CRNA / Nurse Anesthetist

A nurse that administers anesthesia or monitors a patient during or after anesthesia is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, or CRNA. CRNAs work in stressful environments and must be able to make quick decisions concerning the health and wellness of a patient. After completing an undergraduate education in nursing and becoming licensed as an RN, a nurse must complete a Master’s Degree in nursing and pass a national certification examination to become a CRNA.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing job opportunities will continue to be excellent. In addition, many hospitals have begun to hire more CRNAs because they perform the same anesthesia services as an anesthesiologist, but they are more affordable to employ. One working as an RN anesthetist can expect to earn $140,000 to $170,000 per year.