Common CRNA career path opportunities
If there’s one thing you should know about the CRNA career path, it’s that there’s a wide variety of growth opportunities available. From independent practice to leadership roles, you have a lot to explore when thinking about your career progression.
Within this blog, we’ll look at the most common CRNA career path options, the job outlook, and potential earnings. We’ve also answered frequently asked questions about CRNA career growth, so you have the answers you need to take that next step forward.
What to know when becoming a CRNA
Given the high demand for CRNAs, it’s no surprise that The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 9% job growth through 2032, with approximately 4,500 jobs becoming available. This will not only provide you with better job security but also give you the opportunity to earn higher pay due to the demand.
While the RN to CRNA career path is one of the longest, it also offers some of the biggest rewards. CRNAs earn the most out of all APRNs, with a mean salary of $202,470, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. CRNAs working in outpatient centers can even earn a wage of $254,180. Those who choose to work as a locum tenens CRNA can see an even higher hourly rate ranging from $146 to $158, which is above the BLS mean hourly wage.
Common CRNA career path opportunities
If you’re wondering how to develop your career in the future, here are four common CRNA career paths you should know about:
- Locum tenens
- Leadership
- Independent practice
Locum tenens opportunities
Locum tenens jobs are perfect if you’re looking for flexibility. When you work as a locum tenens CRNA, you fill open shifts on an as-needed basis. As a result, the pay rates are often higher than usual, making this job type even more appealing. Other benefits include:
- A flexible work schedule
- Reduced burnout
- Career exploration
- Networking opportunities
- Work-life balance
Through taking on CRNA locum jobs, you have the opportunity to work at leading healthcare facilities across the nation. You also get to explore new places, take adventures, meet new people, and gain more experience in the field.
Specialization opportunities
A great option for CRNAs is to become specialized in an area that interests you. It can make you a more valued team member, which often leads to even higher pay rates. Since there are many different specialties, you have a wide variety of different paths to choose from.
Pain management
In this role, you focus on assessing and treating patients with chronic pain by utilizing advanced techniques and interventions. This specialty allows CRNAs to apply their anesthesia expertise while making a significant impact on patient’s quality of life through effective pain management strategies.
Benefits of a pain management CRNA career path
- Competitive salary
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Impactful work
- High demand
Pediatric anesthesia
Becoming a pediatric anesthesia specialist is a fulfilling career opportunity for CRNAs who want to work with children. CRNAs in this specialty are responsible for providing anesthesia care for pediatric patients undergoing various surgical and medical procedures, ensuring their safety and comfort.
This specialty requires a deep understanding of the unique physiological and psychological needs of children, allowing CRNAs to make a significant impact on young patients and their families.
Benefits of a pediatric anesthesia CRNA career path
- Job satisfaction
- Competitive salary
- Diverse work environments
- Collaborative work
Cardiac anesthesia
The role of a cardiac anesthesia specialist requires advanced knowledge of cardiovascular physiology and the ability to manage complex anesthesia techniques, ensuring patient safety during surgeries like heart valve replacements or bypass surgeries.
CRNAs in this specialty play a crucial role in the surgical team, significantly impacting patient outcomes in high-stakes environments. While this seems like a high-risk CRNA career path to take, it is also extremely rewarding.
Benefits of a cardiac anesthesia CRNA career path
- Jobs stability
- Impactful work
- High demand
- Competitive salary
Obstetrics
The role of an obstetrics CRNA is imperative during the labor and delivery process. These professionals are responsible for administering anesthesia to mothers during the birthing process, especially when cesarean sections are needed. They also prep and administer patients for epidurals to ease the pain when giving birth. The work of obstetrics CRNAs not only ensures the mother is safe and comfortable but also the baby.
Benefits of an obstetrics CRNA career path
- Impactful work
- High demand
- Competitive salary
- Variety of settings
Plastic surgery
A CRNA who specializes in plastic surgery administers anesthesia to patients undergoing cosmetic or reconstructive surgery. During procedures, plastic surgery CRNAs monitor patients to make sure they stay comfortable throughout.
Other tasks they are responsible for are conducting pre-op assessments of patients, monitoring patients during and after surgery, updating medical records, educating patients, and responding appropriately in emergency situations.
Benefits of a plastic surgery CRNA career path
- Professional growth
- Patient interaction
- Satisfaction from patient outcomes
- Competitive salary
Dental anesthesia
If you’re a CRNA interested in dental anesthesia, you should first know that some states have restrictions, and only 40 states in the US allow CRNAs to provide these services. If you work as a dental anesthetist, you’ll be in charge of administering anesthesia to patients during their dental surgeries and procedures. Additionally, you’ll be monitoring patients, educating them on their procedures, preparing necessary equipment, discharging patients, caring for patients after their procedures, and more.
