I am a recent high school graduate and i can't seem to decide which path i want to take. Since 11th grade, i've always wanted to become an anesthesiologist, but after doing a little bit of research in my senior year, i have decided to give being a CRNA a chance.

My reasoning is that Anesthesiology is too much money and too much time for something that i am not entirely sure is something for me, while nursing is fast, relatively cheap, but i'm not sure if i'll be comfortable with "nurse" in my title.

I haven't talked to an actual anesthesiologist (yet), which is why i want to ask the community this question: Which should i be?

I graduated with High Honors in my class (3.7 GPA) and will be attending community college to finish my GE's to give myself 2 years to decide on my career.

any CRNA's or anesthesiologists out there are welcome to give feedback.

Thank You.

I'm also in the same situation.
Is there anyone with whom I could discuss the procedures and steps neccessary to becoming either an anesthesiologist or a CRNA.
Which is the better choice, and why?
Thanks!

www.aana.com/

www.asahq.org/providers/homepage.htm

www.anesthetist.org/

This is a copy of a reply I gave another member with a similar question. Hope it helps. If not, then, ask away and we will try to give you some answers.

An anesthesiologist is a doctor that has specialized in anesthesia. Their education is 4 years undergraduate college, 4 years medical school, 1 year internship, and 3 years anesthesiology residency (= 12 years).

A nurse anesthetist, or CRNA for short (certified registered nurse anesthetist), is a registered nurse that worked in a critical care area for at least 1 year (usually much more) before returning to school for 2+ years for specialty training in anesthesia(=7 years). CRNAs now have masters degrees. (except for older ones that trained prior to a masters degree requirement.) Both anesthesiologist and CRNAs are very educated and capable of delivering quality anesthesia care.

They often do the same task. Sometimes they work alone and sometimes they work as an anesthesia team. You can really stir up a hornets nest if you try to discuss which one is better. They both are great professions. It usually boils down to personal life situations that places a person in one or the other category.

They both are very high paying jobs. However, if you just go there for the money it usually does not work. They both are very high stress and demanding jobs. So, you make the bucks but, you also do the time.