[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-anesthetist/#becoming”]Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs)[/hen-ui-link] and anesthesiologists are responsible for safely administering anesthesia to patients. Both ensure patients remain sedated during surgery and collaborate with the healthcare team if an issue arises.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The key difference is their educational background and credentials. CRNAs are [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]advanced practice registered nurses[/hen-ui-link], while anesthesiologists are physicians. This guide explains the roles of CRNAs and anesthesiologists, along with their salary, job outlook, and education requirements.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online DNP Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]CRNA and Anesthesiologist Key Similarities and Differences[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CRNAs and anesthesiologists perform many of the same duties. They care for patients before, during, and after procedures requiring anesthesia. However, their educational background, salary, practice authority, and work setting differ. CRNAs have a nursing background, while anesthesiologists have a medical background. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), anesthesiologists report higher earnings, but CRNAs are in higher demand.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What is a CRNA?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A CRNA works with physicians and surgeons to care for patients before, during, and after procedures that need anesthesia. They usually work in rural hospitals, on routine cases, and outside the operating room. They have a nursing background, a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/dnp/”]doctor of nursing practice degree (DNP)[/hen-ui-link], and national CRNA certification.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Depending on the practice authority in their state, CRNAs may work with surgeons or physicians independently or under the supervision of an anesthesiologist.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What is an Anesthesiologist?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Anesthesiologists work with surgeons and physicians to care for patients before, during, and after procedures that need anesthesia. They tend to work with more complex cases and large hospital systems.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Anesthesiologists attend medical school, complete four years of residency, and hold a medical (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) degree. They supervise anesthesia assistants and CRNAs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Anesthesiologists can practice independently and supervise CRNAs and anesthesia assistants anywhere they practice. CRNAs may only practice independently if their state allows full-practice authority and CRNA-only models. Otherwise, they practice under the supervision of an anesthesiologist.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CRNAs and anesthesiologists usually work in physicians’ offices, general medical and surgical hospitals, and outpatient care centers. CRNAs are more likely to work in the offices of other healthcare practitioners, while anesthesiologists are more likely to work in higher education.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Despite their differences, CRNAs and anesthesiologists share similar responsibilities.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]CRNA vs. Anesthesiologist[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Comparison Point[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]CRNA[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Anesthesiologist[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Degree Required[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Comparison Point”]DNP [/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”CRNA”]MD or DO [/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Certification Options[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Comparison Point”]CRNA National Certification [/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”CRNA”]American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) Board Certification[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Duties and Responsibilities[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Comparison Point”][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Provides obstetrics and pain management care[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Monitor and report on patients’ vital signs[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Collaborate with physicians[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Take patients’ medical histories[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Give local and general anesthesia and pain management[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Assist with bedside airway management during codes or manage difficult airway situations[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”CRNA”][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Supervise CRNAs and anesthesia assistants[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Handles more complex and specialized cases[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Collaborate with physicians[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Take patients’ medical histories[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Give local and general anesthesia and pain management[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Assist with bedside airway management during codes or manage difficult airway situations[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Annual Salary[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Comparison Point”]$223,210 (May 2024)[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”CRNA”]$336,640 (May 2024)[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Duties and Responsibilities[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CRNAs and anesthesiologists share many responsibilities. The main difference is that anesthesiologists supervise CRNAs and anesthesia assistants.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In 16 states, CRNAs must be supervised by an anesthesiologist so the care they provide will be reimbursed by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The remaining 34 states opt out of the facility reimbursement requirement and offer [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-anesthetist/crna-supervision-requirements/”]CRNAs independent practice authority[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CRNAs and anesthesiologists share many of the same responsibilities in patient care. They both:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Take patient histories to make sure they can safely provide pain management and anesthesia[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Collaborate with physicians[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Educate patients about their treatment plan[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Answer patients’ questions about their treatment plan[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Give local and general anesthesia[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Provide pain management[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Deliver emergency medical care[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Care for patients before, during, and after surgery[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Monitor and report on patients’ vital signs during and after procedures[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]However, anesthesiologists can supervise CRNAs and anesthesia assistants, a duty that not all CRNAs can perform.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Education and Certification[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CRNAs complete about eight years of training, while anesthesiologists complete 12 years. CRNAs attend nursing school, hold a DNP degree, and complete at least 1,000 practicum hours. Anesthesiologists attend medical school, hold an MD or a DO degree, and complete four years of residency.