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Hi, Anesthesia Tech here. I work in a combined CRNA and AA practice with ACT model in Florida! We have about half and half of each. Everyone gets along great (no politics) and does the same cases. Honestly, working with both in the OR, I can’t tell a difference clinically. Love your videos!
That is extremely good to hear! I expect we will be a combined practice soon as well. LOTS of political discussions but we can't get cases covered without opening up to new practice methods
I've always loved your CRNA videos even though I'm pursuing the AA route, so I'm very glad you made this one! I do want to add that while there are 12 AA programs in the U.S., we can practice in 17 states plus Washington D.C. and the number is growing. Thank you for spreading the word about the AA profession!
I work as an ICU nurse, and in the critical care setting, the PA and the NP do the exact same thing, both work under supervision of the Intensivist. It made a lot of sense when you made that comparison to AAs and cRNA's.
I love all your videos! I’ve been a nurse for 5 years and had no idea about AAs! I was actually just accepted into a CRNA program and the school I was accepted into will be their first DNP program and I’m stoked! Thanks for all your info, keep these vids coming!
I'm a student AA. Thanks for making a fair video! As to procedures, it really depends on where you work. As a student in second semester, I've intubated every single patient that needed GETA and I've already gotten the opportunity to place A lines. Classmates have done spinals. The only thing that seems to be done mostly by attendings are the peripheral blocks, but I think that's mostly a workflow thing because they're done in pre-op. The main hospital I'm training at doesn't use that many CVCs, but I have an instructor who worked somewhere else and placed them frequently. Also, we do have case requirements which we log after every clinical day. We will do rotations in different anesthesia specialties along with distant rotations at outside hospitals. I have had AA and CRNA preceptors and I love working with all of them. Thanks for actually doing fair research and not just towing the AANA line!
I’m a respiratory therapist. I’ve always considered wanting to become an AA. But a CRNA seems to have more benefits and job opportunities considering AA is still a relatively new field. Fun fact: The first AA program started in my hometown in Atlanta at Emory University.
Pretty much the only benefit is living. If you want to live in one of the 16 states where AA’s can practice there’s not much of a difference tbh (most AAs come from these states and want to stay there anyways). CRNAs make a huge deal about “direct supervision from the anesthesiologist” when it comes to AA’s but any semi-experienced AA works pretty much independently from the anesthesiologist except in difficult cases (which mind you, crnas get overhead supervision in such cases too seeing as the anesthesiologist gets called to clean up anyones mess AA’s/crna/ or otherwise
I make the same money as an AA as my CRNA colleagues…. We do the same cases and all the same shit… there are good and bad providers on both sides… I’ve been doing this shit for 12 years I have my student loans paid off and I get job offers everyday…. Ole spankles don’t give a fuck about the politics as long as I’m making bank
Hi, thanks for sharing your presentation in regards to CRNA/CAA profession. In the ACT Model at my current hospital on staff there are 50 CAAs/20 CRNAs. The Chief Anesthetist is a CAA who manage and oversee both staff anesthetists. Both Anesthetists at my institution are held in high regard and work awesome together (No Politics!!!). One thing I would like to add, if you would mentioned in your future video presentation that Registered Nurses also practice as a CAA , (RN, CAA). Nurses who have met the pre-med prerequisite have also been admitted to CAA program. Several nurses have gone CAA route as a nurse anesthetist vs the traditional CRNA route. I actually work with two registered nurses who practice as a CAA (nurse anesthetist “medical model”) . Both nurses graduated with a Master of Medical Science Degree in Anesthesiology. RN, CAA, MMSc. (Registered Nurse Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant - Master of Medical Science in Anesthesiology and Patient Monitoring Systems). I enjoy working with a variety of anesthesia providers within the ACT, MD/DO/CRNA/CAA. Keep up the great work.
Informative video as usual! I'm still interested in the CRNA path because of the nursing aspect. But I didn't know about AA's until this video so thank you 😄 Your videos keep me motivated and inspired, love it as always! 💕
Just found your video! Im thinking about applying to nursing school and I was looking at CRNA programs. I love seeing people who are passionate about what they do. I just remembered about AAs so thank you for this information!
