3 answers
Grace
Student
Portland, Maine
1
Question
Asked
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What is the career path to become a CRNA? How can I get a summer internship as a student nurse in their final year of college? How can I find a remote job as a student nurse?
I am in my senoir year and I would like to find a remote job that can help me in my career. I will also like to know the career path towards achieving a CRNA degree.
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3 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1772
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Grace everyone’s timeline looks a little different depending on how long it takes you to complete the various steps in the process, the total time it takes to become a CRNA is usually at least 7-8 years. This includes the time it takes to complete your bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, and time to gain experience working in the field as a registered nurse between your BSN program and CRNA program.
1️⃣ BACHELOR OF SCIENCE NURSING (BSN)
The first step in becoming a CRNA is earning your BSN nursing degree. Your BSN will take about four years, unless you’ve already earned your associate degree in nursing (ADN). Students enrolled in a BSN program take courses such as anatomy, pharmacology, and physiology. A bachelor-level nursing education is important to establish the fundamentals you’ll need for more advanced CRNA training. If you’re still gearing up for this stage of your nursing journey, you may want to check out our helpful guide on how to prepare for nursing school. Once you’ve earned your BSN, you must also pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to earn your nursing license on a state-by-state basis.
2️⃣ GAIN RN EXPERIENCE
After you’ve become a licensed registered nurse, gaining quality experience working as an RN is a vital step toward becoming a nurse anesthetist. You’ll need to spend time solidifying and applying your skills, and gain exposure to the massive variety of clinical situations that arise while working in healthcare. Most RNs looking to apply for a nurse anesthesia program spend at least one year working in a high-stakes clinical setting such as an emergency room (ER), intensive care unit (ICU), or cardiac care unit (CCU). To further their chances of being accepted to a CRNA program, many RNs earn their Critical Care Registered Nurse Certification (CCRN) from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. Earning your CCN requires at least 1,750 hours of direct critical care experience while practicing as a registered nurse.
3️⃣ ACCEPTED INTO NURSE ANESTHESIA
Admission to a nurse anesthesia program can be highly competitive, and you’ll need to meet a set of minimum requirements to be considered for acceptance. Admissions requirements vary depending on the institution offering the program. The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs recognizes nearly 150 accredited CRNA programs in the United States, so there are many options available for your CRNA training. Tuition costs can vary significantly depending on location and state residency status, so be sure you fully understand your obligations before you commit.
4️⃣ GRADUATE WITH MASTER'S IN CRNA
On average, nurse anesthesia programs typically take two to three years to complete.
CRNA programs expand on your knowledge of pharmacology, pain management, biology, and pathophysiology. You’ll gain an advanced knowledge of how medications interact, learn to operate high-tech anesthesia equipment, and expand your ability to think and act quickly in emergency situations. On top of coursework, students are required to complete supervised clinical experiences that present an array of different anesthesia situations. Just like your clinical rotations during nursing school, these are an essential ingredient in applying your knowledge to the real world. In anesthesia, small mistakes can have life-altering consequences, so it’s crucial for nurse anesthetists to receive plenty of guidance from experienced mentors.
CONCLUSION
Grace as a pre-nursing student your able to get hands-on experience with jobs in the medical field before you receive your nursing certification. If you're looking for a part-time job, consider applying for a job in a hospital or clinic that doesn't require you to be a registered nurse at this time.
• MEDICAL ASSISTANT: A medical assistant supports health professionals by performing clinical and administrative tasks. Medical tasks can include operating and sterilizing medical equipment, preparing patients for medical examinations, checking vital signs, taking blood, explaining test results or refilling prescriptions.
• NURSING ASSISTANT: A nursing assistant or nurse aide assist the nursing staff in a hospital, nursing home or other healthcare facility. They may help gather medical supplies and ensure the nursing station is fully stocked. Nursing assistants can also help with patients, moving them as needed and helping them with their bathing and grooming needs. They may deliver food, administer prescribed medications to their patients and answer the phones for the nursing station.
• PHLEBOTOMIST: A phlebotomist draws blood from patients for medical tests, transfusions, donations or research. They follow strict safety and hygiene protocols to ensure proper labeling and handling of blood samples to prevent contamination. They also maintain patient records, verify patient identity and explain procedures.
• EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN: An EMT works in an ambulance, responding to emergency calls for medical assistance. They provide first aid to patients on the scene and transport them to the hospital for further attention if needed. They assess patients' conditions to administer treatment or inform the doctors when they arrive at the hospital.
