Can Nursing Graduates Earn More Than A Doctor? We Give You The Answer

It's a given that a career in nursing pays well. It's even been deemed as a recession-proof job and is listed as one of the fastest growing careers in the country. But there's more good news. With an advanced nursing degree, you can even have one of the highest paying jobs - higher in fact, than a doctor's earnings. Let's find out what this is.

A degree as a registered nurse will certainly ensure that you can earn a good salary. According to Salary.Com, the national average salaries for registered nurses were about $59,000 in 2007.

However, if you're ambitious, it's possible for a nurse with this advanced degree to earn as much or even more than some medical doctors; and spending less time in school at that. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists earn over $100,000 a year upon graduation from CRNA programs. This income can even go as high as $150,000 a year for an experienced CRNA.

The first step to becoming a CRNA is of course, being a registered nurse. After being assigned for at least one year in an area of critical care, you will then be eligible to apply for a slot in a CRNA program. This is a master's degree level program. These programs are quite competitive to get into, so if you are interested in applying to a CRNA program, make sure that you keep your grades up when taking prerequisite classes, especially science and math.

The programs generally last two to three years, and are very intense. They often run through the summer as well. So while there are holiday breaks, there is no summer off in many CRNA programs.

So what exactly does a CRNA do? He/she usually works with a doctor in a hospital or any health care facility. In some states, a CRNA doesn't need to work under the supervision of a doctor. They will consult with patients before surgery, and get their medical history and other vital information. They will monitor the patient during surgery, and continue to the monitor the patient as the patient recovers from the effects of anesthesia.

Because of the huge responsibility and the potential for liability that the duties of a CRNA entails, not all registered nurses are keen on taking on the job. However, the pay is excellent and there is a huge demand for CRNAs. They graduate with multiple job offers.

If you're prepared for the challenge of being a CRNA, start asking around for opportunities of getting into a school that offers this program in your state.

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