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What are the steps/classes needed in order to become a nurse anesthetist

I am 12th grade student who is currently trying to find out what I would like to major in college. #nursing #medicine #college #college-major #healthcare

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Natasha’s Answer

Hi Destiny,

As you are located in a region (NY, NY) with several excellent hospitals and universities/colleges, it would be good to know which school you have applied to and are considering after being accepted (oftentimes, schools provide admitted students an outline and/or detailed description of the coursework process before Day 1). Broadly speaking though, the college/university that you will be attending will/must/should provide you with the pre-requisite or required courses for your selected major or field of study. Speak with your guidance counselor and career office at length about your goals. It is great that you already have in mind the exact area of nursing that you wish to practice - it will help to focus the conversations with your counselors and form as a basis for a strategy to get into the right hospital unit once you complete the training program (hopefully, preceded by mentorships and advisory insights from current nursing practitioners).

Talk with your parents and teachers! They may know some folks in nursing - and through some inquiries, they might be able to connect you with someone along that specialty for some informational calls.

Narrow down your list of schools and go on their websites: pre-requisites, required courses and electives are usually outlined for specific majors. Get to know your Nursing School's career office and reach out to the admissions office in order to be put in contact with the relevant professors and instructors in the program.

I have faith in you. Do lots of research and keep learning!

Natasha



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Sheila’s Answer

Hi Destiny:

Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners, also referred to as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), coordinate patient care and may provide primary and specialty healthcare. The scope of practice varies from state to state.They must have at least a master’s degree in their specialty role. APRNs also must be licensed registered nurses in their state, pass a national certification exam, and have a state APRN license.

EDUCATION
Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners typically need at least a master's degree in a healthcare and related field. These programs include classroom education and clinical experience. Courses in subjects such as advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology are common as well as coursework specific to the chosen APRN role.

An APRN must have a registered nursing (RN) license before pursuing education in one of the advanced practice roles, and a strong background in science is helpful.

Most APRN programs prefer candidates who have a bachelor’s degree in nursing. However, some schools offer bridge programs for registered nurses with an associate’s degree or diploma in nursing. Graduate-level programs are also available for individuals who did not obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing but in a related health science field. These programs prepare the student for the RN licensure exam in addition to offering the APRN curriculum.

Although a master’s degree is the most common form of entry-level education, APRNs may choose to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or a Ph.D. The specific educational requirements and qualifications for each of the roles are available on professional organizations’ websites.

Prospective nurse anesthetists must have 1 year of experience working as registered nurse in a critical care setting as a prerequisite for admission to an accredited nurse anesthetist program.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, and REGISTRATIONS
States’ requirements for APRNs vary. In general, APRNs must have a registered nursing license, complete an accredited graduate-level program, pass a national certification exam, and have an APRN license. Details are available from each state’s board of nursing. To become licensed and use an APRN title, most states require national certification.

I suggest you talk to your Guidance Counselor, parents, family friends to see if they are aware of anyone in the nursing field that you could ask questions. Or, you may want to visit your local hospital information desk. Best of luck to you!

Sheila recommends the following next steps:

How to Become a Nurse Anesthetist • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm#tab-4
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