I'm a paramedic for over 25 years. I've known about a CRNA for over 2 decades. I've only learned about an CAA or AA about 18 months ago. The other issue is there are only a handful of schools for this.
Great Video. Informative, accurate & unbiased. I am an AA with 18 yrs of exp with the last 10 yrs at a lvl 1 trauma hospital. I work side by side with other AA's & CRNA's. We are all treated as equals. In hindsight, I probably should have gone the CRNA route just so I can have more options & work in any state.
Thx for the suggestion. I have considered this option already. I make $250k/yr, 3 years of lost income & roughly $150k in tuition & living will put me $900k in the hole to become a CRNA. Financially not worth it.
Thank you Rihanna for liking my post in regards to CAAs, CRNAs and RNs who currently practice as a CAA (RN, CAA) within the ACT Model. It’s awesome to see both Advanced Practice Providers (CRNA/CAA) working together as a cohesive team! Moving forward I hope this can become the norm in all 50 states in the future. Thanks for being such an awesome and open minded CRNA. Best wishes to you in your future endeavors
Hi!!! As a student AA just wanna say that we also have those specific requirements for case types and patient types! Love your videos and working with CRNAS!
@@TheSchoellerFamily of course! Was waiting for you to post a video on this topic! I always use the analogy of PAs when describing our role too.... one more note is we actually go by CAAs (certified anesthesiologist assistants) since we are certified anesthesia provides as well! Thanks again :)
@@therealsouthernbelles Not a PA nor AA student, but I think the two fields are pretty similar in terms of degree/credential. Just different scope. You need to go to an AA program to become one. I don’t think going to a PA program would give you that title, because AA programs are specific for AAs. They only used PAs to help describe what AAs are because many are unfamiliar with the profession. Oh, and I think both programs are pretty similar in length. 2-3 years.
I just found out about AAs today at my on-campus job. I’m a junior working towards a BHS degree and I hope to become an anesthesia technician. After seeing your video, I’m extremely interested in becoming an AA, but after looking at the curriculum required, I’d basically become a freshman again. I wish I’d found out about this sooner so I could have changed my major sooner. Hopefully I can work as an anesthesia tech for a couple years to get some experience under my belt and then hopefully go back to school to become an AA
Good video. I was curious about this topic a couple of months ago and went down the rabbit hole trying to find info on AAs, and honestly, it's really difficult to find anything concise about them. I graduate CRNA school in a month and take boards in December.
Hey 👋🏽... inspiring nurse anesthetist to be!!! Currently working on my microbiology course. I have 1 more semester then I’m off to start my BSN!!! I love watching your videos 💕
What do you think of a registered nurse going for AA instead of CRNA? I’m currently an OR circulator and I don’t really wanna go back to ICU, even though it’s only for a year or two.
Look into the pre req, it is so heavy in science. I think most traditional nursing background ppl don’t have many of those classes. It will take a while for you just to complete the pre req, especially for those who want to keep working while taking those classes.
I’m torn on this too, because I have the nursing background but also most of the science pre-reqs for AA were done in my undergrad before my BSN program. So I could go either way…the salary cap for AA was a helpful insight to consider, though.
Same! All the CRNA’s in my hospital just insult the heck out of AA’s trying to talk me out of it, they said AA’s were a bullshit provider 😂 yet they both do the same job.
@@mbaumberger85 there is a easy way, I knew 2 girls, who is accounting major she took 12 month online absn (prerequisites just AP 1 &AP 2, micro bio not required) ,she got ICU offer before graduation now she is applying CRNA , she lives in Houston, another girl who went to university of Miami her major was marketing, absn is the same 12 months program, also got icu offer before graduation. I think online absn is best for who wants to change major, AA needs pre med background, alot science classes, and MCAT or GRE. But CRNA doesn't need it.
Although PA's can't work exclusively on their own, alot of their work is done on their own with light supervision from a physichian. They see their own patients have thier own schedule alot of times depending on where you are at and the speciality.
As an Rt I looked at AA but because they are only available in a couple of states I figured it would be worth it just to go back get my RN to go to CRNA school.