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How to Become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you choose to [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-anesthetist/how-to-become-a-crna/”]become a CRNA[/hen-ui-link], you will spend 7-8.5 years becoming a CRNA. Before [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-anesthetist/how-to-get-into-crna-school/”]entering a CRNA doctoral program,[/hen-ui-link] you will:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earn your bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pass the National Council Licensure for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Get your RN license[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Work full-time in critical care for at least a year[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can enroll in a DNP program once you complete the clinical requirements. Some DNP programs allow you to enroll with only a BSN and get your [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-link] and DNP simultaneously. Other DNP programs require you to have an MSN first.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After you complete your DNP degree, you can apply for the CRNA National Certification Exam (NCE) from the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists. To qualify for the NCE, you must have an unrestricted RN license and complete an accredited CRNA program within the last two years.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To apply for the NCE, you must submit:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A digital photo taken within the last six months[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Your RN license number, issuing state, and expiration date for all states where you have an active RN license[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An electronic record of your academic and clinical experience at an accredited program[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An exam application that you’ve electronically signed[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How to Become an Anesthesiologist[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you choose to become an anesthesiologist, you will spend 12 years completing a medical degree and anesthesiology residency.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]First, you must complete a bachelor’s degree and pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Then, you will spend four years in medical school. After medical school, you will complete a four-year residency in anesthesiology. You must complete at least one year of residency before you can sit for the last step of your licensure exam.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You’ll become a licensed anesthesiologist after passing your licensing exam and completing a residency. Then, consider becoming certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology. Certification is not required, but nearly 75% of anesthesiologists are certified, according to The American Society of Anesthesiologists.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Education Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Undergraduate degree:[/hen-ui-text] Four-year bachelor’s program[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Entrance exam:[/hen-ui-text] NCLEX-RN[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Graduate degree:[/hen-ui-text] DNP program (2-3 years)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Practicums:[/hen-ui-text] Hours vary by state[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Licensure examination:[/hen-ui-text] CRNA National Certification Exam[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Total time:[/hen-ui-text] 7-8 years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Doctor (MD or DO) Education Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Undergraduate degree:[/hen-ui-text] Four-year bachelor’s program[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Entrance exam:[/hen-ui-text] MCAT[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Graduate degree:[/hen-ui-text] Four-year professional doctoral program (MD or DO)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Residency:[/hen-ui-text] 4 years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Specialty certification:[/hen-ui-text] American Board of Anesthesiology Board Certification (recommended)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Licensure examination:[/hen-ui-text] United States Medical Licensing Examination or Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensure Examination[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Total time:[/hen-ui-text] 12 years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Career Outlook[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following section outlines how much CRNAs and anesthesiologists make and their job prospects.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm mb-8″]Source: BLS[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]CRNA Salary and Career Outlook[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-anesthetist/salary/”]average annual salary for CRNAs[/hen-ui-link] is $223,210. Earnings vary based on experience, location, facility, and the ability to [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/ask-a-nurse/how-to-negotiate-a-higher-salary/”]negotiate with prospective employers.[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The BLS projects CRNA jobs to grow 9% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average 3% for all occupations. About 4,600 CRNA job openings are projected to become available over the next decade. The job opportunities may vary based on location and facility requirements.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Anesthesiologist Salary and Career Outlook[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The average annual salary for anesthesiologists is $336,640.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The BLS also projects anesthesiologist jobs to grow 3% from 2024 to 2034 — less than CRNAs. This figure aligns with the average job growth in the U.S. About 1,400 anesthesiologist job openings are projected to become available over the decade.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]CRNA vs. Anesthesiologist: Which Career is Right For Me?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Whether you should become a CRNA or an anesthesiologist depends on your preferences about practice authority, salary, education requirements, career outlook, and case type.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you care more about earning a higher salary, working complex or specialized cases, and maintaining your independence anywhere you choose to practice, consider becoming an anesthesiologist. If you want to join a rapidly growing field sooner and with less debt, consider a career as a CRNA.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Education timeline:[/hen-ui-text] CRNAs take 7-8.5 years to complete their education, including practicum experiences. In contrast, anesthesiologists take at least 12 years to complete their education and residency requirements.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Job security:[/hen-ui-text] BLS projects 4,500 new jobs for CRNAs between 2022 and 2032 compared to 1,000 new jobs for anesthesiologists in the same period.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Debt:[/hen-ui-text] By the time they finish their education and start practicing independently, CRNAs have an average of about $100,000 less in student loan debt than anesthesiologists.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Salary:[/hen-ui-text] Anesthesiologists make about $125,000 more annually than CRNAs, which is $60.23 more an hour.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About CRNA vs. Anesthesiologist[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Do CRNAs or anesthesiologists make more money?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Anesthesiologists earn higher salaries than CRNAs. The average annual salary for CRNAs is $223,210, while anesthesiologists earn $336,640.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What can an anesthesiologist do that a CRNA cannot?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Anesthesiologists can work independently anywhere in the U.S. and supervise other members of the anesthesiology team. CRNAs can practice independently in 34 full-practice authority states, Guam, and the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is it better to be a CRNA or anesthesiologist?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The positive aspects of a CRNA vs. anesthesiologist career are a matter of personal opinion and professional goals. Your preferred salary, practice authority, and education influence the best option for you.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is CRNA a master’s or doctorate?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CRNAs need to earn a doctor of nursing practice degree. Visit our best CRNA degree programs page to learn more about CRNA programs and find the one that is right for you.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]