Sumo Medical Staffing

If there’s one thing you should know about the career path of a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), it’s that there’s a wide variety of growth opportunities for this profession. From independent practice opportunities to leadership opportunities, these healthcare professionals have a lot to consider for their career progression. This blog will share the most common CRNA career path options, so let’s dive in.

What to know when becoming a CRNA

CRNAs are vital to the healthcare system for a number of reasons. Their main priority is to provide essential anesthesia care, ensuring patient safety and comfort during surgical procedures. These medical professionals also assess patients, develop anesthesia plans and monitor patients throughout the process.

Since these positions are in such high demand, it’s no surprise that The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 9% growth for CRNAs through 2032 – with approximately 4,500 jobs becoming available (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023).

The path from RN to CRNA is one of the longest paths to becoming an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), but it also offers some of the biggest rewards. CRNAs earn the highest salary of any APRN, with a mean salary of $202,470, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. CRNAs working in outpatient centers earn the most with a wage of $254,180. Those who choose to work as a locum tenens CRNA will see an even higher hourly rate ranging from $146 to $158, a rate above the BLS mean hourly wage. This is one of the many reasons why locum tenens CRNA jobs are worth considering.

Common CRNA career path opportunities

If you’re wondering how you can develop your career in the future, here are three  common CRNA career paths and practical opportunities you should know about:

• Independent practice
• Leadership
• Specialization

Independent practice opportunities

Open your own anesthesia practice

Opening an anesthesia practice as a CRNA can be a rewarding venture. It allows CRNAs to have greater control over their 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 for certified registered nurse anesthetists. 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 to 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.

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

This advanced CRNA career outlook allows CRNAs to lead anesthesia departments and shape clinical practices. In this role, 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 position 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.

Specialization opportunities

Pain management

In this role, CRNAs 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 patients’ quality of life through effective pain management strategies.

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.

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 for these medical professionals.

Search our open CRNA locum jobs today

From the potential for independent practice to roles in leadership and specialized fields, CRNAs can tailor their careers to match their personal and professional aspirations. The high demand for their expertise, coupled with competitive salary prospects, further underscores the value and appeal of this profession. As healthcare continues to evolve, CRNAs are well-positioned to play a pivotal role, making this an exciting time to explore and advance within this dynamic field. We hope this blog was able to help you on your CRNA career path.

Remember to browse our open CRNA locum jobs to start your dream career with SUMO!