This is my current situation, I have a bachelors in health science and thought about the AA route. However I like the fact the CRNAs can practice independently. It was a hard decision, but I thank you for making this video.
I’m wondering if one can enter AA school already having Doctor of Pharmacy Degree. Only an associates degree is required to enter PharmD not necessarily a bachelors. So I’m wondering if they’ll make you go back to get your bachelors even though you have a doctorate degree in pharmacy.
I’m curious as to how many people will still go the CRNA route considering you will need a doctorate. Instead of spending 5 years in critical care you could be doing residency to be an anesthesiologist. I don’t know much about the road to anesthesiology though. I’m still interested in CRNA because of the nursing aspect. Even if I unfortunately change my mind about that route I have endless options in nursing. Great video!
@@TheSchoellerFamily i agree, CRNA is a lifestyle. becoming a physician is also a lifestyle. for example, the school debt can be SIGNIFICANTLY less if doing CRNA. the CRNA i shadowed did travel nursing for a few years and her nonprofit she worked for basically paid for most of her program, the rest she paid out of pocket, so you can definitely go to CRNA and have already worked and have some money saved. i feel like for med school, at least imo, you NEED some other type of support whether it be family, monetary...thats a huge deterrent to some people. take myself for example, theres no way i could have taken 4 years to just solely go to school and not work thats just not how my life was set up i also feel like med school is a HUGE commitment and i always tip my hat to those that are young and in med/nursing school it takes ALOT of determination
Basically CRNA is for people who wanted to go into nursing then slowly found their niche and decided to move up via the path they already chose. AA is for people who want to go into anesthesia via an expedited path. Meaning you chose to not do med school (anesthesia would be 4 yr schooling plus 4-5 years residency =9 years), or the even longer nursing route. Pay scaling is very similar for them in a hospital setting. CRNAs can make slightly more on avg bc they can bill certain things independently. Anesthesiologists basically make double what the AA or CRNA make bc they’re the last line of defense and they have to be able to solve everyone’s problems should someone be struggling with something.
This is what I’ve been looking into!! I’m in RT school and I don’t want to stop there in terms of education and practice. Med school is too lengthy. I love how you mention military and the two anesthetist assistant practices. Since CRNA can practice in the military I know they can get full education funding for their learning. I wonder if CAAs are eligible for full scholarships
The NP has more autonomy than the PA. My dad is a PA and my mom is an NP. NP’s can have their own practices and write their own scripts without doctors… in NY and other states. But PA’s can only work under a doctor. They need an overseeing doctor to write prescriptions and they cannot open their own practice.
Hi Rhianna, would you be able to do a video on malpractice and possible lawsuits that CRNAs can possibly face? I heard that's a common problem for physician anesthesiologists face and I'm curious if it's a different case for CRNA.
I’m about to go under GA for a rhinoplasty and I’m not going to lie, it worries me! I’m a 39 year old male in good health, I have had a GA before with no problems, however, I hate the thought of relinquishing control. I take diazepam as prescribed by my doctor from time to time for anxiety and really want to take a dose the morning of the GA which I am told would be fine, however, I do worry that it could compromise my safety; my blood pressure averages around 115/65 (with a heart rate of around 50bpm), although I have seen the bottom number in the high 50’s. Im worried that the diazepam could affect my blood pressure and so could the anaesthetic and cause complications. Am I overthinking this? I know you can’t provide medical advice or instructions, I’m just looking for an off-the-record opinion before discussing this with my anaesthetist…
Though you don't explicitly bash AAs, it's pretty clear there is a bias favoring a CRNA, and it is interesting because the way you describe them is soooo similar to a way an anesthesiologist would describe the difference between a CRNA and an anesthesiologist. Weird how that works. The schooling, training, scope of practice, responsibility... The difference between an AA and CRNA is similar to the difference between a CRNA and anesthesiologist. Also no nurses start arterial nor central lines. That is a straight lie.
