Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses with specialized training in anesthesiology. This training and certification allows them to assist Anesthesiologists, administer anesthesia under the supervision of an Anesthesiologist, and - in some states - administer anesthesiology independently.
CRNAs are the highest-paid subspecialty of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, and Nurse Anesthetists earn more than any other kind of Nurse across the board. Anesthesiology, or the practice of sedation during surgery and other medical procedures, is a difficult, risk-inherent practice. The increased risk and extensive required training is the primary reason they are paid more highly than any other nursing professionals.
While CRNAs make high salaries in every state, labor statistics show some states have a higher current average Nurse Anesthetist salary than others.
Healthcare comes in fourth nationally regarding the highest average salaries, ranking above both the finance and legal industries. Within the healthcare field, Physicians out earn Nurses significantly. However, APRNs can earn more than some doctors, with CRNAs earning the highest wage of all nursing professionals. If you’re looking for a high-paying nursing job, a Nurse Anesthetist position might be exactly what you’re seeking.
CRNAs make more than any other type of nursing professional. Even compared to other APRNs, Nurse Anesthetists can count on earning the highest possible nursing salaries after graduation. In comparison, the average RN salary is around $77,000 per year. That usually works out to half of the average CRNA salary.
Nurse Anesthetists make so much more than other types of Nurses because of the extra years of school and training and the increased complexity and risk inherent in their job. Sedating someone and administering anesthesia is a complicated science, and small mistakes can lead to fatal consequences. When someone is put under during medical procedures, the Anesthetist has the difficult job of keeping them sedated enough to stay unconscious and pain-free during the procedure without causing any of the health risks sedation can cause. Anesthesiologists make more than almost anyone else in the medical field, and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists have a higher annual wage than any other Nurse precisely for this reason.
CRNA positions are forecast to constitute growing in popularity, with as much as a 40% projected growth rate. This works out to over 118,000 new CRNA positions added to the workforce. Overall, prospective Nurse Anesthetists can feel confident they’re making a great career choice.
While average Nurse Anesthetist salaries top out at $243,310, it is certainly possible for CRNAs to make upwards of $300,000. Wages are often higher in areas with a shortage of available healthcare staff, so Nurse Anesthetists willing to relocate to the highest-paying states can make the top end of the salary scale. CRNAs can also often increase their annual salary by racking up overtime hours. For dedicated CRNAs in particularly high-paying areas, $300,000 in annual pay is certainly possible.
In some cases, CRNAs are able to earn more than Physicians. While doctors usually make more than nurses, salaries vary depending on the specialty and licensure of each role. APRNs generally earn more than other Nurses, and CRNAs are the highest-paid Advanced Practice Nurses in the industry. Factoring in the salary fluctuations that accompany different geographic areas, it is absolutely possible for CRNAs to make more than doctors in some cases.
Aspiring Nurse Anesthetists will be glad to know nurse Anesthesiologist school typically takes between 2 and 3 years to complete. The exact timeline depends on the program a student enrolls in and each semester’s scheduled course load. This training is in addition to the time spent earning a BSN, and completing the necessary hands-on work experience and licensing certifications.
CRNA schedules vary by hospital system. However, like other nursing jobs, Nurse Anesthetists usually work 8, 12, or 24-hour long shifts, with 24 hours being the most common. Usually, CRNAs work two 24-hour shifts per week, with the other days off. They can also combine a 24-hour shift with two 8-hour shifts, or other variations of this schedule. At the end of the day, CRNAs are used to working long hours but enjoy many days off in exchange.
Nurse Anesthetist school tuition costs an average of $93,000. However, CRNA programs can charge over double this amount or offer scholarships that make attendance completely free. The high tuition cost is generally seen as a reasonable investment due to the high average nurse anesthetist salary made immediately after graduating. Some employers are willing to pay for the entirety of a CRNAs tuition in exchange for a commitment of years worked after they graduate.
At Caliber, we take a provider-centric approach to healthcare staffing, which helps you elevate your medical career. Browse our locum CRNA jobs now!