Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 6/28/2007

Question
My name is Leah, and I am going to be a senior in High School.  I am currently in a tech prep program, allied health, and I have a few questions about my career choice. I either want to be an nurse anesthetist or an anesthesiologist. I would like to get someones opinion on the two. I have different reasons for both of them. However, it is getting close to that time when I need to decide which path i would like to follow. What are the major differences between the two... which might be better in the long run? I'm confused on what I should decide, or why i should choose one over the other.

Answer
The main difference is one follows a nursing path and the other a physician path. Both require 4 yrs of college. To be an anesthesiologist will require an additional 4 yrs of medical school and 4 yrs of anesthesia residency. to be a CRNA requires 2 or 3 yrs after college. In general, anesthesiologists have more autonomy and higher compensation. There are many other differences but you still have time to decide. The most important thing is to get into a good college and do well in your courses. This may ultimately help you decide which way to go.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMb-Galveston