What is the difference between a CRNA vs an anesthesiologist?

Answer by  janedoe (701)

It's sort of like the difference between a dental hygienest and a dentist. A CRNA is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists. A CRNA is the person who assists the anesthesiologist. An anesthesiologist is a doctor who has specialized in anesthesia. S/he has more education than a CRNA. The two work together as a team.

Answer by  Gabriel (2146)

The main difference is that the CRNA is a nurse, with a Master's level education, who specializes in anesthesiology. An anesthesiologist is a medical doctor with the same specialty. The CRNA, much like a nurse practitioner, has many of the same skills and knowledge as the doctor, but without the years of medical school.