1️⃣ BACHELOR OF SCIENCE NURSING (BSN)
The first step in becoming a CRNA is earning your BSN nursing degree. Your BSN will take about four years, unless you’ve already earned your associate degree in nursing (ADN). Students enrolled in a BSN program take courses such as anatomy, pharmacology, and physiology. A bachelor-level nursing education is important to establish the fundamentals you’ll need for more advanced CRNA training. If you’re still gearing up for this stage of your nursing journey, you may want to check out our helpful guide on how to prepare for nursing school. Once you’ve earned your BSN, you must also pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to earn your nursing license on a state-by-state basis.
2️⃣ GAIN RN EXPERIENCE
After you’ve become a licensed registered nurse, gaining quality experience working as an RN is a vital step toward becoming a nurse anesthetist. You’ll need to spend time solidifying and applying your skills, and gain exposure to the massive variety of clinical situations that arise while working in healthcare. Most RNs looking to apply for a nurse anesthesia program spend at least one year working in a high-stakes clinical setting such as an emergency room (ER), intensive care unit (ICU), or cardiac care unit (CCU). To further their chances of being accepted to a CRNA program, many RNs earn their Critical Care Registered Nurse Certification (CCRN) from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. Earning your CCN requires at least 1,750 hours of direct critical care experience while practicing as a registered nurse.
3️⃣ ACCEPTED INTO NURSE ANESTHESIA
Admission to a nurse anesthesia program can be highly competitive, and you’ll need to meet a set of minimum requirements to be considered for acceptance. Admissions requirements vary depending on the institution offering the program. The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs recognizes nearly 150 accredited CRNA programs in the United States, so there are many options available for your CRNA training. Tuition costs can vary significantly depending on location and state residency status, so be sure you fully understand your obligations before you commit.
4️⃣ GRADUATE WITH MASTER'S IN CRNA
On average, nurse anesthesia programs typically take two to three years to complete.
CRNA programs expand on your knowledge of pharmacology, pain management, biology, and pathophysiology. You’ll gain an advanced knowledge of how medications interact, learn to operate high-tech anesthesia equipment, and expand your ability to think and act quickly in emergency situations. On top of coursework, students are required to complete supervised clinical experiences that present an array of different anesthesia situations. Just like your clinical rotations during nursing school, these are an essential ingredient in applying your knowledge to the real world. In anesthesia, small mistakes can have life-altering consequences, so it’s crucial for nurse anesthetists to receive plenty of guidance from experienced mentors.
CONCLUSION
Grace as a pre-nursing student your able to get hands-on experience with jobs in the medical field before you receive your nursing certification. If you're looking for a part-time job, consider applying for a job in a hospital or clinic that doesn't require you to be a registered nurse at this time.
• MEDICAL ASSISTANT: A medical assistant supports health professionals by performing clinical and administrative tasks. Medical tasks can include operating and sterilizing medical equipment, preparing patients for medical examinations, checking vital signs, taking blood, explaining test results or refilling prescriptions.
• NURSING ASSISTANT: A nursing assistant or nurse aide assist the nursing staff in a hospital, nursing home or other healthcare facility. They may help gather medical supplies and ensure the nursing station is fully stocked. Nursing assistants can also help with patients, moving them as needed and helping them with their bathing and grooming needs. They may deliver food, administer prescribed medications to their patients and answer the phones for the nursing station.
• PHLEBOTOMIST: A phlebotomist draws blood from patients for medical tests, transfusions, donations or research. They follow strict safety and hygiene protocols to ensure proper labeling and handling of blood samples to prevent contamination. They also maintain patient records, verify patient identity and explain procedures.
• EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN: An EMT works in an ambulance, responding to emergency calls for medical assistance. They provide first aid to patients on the scene and transport them to the hospital for further attention if needed. They assess patients' conditions to administer treatment or inform the doctors when they arrive at the hospital.
I'm excited to put your great advice to good use!
Grace
Michelle M.
Actress
2240
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Grace !
Congratulations on your senior year in college !
There are no "remote" jobs for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist professionals. That is something that you will have to do in person. The companies that have 24/7 nurse services via phone and internet hire nurses that have a few years of experience already having worked in a clinical setting.
