2 answers
madison
Student
Clarkesville, Georgia
1
Question
Updated
286 views
Is going through medical school worth the end result? #Spring25
I am planning on being a CRNA and I want to know if going through the school and hard work is worth what people say it is. I just want to know that you truly make a difference in the field.
Login to comment
2 answers
Taylor Nicole
Medical Student
8
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Taylor’s Answer
Hi Madison!
I recently matched into an anesthesiology residency and will be starting in the coming months. While I haven’t started practicing yet, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with dozens of anesthesiologists and CRNAs over the past several years. Remarkably, none of them expressed regrets about choosing this field. In fact, many shared that they would go through the entire journey again without hesitation.
Becoming a CRNA typically involves completing nursing school, gaining a few years of critical care experience, and then applying to a CRNA program. It's a shorter and often less costly path compared to medical school, and it still leads to a fulfilling career in anesthesia with strong earning potential.
Anesthesiology is, in my view, one of the most captivating areas of medicine. It’s a privilege to care for patients during their most vulnerable moments—to be the last person they see before surgery and the first when they wake up. That responsibility is both humbling and deeply meaningful. You would certainly make an impact in the field as a CRNA. That said, if you are looking for more autonomy, you may consider medical school over a CRNA program.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions. I'm happy to share anything that might help.
I recently matched into an anesthesiology residency and will be starting in the coming months. While I haven’t started practicing yet, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with dozens of anesthesiologists and CRNAs over the past several years. Remarkably, none of them expressed regrets about choosing this field. In fact, many shared that they would go through the entire journey again without hesitation.
Becoming a CRNA typically involves completing nursing school, gaining a few years of critical care experience, and then applying to a CRNA program. It's a shorter and often less costly path compared to medical school, and it still leads to a fulfilling career in anesthesia with strong earning potential.
Anesthesiology is, in my view, one of the most captivating areas of medicine. It’s a privilege to care for patients during their most vulnerable moments—to be the last person they see before surgery and the first when they wake up. That responsibility is both humbling and deeply meaningful. You would certainly make an impact in the field as a CRNA. That said, if you are looking for more autonomy, you may consider medical school over a CRNA program.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions. I'm happy to share anything that might help.
James Hanson
Pediatric Intensive Care Physician; Consultant
74
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
James’s Answer
If you have the ability to get into medical school, I would urge you to do that over being a CRNA. Physicians do have a longer road, but then have a lot more choices regarding the type and place they practice. As a physician, one can be involved in improving care processes, be a healthcare leader, and take on the more challenging (and therefore, more rewarding) clinical cases.
Having said that, CRNAs are important members of the healthcare team, and most I have met are very happy with that career choice.
Having said that, CRNAs are important members of the healthcare team, and most I have met are very happy with that career choice.