CRNA vs. Anesthesiologist: What’s the Difference?

Thinking about becoming a CRNA but unsure how it differs from an anesthesiologist or an anesthesiologist assistant? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the key similarities and differences between these three healthcare professions, helping you make an informed decision about your future.

From educational pathways to scope of practice and salary, we’ll explore everything you need to know. So, let’s dive in and discover if CRNA, Anesthesiologist MD or Anesthesiology Assistant is the right anesthesia career for you!

Join the Free CSPA Community!

Hello again, future CRNA! Jenny here to clear up a question I frequently see asked- what exactly is the difference between an Anesthesiologist and a CRNA? Would becoming an Anesthesiology Assistant be an option?

While we may be more focused on Nurse Anesthesia here at CRNA School Prep Academy, I hope to provide you with all the information you need to know about the similarities and differences between CRNA, Anesthesiologist MD and Anestheiology Assistant. Let’s dive in!

CRNA vs. Anesthesiologist: What’s the Difference?

CRNAs (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists) are advanced practice nurses with specialized training in anesthesia. They’ve got a BSN in nursing plus ICU experience, and have completed a rigorous DNP or DNAP degree program focused on anesthesia; this path typically takes around 7 to 10 years. They care for a variety of patients in settings such as pain management and administering anesthesia for surgeries, deliveries, or other procedures.

Anesthesiologists are medical doctors who specialize in anesthesia. They’ve got a longer educational path, including medical school and a residency in anesthesiology. The typical path to Anesthesiology MD can take anywhere from 12 to 15 years.

Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAA) can also be a part of the Anesthesia Care Team (ACT). They are able to deliver different care techniques, always under the supervision of an anesthesiologist. They typically complete a pre-medical education path and obtain a Master’s degree from an accredited anesthesiologist assistant educational program. This path is typically the shortest at around 6 to 7 years.

So, which one is right for you? As noted above, the salary and education pathways can vary widely for each profession. Below, we’ll take a look at some other similarities and differences between CRNA, Anesthesiologist and Anesthesiology Assistants to help you decide.

Scope of Practice

• CRNAs: CRNAs are responsible for administering anesthesia for a wide range of procedures. They can provide general anesthesia, regional anesthesia (like spinal blocks or epidurals), pain management and local anesthesia. CRNAs also play a crucial role in monitoring patients during and after surgery.
• Anesthesiologists: Anesthesiologists also have a broad scope of practice. They oversee the entire anesthesia care team, including CAAs and in some they oversee CRNAs. They may also be involved in pain management consultations and critical care medicine.
• Anesthesiology Assistants: Anesthesiology Assistants are advanced practice professionals who can only work under the direction of an anesthesiologist. They assist with various aspects of anesthesia care, including patient assessment, monitoring, and administration of anesthesia. CAAs can currently practice in 19 states and Washington DC.

Supervision and Collaboration

• CRNAs: CRNAs are highly skilled and independent practitioners, though they sometimes work under the supervision of an anesthesiologist in states or facilities where it’s required for reimbursement.For more information on what it means to be an opt-out state, we recommend checking out this podcast episode with Mike MacKinnon: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mike-mackinnon-is-back-massachusetts-opt-out-and-what/id1480774056?i=1000658187058

Advocacy for the CRNA profession is crucial! Learn why here: Why Advocacy for CRNA is Important with AANA President Dr. Angela Mund, DNP, CRNA

• Anesthesiologists: As medical doctors, anesthesiologists are independent practitioners. They are responsible for making decisions regarding anesthesia care.
• Anesthesiology Assistants: AAs always work under the direct supervision of an anesthesiologist. They may also work with other members of the team to ensure patient safety and comfort.

No matter which path you choose, you’re in for an exciting and rewarding career. CRNAs, AAs and anesthesiologists play crucial roles in ensuring patient safety and comfort during medical procedures.

