January 4, 2006
by Gabby Hyman
Healthcare Programs Columnist
Anesthesia nurses simply enjoy a knock-out career. All kidding aside, graduates of anesthesia nursing programs have found rewarding professions that are in ever-increasing demand in more than 100 countries.
According to The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, anesthetist nurses have been practicing in the United States since the Civil War, administering 65% of all anesthetics given to patients in the country. In rural hospitals and clinics, anesthetist nurses are often the sole practitioners offering anesthetic.
University of Phoenix Online allows students to earn their degrees and advance their careers - all online.
Typically, nurse anesthetist candidates are already licensed registered nurses who attend an anesthesia nursing school program to qualify for this critical, intensive specialization. Anesthesia nursing programs range from 24-36 months, depending on specific requirements of the school.
Getting Certified After Your Anesthesia Nursing Program
Most anesthesia nursing programs require applicants to hold a BS in nursing, the license of a registered nurse, and at least a year's experience in acute care nursing. Schools vary, but many offer a graduate degree in nursing, allied health, or in one of the clinical or biological sciences. To become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), the graduate must pass the national CRNA exam.
Coursework may focus on biochemistry, chemistry, pharmacology, physics, anatomy, and physiology with clinical, hands-on practice in anesthesia techniques and procedures. You can expect training and experience across most procedural modalities in surgery and obstetrics.
Bright Outlook for Anesthesia Nurses
Faster-than-average growth is expected for anesthesia nurses through 2012 as the American population ages, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. While anesthesia nursing is certainly nothing new to surgery and patient care, it continues to be a promising, challenging career for those who heed its call.
Sources
The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
About the Author
Gabby Hyman has written for print and online media for more than 20 years. He has created online content for eToys, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems, Avaya, and Nissan UK. He has also been a web consultant to the Governor of California. As an author of fiction, journalism, and poetry, Gabby is a former English professor for the University of Illinois, University of Alaska, and Old Dominion University. He holds an MFA in fiction writing from the University of Alabama.
|
Related Articles |
 |
|
|
|
