Becoming a CRNA
CRNAs ARE ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSES (APRNs) WITH SEVERAL YEARS OF TRAINING IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF ANESTHETICS AND ARE NATIONALLY LICENSED AND BOARD CERTIFIED TO PRACTICE NURSE ANESTHESIA.
THE TRAINING OF A NURSE ANESTHETIST INCLUDES:
- A Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- A current license as a registered nurse
- At least one year’s experience in an acute care nursing setting such as an intensive care unit. Typically many years of critical care experience is necessary to enter CRNA programs.
- Graduation from an accredited graduate school of nurse anesthesia. These educational programs range from 24-36 months, depending upon university requirements, and offer a master’s degree or a doctoral degree.
- All programs include clinical training in university-based or large community hospitals.
- Pass a national certification examination following graduation. A CRNA must recertify every two years.
It takes a minimum of seven calendar years of education and experience to prepare a CRNA. The average student nurse anesthetist works at least 1,694 clinical hours and administers more than 790 anesthetics.
INDIANA HAS THREE CRNA PROGRAMS:
Program Director: Dr. Melissa Fitch
1800 Lincoln Avenue
Evansville, Indiana 47722
(812) 488-5220
Marian University - DNP Program
Program Director: Dr. Bradley Stelflug
3200 Cold Spring Road
Indianapolis, IN 46222-1997
(317) 955-6000
University of Saint Francis - DNP Program
Program Director: Dr. Gregory Louck
2701 Spring St.
Fort Wayne, IN 46808
Note: This program is being phased out and is no longer accepting new students.