6 Alternative Career Paths for CRNAs

Experiencing clinical burn out? Time for a change of pace? Fortunately, CRNAs have a number of non-clinical career paths to choose from. If you find yourself wanting a change from the clinical environment, know that there are many rewarding, non-clinical career options that as a CRNA you can pursue. These non-clinical roles allow you to make a significant impact on healthcare, using your expertise in settings that go beyond the traditional hospital or operating room. Lets take a look at 6 Alternative Career Paths for CRNAs…

1. Education and Teaching Roles

For CRNAs with a passion for teaching, education can be an incredibly fulfilling career path. Imagine training the next generation of anesthesia providers and guiding students on their journey.

University Faculty: Join a nursing or medical school as a faculty member, teaching students and shaping the curriculum in anesthesia and related topics.
Clinical Instructor: As a clinical instructor, you could work in simulation labs or hands-on training courses, providing invaluable guidance to students.
Guest Lecturer: Share your knowledge as a guest speaker at conferences, seminars, or workshops. This is a great way to stay connected to the field while helping others learn.

Why Education?

Enjoy flexible schedules compared to typical clinical shifts.
Contribute to shaping the curriculum and future of anesthesia education.
Make a lasting impact by mentoring and teaching future practitioners.

2. Administrative and Leadership Positions

If you’re drawn to making high-level decisions, administrative roles can be a perfect fit. CRNAs in leadership roles have the chance to shape policies, improve operations, and influence healthcare at a systemic level.

Hospital Management: Work in hospital or departmental leadership, overseeing anesthesia services and improving patient care.
Healthcare Consulting: Provide guidance to healthcare facilities on protocols, safety, and efficiency improvements.
Risk Management: Focus on identifying and managing risks, ensuring safety in anesthesia practices across healthcare settings.

Why Leadership?

Higher earning potential than typical clinical roles.
Broaden your skills in strategic planning and management.
Make a direct impact by helping create and implement healthcare policies.

3. Research and Development

Research roles let you dive into the data and work on projects that push the field forward. Whether it’s exploring new drugs, developing better equipment, or optimizing anesthesia protocols, there’s a lot to discover.

Clinical Research: Design studies that assess new drugs, protocols, or devices in anesthesia to improve patient outcomes.
Medical Device Development: Collaborate with companies to help develop and refine tools used in anesthesia.
Pharmaceutical Research: Contribute to studies on anesthesia-related medications and how they impact patient safety and outcomes.

Why Research?

Help advance anesthesia knowledge and improve patient care standards.
Work on cutting-edge projects with interdisciplinary teams.
Often offers flexible hours and the potential for remote work.

4. Writing and Content Creation

For CRNAs who enjoy writing, content creation can be a rewarding way to share your knowledge and educate others. Whether you write for professionals or the general public, your voice can make an impact.

Medical Writing: Write for medical journals, anesthesia publications, or textbooks, contributing valuable insights.
Blogging and Social Media: Create blog posts, social media content, or even podcasts, sharing knowledge with a broad audience.
Content Development for Companies: Develop training materials, manuals, or online courses for healthcare organizations.

Why Content Creation?

Flexible schedule and options for remote work.
Reach a wide audience with educational and informative content.
Use your voice to influence public understanding of anesthesia and healthcare.

5. Entrepreneurship

For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, starting a business offers freedom and the chance to innovate. Many CRNAs have successfully launched ventures that bring new ideas to healthcare.

Consulting Firm: Start your own consulting business to provide expert advice on anesthesia practices.
Healthcare Education Business: Host workshops, seminars, or certification courses to train professionals.
Technology Start-Up: Develop apps or software focused on anesthesia, patient safety, or healthcare efficiency.

Why Entrepreneurship?

Potential for financial growth.
Creative freedom to design your own solutions and services.
A chance to impact the healthcare industry directly with new ideas.

6. Public Health and Policy

For CRNAs interested in broader healthcare issues, public health and policy roles can be deeply impactful. Working in this field lets you help shape health standards and advocate for improved patient safety.

Public Health Advisor: Serve as an advisor for agencies focusing on anesthesia and perioperative care policy.
Policy Analyst: Analyze healthcare legislation, insurance policies, and anesthesia regulations to inform decision-making.
Advocacy: Partner with organizations to raise awareness about anesthesia safety and care.

Why Public Health and Policy?

Opportunity to impact public health policies and community standards.
Advocate for patient safety and improved healthcare practices.
Gain insights into healthcare regulations and reforms.

As you can see, CRNAs have multiple opportunities outside of a clinical career path. There are many ways for CRNAs to make a meaningful impact beyond clinical practice. Whether you’re interested in education, leadership, research, or even launching a business, each path offers unique benefits and opportunities to leverage your expertise. So if you’re looking for a new way to use your skills and make a difference, the options are out there… sometimes, you just need to think outside the OR.