Well, she is a CRNA. So naturally she can speak more to that. Your statement about nurses not starting arterial lines is false. Flight nurses (at some programs) can start arterial lines. And nearly 100% of PICC lines are placed by nurses and the name literally contains the name central catheter. Nurses are also well versed in setting up pressure monitoring tubing and having all the necessary supplies to place an arterial or central line. They’ve also placed hundreds of IV’s. The fact that I’ve been placing ultrasound guided PIV’s - placing tiny catheters in tiny veins - means that transitioning to putting giant lines in huge vessels is cake. “That is a straight lie” is similar to me saying “you’re straight uneducated”
Nurses do start central and arterial lines, Especially CCU nurses and CRNAs. So PLEASE do your homework before you get on someone else’s platform and embarrass yourself!!!! You sound like the hater! If you don’t like the content, then why don’t you just move along to videos you do like!?!
I think you just did someone’s homework hehe jk thanks for sharing this information with us. I’m in the process of taking my pre-reqs to get into a nursing program. I have to take Physio next semester and then an English class by the summer. My goal is to transfer into a state school so I can get my BSN. I’m excited because I’ve been in community college for 2 years now and I can’t wait to start learning some real stuff 😄
Sorry if i late. Skipped a small amount of the video towards the end. Can you compare schedules between the two? Ive seen videos from AA's that say they can work 2-4 a week if they would like, any days if they liked and they could drop their shifts when ever(from a AA of 3+ years)? Thoughts? Whats the typical CRNA schedule?
If I were to get my degree in nursing would I still have to go back to school to have the necessary courses to become an AA seeing as nursing is not a big requirement for it? I know this video was posted a while ago but if anyone can answer this question for me it would be greatly appreciated!
Hi, Rhianna, do you believe AA programs will change over to doctorate level in the near future? if so I might as well just attend medical school and do anesthesiology residency, I would enjoy reading your thoughts.
Is there a minimum time requirement before a CRNA can practice independently. I believe NPs must practice 5 years first. Thanks! Also considering your program. I'm a firefighter/paramedic with a bachelors in political science and minor in biology. I was considering the AA route but definitely do not want to put a cap on my potential in procedures, autonomy, and earnings. I am planning to attend an accelerated BSN program, do my time as an RN and apply to CRNA school. I'm curious if being a paramedic will help land me a job in the ICU right out of school. I was also considering doing a year or two travel nursing to pay off student debts. Your channel is very relatable to me! Thank you for putting this information out there!
I still don’t understand why nurses having the science background and nursing background have to take all these certifications and still add critical care in order to be considered eligible for CRNA school vs AA only need 8 hours of shadowing and any type of basic science major 😂 I’m not hating, but why make it so much harder for nurses 😭😭
Interesting. In Canada CRNA doesn't exist. we only have AA but it is different to yours. You can be an RN or RT (you can't just have a science undergrad like the US) then its 2 years in critical care and then you do AA school.
For the commentator:@iam4uoff, Nurses do start central and arterial lines, Especially CCU nurses and CRNAs. So PLEASE do your homework before you get on someone else’s platform and embarrass yourself!!!! You sound like the hater! If you don’t like the content, then why don’t you just move along to videos you do like!?! Let the rest of us smart people on here enjoy the positive energy that is being shared without YOUR negativity intervening!!! The devil is a lie!!!
So, after a quick Google search. Apparently AA's can work in my state. I don't think there's very many hospital systems here who hire them. I've never even heard of them.
They are only allowed to work in strict medical direction settings which require a very regulated billing system and staffing model that is not cost effective. Most hospitals would go under if they had to pay the staffing ratios and salaries required to hire AA's even in the states that do allow them to practice.
@@BoltCRNA that is actually completely false but I'd love to educate you on it! 99% of situations AAs actually work under the EXACT same direction as a CRNA, as most CRNAs do not practice autonomously unless you are not in a big city. The staffing ratios in most places are the same, and they are billed separate just like CRNAs, and have the same scope of practice when not practicing in a rural autonomous setting. You should really look into it more, I looked up to your videos but now im a little disappointed I will say.
@@ginnystuart7551 this guy “Bolt CRNA” hates the AAs staff. Definitely very unprofessional of his part. He needs to educate himself more about the topic when CRNA and AA do pretty much the same thing, the only difference is the education path.
