CRNAs can be licensed and practice in all fifty states. Anesthesiologists are physicians which after medical school, complete a one year internship and a three year residency in anesthesia. Prior to 1 July 1986, a two year residency was required. Following residency, they are considered board eligible in anesthesiology.
Anesthesiologists have the option of becoming board certified.
However, physician board certification is becoming more compulsory by many medical centers in order to gain or maintain staff privileges. Very few nonmedical layman, students, or professionals know of it's existence. Usually, only medical professionals actively involved in surgical services are keenly aware of nurse anesthesia activities. Finally, nurse anesthetists train and practice in 107 different countries, as delegates from other counties participate in the yearly World Congress of the International Federation of Nurse Anesthetists. Recent studies find anesthesia care worldwide is operationally a nursing function.