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Nurse Anesthetists

Overview

Nurse anesthetists, also known as certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), are one of four classifications of advanced practice nurses (APNs). They are registered nurses (RNs) with advanced training in anesthesiology. They are responsible for administering, supervising, and monitoring anesthesia-related care for patients undergoing surgical procedures. General anesthesia is not necessary for all surgical procedures; therefore, nurse anesthetists also work on cases in which they provide various types of local anesthesia—topical, infiltration, nerve-block, spinal, and epidural or caudal. There are about 45,000 nurse anesthetists working in the United States.

Salary Range

$100,000+

Minimum Education Level

Master's Degree

Certification/License

Required

Outlook

Much Faster than the Average
Personality Traits

Helpful

Problem-Solving

Technical

Career Ladder
Chief Nurse Anesthetist

Nurse Anesthetist

Registered Nurse

Related Professions