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.