Benefits of a dental anesthesia CRNA career path
- Flexibility
- High earning potential
- Enhanced work-life balance
- Job security
Neurosurgical anesthesia
These medical providers play a vital role in surgical procedures for patients needing brain and spinal operations. They often work alongside neurosurgeons and other healthcare professionals, where they are expected to act quickly and effectively communicate when put in high-pressure settings.
Other common day-to-day tasks involve monitoring patients’ vitals, prepping patients for surgery, educating patients on their procedures, collaborating with care team members, and documenting patient records.
Benefits of a neurosurgical anesthesia CRNA career path
- Competitive salary
- Rewarding work
- Professional autonomy
- Variety of work environments
Leadership opportunities
Director of anesthesia services
Becoming a director of anesthesia services is a prestigious CRNA career path opportunity. In this role, CRNAs oversee anesthesia departments, manage staff, and ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations.
This position allows CRNAs to influence anesthesia practices, improve patient outcomes, and contribute to strategic planning within healthcare organizations, making it a significant leadership opportunity in their field.
Chief nurse anesthetist
A chief nurse anesthetist leads anesthesia departments and shapes clinical practices. In this position, CRNAs oversee anesthesia care, manage staff, and ensure compliance with regulations, while also playing a key role in strategic planning and quality improvement initiatives. This job allows CRNAs to significantly impact patient outcomes and the overall effectiveness of anesthesia services within healthcare organizations.
Clinical manager
In this role, CRNAs oversee clinical operations, manage anesthesia staff, and ensure high-quality patient care. This position allows CRNAs to utilize their clinical expertise while also developing leadership skills, contributing to policy development, and improving operational efficiency within healthcare settings.
Mentor for new CRNAs
Being a mentor is a rewarding opportunity for experienced CRNAs to guide and support new professionals in the field. Mentors can share their knowledge, provide valuable insights into clinical practices, and help mentees navigate their careers. This role not only fosters professional development but also contributes to the growth of the anesthesia community by ensuring high standards of practice and patient care.
Independent practice opportunities
Open your own anesthesia practice
Opening an anesthesia practice as a CRNA can be a rewarding venture. It allows you to have greater control over your work environment, patient care, and business operations. However, it requires careful planning, including understanding state regulations, securing financing, and developing a business plan. Building a network with healthcare providers and establishing relationships with surgical facilities are also crucial for success in this competitive field.
Provide anesthesia in outpatient centers
Providing anesthesia in outpatient centers is a significant career opportunity. This setting allows CRNAs to deliver anesthesia care for a variety of procedures, often with a focus on efficiency and patient comfort. The demand for outpatient services is growing, making it a promising field for CRNAs, who can enjoy flexible schedules and the chance to work closely with patients in a less intensive environment compared to hospitals.
Work as a consultant
Working as a consultant offers CRNAs a unique career opportunity to leverage their expertise in anesthesia management and patient care. Consultants can provide valuable insights into healthcare facilities on improving anesthesia practices, optimizing workflows, and enhancing patient safety. This role allows CRNAs to work flexibly, engage with various organizations, and influence anesthesia protocols while potentially increasing their income through diverse projects.
CRNA career path FAQs
What is the first step to becoming a CRNA?
The first step to becoming a CRNA is to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. This typically takes about four years to complete.
What qualifications are required to become a CRNA?
There are several qualifications that are needed to become a CRNA, which consist of:
- Earning your BSN degree or a related field
- Getting licensed as a registered nurse (RN)
- Gaining a minimum of one year of crit]ical care experience as an RN
- Completing a graduate program specifically in nurse anesthesia
- Passing the National Certification Examination for Nurse Anesthetists
What is the highest CRNA salary?
The highest salary for a CRNA reported is around $394,000 annually. However, some CRNAs have the potential to earn more based on several factors such as experience, location, and more.
What skills and qualities are needed as a CRNA?
To be a successful CRNA, you need to be a critical thinker who has a strong knowledge of all of the technical skills required. Additionally, CRNAs need to be good communicators, effective problem solvers, collaborative, empathetic, and decisive.
Do CRNAs need extra certification for specialization?
Yes, depending on the specialization you are interested in pursuing, further certifications will be required. Some specializations require more certifications than others, so consider this before making a decision.
Is there a demand for specialized CRNAs?
Yes, CRNAs are already in high demand, but those with specializations are even more sought after. This can lead to higher pay rates than CRNAs without specializations.
What’s the best way to start advancing my CRNA career?
The best way to start advancing your CRNA career is to further your education. By doing this, you have the opportunity to earn higher pay and become a more valuable staff member. When you further your education, you are able to become specialized in a certain area, or you can even pursue a leadership role.
Search our open CRNA locum jobs today
From independent practice to leadership and working in specialized fields, there are many options available to you during your CRNA career.
If you’re ready to start searching for your next opportunity, search our open CRNA jobs and start your dream career with SUMO!