Thank you for this information❤. I have a bachelor's degree and work as an anesthesiologist's assistant. I want to know if I can work in California , Washington dc , San Francisco , is this work desirable, and is US suitable for this job?❤❤
I have searched this question on the internet and can not find an answer. Hopefully you will know 😅. I am an undergrad right now in a health science program. If I complete this B.S in Health Science and then get a MSN in nursing, would that be acceptable to apply to DNAP school (after working 2-5 years). Or do you HAVE to have a BSN in order to apply. Thank you!!!!
Rhianna, what is your day like? I love getting my 10k steps a day, and can be a very active person. Do you feel your job gives you a good amount of "ability/need to move"? I know this might sound silly! Thanks though ^_^ #prospectivestudent
Get a CNA position in the ICU or simply in the hospital setting. Be reliable and dependable. I am a new grad who starts the ICU next week. I told my manager my intention to apply to the ICU 3-4 months before graduation. My manager vouched for me and advocated for me to get the ICU position. To be honest I live in Chicago, and it's quite difficult to find an ICU who will accept a new grad. I'm grateful for the opportunity, but I also know that I worked hard to show my work ethic, and determination.
physicians like AAs because they can control them and make profit off of them....physicians are salty towards CRNAs because of their power and autonomy...keep fighting the good fight for your patients
@@danarsarkawt2694 Physicians prefer AAs because AAs basically work for them. They need the physician's supervision in the entire country, and essentially make a profit off them. Meanwhile, in many states, CRNAs do not need supervision and can work completely independent with no interaction with physicians. CRNAs are actually a competition against anesthesiologists, because they basically do the exact same job. CRNAs also make half the amount of money, so they are more appealing to many practices/hospitals because it's the same service for a lower cost. On top of that, many CRNAs make more money than doctors who are pediatrics or family physicians. So you can imagine how salty they'd be when somebody makes more money than them without going through 7-8 years of med school/residency and burying themselves in debt.
In my experience NP education is less than 2nd year med students. PA education is based on the medical model, unlike NP. I’ve been burned from seeing NPs on multiple occasions. Their training is lacking.
(im talking about anesthesia tech!!) the pay grade between AAand CRNA is not even comparable from what i have seen. years ago i shadowed a young AA, as i was also shadowing CRNAs during this time, the autonomy and pay grade is a MAJOR difference. i noticed when i was shadowing the AA she was setting up the OR. She was not actually administering medications, or speaking with patients, idk this is just what i observed from shadowing over 2 years. I was also told the doctor/CRNA the AA works with determines how much autonomy they have. for example, if the Dr/CRNA trusts the AA then they have a little more autonomy. I only commented on pay bc i worked for an Anesthesia company based in NY and i saw contracts and the pay was very good for AAs but not really comparable to CRNA (i have seen AAs offered high 80-90k and CRNAs starting at 170-220k...then again im in the east coast.)
@@jiggymangosha the anesthesia company i worked for is BASED in new Rochelle, NY.the company does not only contract in NY and they contract CRNAs, AAs, RNs, and GI doctors. the contract for 80-90k i saw was a new grad AA in DC, which is on the east coast. at that time my company was also hiring in Vermont and CT but this was years ago and things could have changed. like i said i have had experienced in the east coast.
Great information. You were extremely generous and kind when discussing AA's, very classy. I have nothing against them personally but the reality is they were created by an anti-CRNA group of physicians attempting to replace CRNAs. That group has been very open and vocal about that goal since their creation. Also, the vast majority of AA's do not have undergrad degrees in licensed clinical work like RT's, they have shadowing experience. I would feel more comfortable with their practice if they were all RT's before going to AA school.
Thanks Jason! I do think having a clinical background of some sort would be extremely beneficial! RT would be such a great background! Also ps didn't know about the anti-crna thing...
@@TheSchoellerFamily Yes, strictly speaking in business terms they are anti-competitive because only physician anesthesiologists may supervise them and make profit off their work. Current discussion in the CRNA political arena is to advocate for CRNAs to employ and supervise them so it won't be anti-competitive business.
ok so many physicians and PA's aren't required to have licensed clinical experience and I met a few old school crna's that never went into the icu's they went straight from their bachelors program into the an srna program. Point is everything is teachable.