Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 11/17/2006

Question
My name is Ryan and I reside in the state of Kentucky.  I am a dual licensed funeral director and embalmer.  I am looking into possibly pursing a career as a nurse anestitist. I have a 2 year degree from an embaliming school where  my ciriculum consisted of anatomy, pathology, organic and inorganic chemistry, microbiology, sociology and psychology and along with courses required for the funeral director licensing.  My question is "Do I have a base ciriculum for this field?" and if so am I looking at 8 years total to finish with another degree?  Of course it all depends on the college.  Please advise, thank you.

Answer
I don't know how much credit you can get for the courses you have already taken. That would depend on the school you are applying and the quality of the school you took the courses. As I understand it, to be a CRNA requires first completing a nursing degree and then 2-3 years more for CRNA. Obviously your background will be very helpful as you are studying for school since much of the material will be review but I think you will have at least 6 years of study ahead of you.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston