How to become a nurse anaesthetist?

Hi,
I have qualified as a nurse back in 2022. Been working in theatres since last year. I really want to take my degree further but I’m really not sure which way is the best for me to become a nurse anaesthetist, as I’m really interested in that field. I am not sure if to do masters ( not sure which postgraduate course would be best for that) or just specialise but that also if it’s possible or do I have to go for masters and if I do which postgraduate degree should I go for?
Please will be very helpful if you could give an honest advice.
Thank you

Reply 1

CCCU Health Rep

Official Rep

Original post by Kairy

Check out this page which might have some useful info on your next steps:
https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/medical-associate-professions/roles-medical-associate-professions/anaesthesia-associate

It links to a course finder option at the bottom of that page that will display courses that you would need to become a nurse anaesthetist. The entry requirements that are listed are as follows:
'an experienced registered health care professional e.g. a nurse or operating department practitioner with at least three years’ full-time, post-qualification work experience and evidence of recent academic study' 🙂

Reply 2

moonkatt

No such role in the UK as a “nurse anaesthetist” like CRNA in the US if that’s what you mean. The anaesthesia associate role that has been posted about above is the closest thing, but it’s something I’d stay away from currently as the debate around MAP roles is currently ongoing, has become quite febrile and I question whether going into these roles currently is a wise move tbh.

There is scope to become an airway assistant/anaesthetic nurse through further training, where you support the anaesthetist (prepare meds/pass tubes to the doc etc), is this the role you mean?

Reply 3

username7364832

Hi! Operating Department Practitioners are one of the allied health professionals registered in the UK, we do our training in the perioperative environment and it consists of scrub, anaesthetics and recovery, so in the UK you can be either an ODP or an anaesthetic nurse to work in this area, with progression opportunities as a PA in anaesthesia ☺️

Reply 4

Kairy

Thank you for your replies. I was wondering if there is chance for me to apply for crna role in America then. I know there are few steps for that and I cannot go for that role straight away. In fact it is the steps I am really wanting to ask. Like what should I be doing first. Here in the UK do I have to do masters or specialise and if specialise then in what exactly is the best idea?