Salary and Job Outlook

• CRNAs: CRNAs enjoy competitive salaries, with average annual earnings well above the national median for all occupations. In fact,  the most recent BLS report shows CRNAs earning a median pay of over $212,000! Furthermore, the job outlook for CRNAs is excellent, projected at 10% showcasing a strong demand for Nurse Anesthesia services in hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and other healthcare settings. This can however mean a super-competitive admissions environment.
• Anesthesiologists: Anesthesiologists typically earn higher salaries than CRNAs, reflecting their additional training. The BLS states anesthesiologists average wage as of 2023 is $339,470. Job outlook for anesthesiologists is also positive at around 4%, but there may be more competition for residency positions.
• Anesthesiology Assistants: AAs earn competitive salaries, though lower than CRNAs and anesthesiologists. The job outlook for AAs is expected to grow significantly due to increasing demand for anesthesia services and the need for more affordable healthcare options, but as previously mentioned, CAAs are limited to practicing in 19 states plus Washington DC, which may restrict job opportunities to those locations.

Work-Life Balance

• CRNAs: CRNAs often have more flexibility in their work schedules compared to anesthesiologists. They may be able to choose their own hours and work fewer days per week, choosing from PRN, W2 or 1099 roles.
• Anesthesiologists: Anesthesiologists may have more demanding work schedules, with longer hours and on-call duties. However, they may also have opportunities for academic or research positions for providers interested in those.
• Anesthesiology Assistants: AAs generally have more flexibility in their work schedules than anesthesiologists, but their hours may vary depending on the specific setting and role.

Which Path is Right for You?

The decision between a CRNA, anesthesiologist, or anesthesiology assistant ultimately depends on your individual goals and preferences. Consider the following factors:

• Your interest in medical school: If you’re drawn to the idea of becoming a medical doctor, anesthesiology may be the right path.
  
• Your desire for autonomy: CRNAs have more independence in their practice, while anesthesiologists primarily focus their time during shifts on providing oversight & collaboration for anesthetic care. AAs work under the supervision of an anesthesiologist.
• Your work-life balance priorities: CRNAs & AAs generally have more flexibility in their schedules, while anesthesiologists may have more demanding hours or fixed schedules.
  
• Your financial goals: Both CRNAs and anesthesiologists earn competitive salaries, but anesthesiologists typically earn higher incomes, though there is a longer path to get there. 

Ultimately, the best way to decide which path is right for you is to talk to current CRNAs, anesthesiologists and anesthesiology assistants. Better yet, shadow someone if you can! The experience can provide valuable insights into their daily lives, the challenges and rewards of each profession, and which path would be the best fit for you.

Get a Free CRNA Shadowing Documentation Form here: https://www.cspaedu.com/j814jsxq

Conclusion

No matter which path you choose, you’re in for an exciting and rewarding career. CRNAs, AAs and anesthesiologists play crucial roles in ensuring patient safety and comfort during medical procedures.

Looking for more insights? Join us inside the CSPA Community on Circle! You can connect with fellow nurses who are interested in CRNA and get more insights into how to become a Nurse Anesthetist. Join for free here: https://www.cspaedu.com/community

Stay tuned for more resources from us at CRNA School Prep Academy, and don’t hesitate to reach out with your questions. We’re here to help you succeed!

Until next time- we are rooting for you, Future CRNA! 🙌

-Jenny MSN, CRNA and CSPA Founder

—

Important Links

Join the Free CSPA Community! Connect with a network of Aspiring CRNAs, Nurse Anesthesia Residents, practicing CRNAs and CRNA Program Faculty Mentors here: https://www.cspaedu.com/community

Download our FREE 8 Steps to CRNA Planning Guide: https://www.cspaedu.com/howtocrna

Get access to application & interview preparation resources plus ICU Educational Workshops that have helped thousands of nurses accelerate their CRNA success. Become a member of CRNA School Prep Academy: https://cspaedu.com/join

Get CRNA School insights sent straight to your inbox! Sign up for the CSPA email newsletter: https://www.cspaedu.com/podcast-email

Book a mock interview, resume or personal statement critique, transcript review and more: www.teachrn.com