all educational requirements, including a related graduate degree.

The responsibilities of an anesthetist are critical. These individuals must closely observe patients prior to a procedure and during the operation to make sure they are responding properly. Afterward, they are responsible for helping people regain consciousness safely, and must thoroughly explain that process ahead of time. They prepare the appropriate chemical anesthesia prior to surgery, monitor all physical signs during an operation, and constantly control the ongoing administration of drugs.

Because the level of competency required is very high, higher education is the underpinning of a career in this field. After graduating from high school, those intending to become anesthetists must complete a four year Bachelor of Science or related degree, and and obtain a license as a registered nurse. Additional requirements include a graduate degree from one of the over 100 accredited anesthesia programs in the United States.

Included in these graduate studies is advanced training in physics, biochemistry and anatomy, as well as pathophysiology and the pharmacology associated with anesthesia. Post-graduates usually obtain practical experience in a university-affiliated or local community hospital. Basic to this career is passing a national certification program that is specifically intended to assure the public that the highest possible standards are being met.

While nurses have traditionally played a supporting role during surgery, their importance in administering anesthesia is not secondary. In many rural and urban core medical centers there is a shortage of doctors, making nurses solely responsible for administering anesthesia. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) as well as the American Association of Anesthetists (AANA) are responsible for encouraging and promoting this development.

Those who qualify for these positions enjoy a salary higher than average, often in the six figure range. The demand for fully trained, competent personnel makes this a growing field in medicine. While the costs of the required education are significant, they are actually far lower than those for training physicians to do the same job. This impact on the bottom line important is the cost of medical care continues to rise.

People interested in following through on this career vector should truly enjoy helping others, and must not be intimidated by needles and complex technology. Schedules are demanding, and there is very little room for making mistakes. Some nurses still work together with anesthesiologists, but in many cases they are solely responsible for shielding patients from the physical pain of invasive surgery.




About the Author: