Myths about CRNA Job/Career

There are many myths about the CRNA job/career that I often heard before attending CRNA school. I will discuss them here on this post.

1. CRNA don’t really make more money: actually job offers for CRNA around the Northeast region range from high 180K to low 200s plus sign-on bonuses ranging from 30-50K. The highest CRNA position salary can be as high as 280K if you’re willing to start independently (1099 not W-2). In addition to sign-on bonuses, many other employers offer tuition reimbursement, paid directly to the loan servicer, ranging from 10K to 100K.
2. Malpractice insurance is expensive, making CRNA school not worth it: Many employers pay for your malpractice insurance and it’s really up to you if you want additional coverage. As far as I know , most employers (anesthesia group) cover and provide malpractice insurance for the group.
3. You now need a doctorate to practice anesthesia: The move to a doctorate for entry to practice is scheduled for 2025.If you can manage to get admitted within the next 4 years (I’m writing this post as of 2021), you will be grandfathered in and will not be required to obtain a DNAP to practice
4. CRNA school is TOO hard: My undergrad GPA was 3.25 with a science GPA of about 3.2. I took some graduate school courses and obtain an NP degree before CRNA school. However, CRNA school is not really like NP school. All you need is the ability to study hard for your CCRN. If you can obtain your CCRN and have 1-2 years of ICU experience, plus a GPA > 3.0 you have a chance, just keep applying. Once you’re admitted, you need to change your study strategy tremendously. Getting into CRNA school, is just the beginning. For me , I started doing electronic flashcards on brains cape (created my own flashcards) that’s what worked for me. Find what works for you and be honest with yourself. I graduated with a 3.9 GPA and took my NBCRNA boards 1 day after my completion date. I struggled with undergrad nursing initially. My point is CRNA school is doable, you just need a lot of discipline and consistency.
5. Apply only to top reputable schools: Know that the best program is the program that accepts you! don’t get carried away trying to apply to top schools, we all will apply for the same CRNA positions and have the same title. The only difference between CRNAs who attended a top CRNA school and the CRNA who went to some unrated CRNA school is that the one who attented a top CRNA School will probably have way more loans to pay back. School is what you make it. The CRNA instructors are unable to make you a good practitioner. You have to make yourself a good practitioner to get and maintain your CRNA license.

In conclusion, there are many myths out there about the CRNA profession. Make your own research, ask a CRNA, shadow one if you’re unsure about what the job entails. I’m a newer CRNA and I am able to honestly answer any questions you may have. The decision to become a CRNA is the best decision I’ve ever made. Believe in yourself.