Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 2/7/2007

Question
What type of courses would i have to take to become an anesthetist, what would my major/minor be?
-------------------------------------------
The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
I want to go into anesthesiology, but don't know whether I should become an anesthesiologist or anesthetist. What are the differences between the two? How much longer does and anesthesiologist have to go to college, and what would the major/minor be? Please help.
Sincerely,
Kelly- a high school junior

-----Answer-----
If you mean by anesthetist, certified nurse anesthetist (CRNA) the difference is significant. and anesthesiologist (MDA) has 4 yrs college, 4 yrs medical school and 4 yrs residency training. A CRNA has 4 yrs college (nursing) and 2 yrs anesthesia training. There are numerous other difference related to income, supervision requirements, case complexity, etc that differentiate the 2 both both professions are excellent ways to get into anesthesia. It all depends are your desires, financial obstacles and wants and time.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston

Answer
I don't know what the requirements are for CRNA's. If you are interested in becoming an MDA I can tell you what courses are needed for medical school but I don't know the nursing requirements.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston