Becoming a CRNA

CRNAS ARE REGISTERED NURSES (RNS) WHO HAVE UNDERGONE SEVERAL YEARS OF TRAINING IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF ANESTHETICS AND ARE LICENSED 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.

For a more complete list for becoming a CRNA, including accredited anesthesia programs, please visit our national website at HERE.