Nurse Anesthesia Specialist Career Overview

1Nurse Anesthesia Specialist Career Overview Each year, greater than 26 million patients undergo a procedure that requires the use of anesthesia. In many cases, the anesthesia is administered by a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). As anesthesia specialists, CRNAs administer anesthesia before, during and after surgical procedures, as well as monitor important bodily functions.CRNAs are advanced practice registered nurses. Since 1998, CRNAs are required to have specialized graduate-level training in anesthesiology. Salaries of Nurse Anesthetists are relatively high due to the significant degree of responsibility the position entails. The job outlook for anesthetists is excellent as the demand for CRNAs far outstrips the current supply.CRNAs may be employed in hospitals, surgical centers and outpatient facilities, mental health institutions, emergency rooms, private doctor's offices, as well as the military.Earning PotentialAccording to Salary.com, the median salary for a Certified Nurse Anesthetist is $154,378 as of October 2010. The following chart shows the salary range of CRNAs by industry. (Courtesy Payscale.com)Industry......................Salary RangeHealthcare..................$98-721 - $147,218Hospital......................$98,751 - $147,865General Surgery...........$98,851 - $148,070Medical Services..........$98,162 - $148,397Acute Care Hospital......$103,636 - $150,091More About Nurse AnesthesiaCRNAs are advanced practice registered nurses. Since 1998, CRNA graduates are required to have specialized graduate-level education in anesthesiology. Anesthesia, in the hands of qualified professionals such as CRNAs, is a safe and effective means of alleviating pain during nearly every type of medical procedure.Nurse anesthesia is an academically and clinically stimulating field that carries a high degree of responsibility.Career OpportunitiesCareer opportunities for anesthetists are outstanding. Today, 36,000 certified registered nurse anesthetists provide cost-effective, quality patient care that is essential to America's health-care system. The demand for CRNAs far outpaces the supply.Nurse anesthetists are employed nationwide in hospitals, surgical clinics, the military, psychiatric institutions, respiratory therapy departments, emergency rooms, dental offices, outpatient surgery facilities and private practices.Although Mayo School of Health Sciences has no formal placement service, a large number of employers inform the school when they have openings. Mayo Clinic's Department of Anesthesiology actively recruits MSHS Nurse Anesthesia Program graduates.Earning PotentialSalaries exceed most nursing specialties, depending on location and experience. Median annual base salary for full-time nurse anesthetists was $105,000 in 2002.Professional Organization Visit the following Web site to learn more about nurse anesthetists: American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (aana.com)