By 2036, the U.S. is expected to be facing a shortage of 6,300 anesthesiologists nationwide, according to a white paper from Medicus Healthcare Solutions published May 21.
The workforce management company’s report predicts that the U.S. will also face a shortage of 450,000 nurses by the end of 2025.
Here are 12 things to know about a predicted shortage of both anesthesiologists and certified registered nurse anesthetists:
1. The U.S. currently has 51,492 active anesthesiologists and 65,745 active CRNAs.
2. While there are 178 anesthesiology residency programs and 1,695 anesthesiology residency positions available in the U.S., around 44% of medical students seeking residencies in anesthesiology did not match in 2024.
3. Currently, 56.9% of practicing anesthesiologists are older than 55, and more than 17% are nearing retirement.
4. CRNAs represent more than 80% of anesthesia providers in rural counties and administer more than 50 million anesthetics to patients each year in the U.S. Starting in 2025, all new CRNAs will be required to hold a doctorate degree, which could delay new CRNAs entering the workforce.
5. CRNA schools have an average acceptance rate of 24%.
6. Around 62% of CRNAs are older than 40, while 36% are between 30 and 40 and 2% are between 20 and 30.
7. California has the highest anesthesiologist employment, with 5,380 practitioners.
8. Texas has the highest CRNA employment, with 5,390 practitioners.
9. Around 75% of CRNAs practiced independently with no collaborating physician in 2023.
10. Between 2019 and 2034, the demand for surgical services in patients 65 and older is expected to grow 9%.
11. Around 50% of anesthesiologists report feeling burned out and depressed, while 61% would take less pay for a better work-life balance and 51% attribute burnout to too many hours at work.
12. Around 56% of CRNAs report feeling burned out and depressed.
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