Since you're in your senior year, there may be something that you've overlooked. Perhaps a stronger connection with your professors and staff is something you can start in order to learn about opportunities for work. It would be disappointing to know that your college is not doing any employment services, job placement, internship placement or providing you with leads for work. Most of the colleges have connections with outside places in their fields. You can ask your professors about any activities you can network at such as Meet and Greets, Open House, Job Fairs as well as Health Fairs which is a fabulous way to network and obtain information about submitting employment applications.
You may want to set out making a list of all of the hospitals, clinics, urgent care and doctors' offices in Portland, Maine and the nearby areas. Send a resume and cover letter to all of them. The more resumes you send out, the greater your chances are of getting your first career job.
To become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist in Portland, Maine you will first have to obtain your RN which you are doing now. Then, at the University of Maine in Portland, you take an accredited nurse anesthesia program. Then you take and pass the National Certification Exam which is from the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists. It's not a "degree" rather a certification in Portland, Maine.
Please verify this information with the professors and dean of your Nursing Department. They can further advise you.
You can probably obtain remote work doing customer service for a health product or health related company, but you will have to have a lot of experience to take patients remotely, so take things a step at a time and eventually your career will be flexible enough so that you can choose different things. It takes time and diverse experience but it will happen.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Congratulations on your senior year in college !
There are no "remote" jobs for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist professionals. That is something that you will have to do in person. The companies that have 24/7 nurse services via phone and internet hire nurses that have a few years of experience already having worked in a clinical setting.
Since you're in your senior year, there may be something that you've overlooked. Perhaps a stronger connection with your professors and staff is something you can start in order to learn about opportunities for work. It would be disappointing to know that your college is not doing any employment services, job placement, internship placement or providing you with leads for work. Most of the colleges have connections with outside places in their fields. You can ask your professors about any activities you can network at such as Meet and Greets, Open House, Job Fairs as well as Health Fairs which is a fabulous way to network and obtain information about submitting employment applications.
You may want to set out making a list of all of the hospitals, clinics, urgent care and doctors' offices in Portland, Maine and the nearby areas. Send a resume and cover letter to all of them. The more resumes you send out, the greater your chances are of getting your first career job.
To become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist in Portland, Maine you will first have to obtain your RN which you are doing now. Then, at the University of Maine in Portland, you take an accredited nurse anesthesia program. Then you take and pass the National Certification Exam which is from the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists. It's not a "degree" rather a certification in Portland, Maine.
Please verify this information with the professors and dean of your Nursing Department. They can further advise you.
You can probably obtain remote work doing customer service for a health product or health related company, but you will have to have a lot of experience to take patients remotely, so take things a step at a time and eventually your career will be flexible enough so that you can choose different things. It takes time and diverse experience but it will happen.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Susana Appiah
MIDWIFE
33
Answers
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Updated
Susana’s Answer
Hello Grace,
A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is an advanced practice nurse who provides anesthesia care in surgical, emergency, and pain management settings. The journey requires a strong academic background, clinical experience, and advanced education.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Since you're in your senior year of nursing school, you're already on the right track!
Aim for a high GPA (preferably 3.5 or higher) to stay competitive for CRNA programs.
Step 2: Pass the NCLEX-RN & Obtain RN Licensure
After graduation, take the NCLEX-RN exam to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
Apply for a state nursing license (Maine Board of Nursing).
Step 3: Gain ICU/Acute Care Experience (1–3 Years)
CRNA programs require at least one year of ICU experience (preferably in a high-acuity setting like CVICU, SICU, MICU).
Many programs prefer 2+ years of critical care experience.
Step 4: Obtain Certifications (Recommended for CRNA Applicants)
Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) – Highly recommended for CRNA applicants.
Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).
Step 5: Apply for a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Nurse Anesthesia Program
As of 2025, CRNAs must earn a DNP or DNAP (Doctorate in Nurse Anesthesia Practice) instead of a master’s degree.
Programs typically take 3 years to complete.
Top CRNA programs include:
University of New England (Portland, ME)
Duke University
University of Pittsburgh
Baylor College of Medicine
Step 6: Pass the National Certification Exam (NCE) for CRNA Licensure
After completing your doctorate, pass the CRNA board exam to practice as a nurse anesthetist.
Step 7: Secure a CRNA Job
CRNAs work in hospitals, surgical centers, pain clinics, and the military.
Salaries range from $180,000–$250,000+ per year, depending on experience and location. How to Get a Summer Internship as a Final-Year Nursing Student
A summer internship can provide valuable hands-on experience in a hospital, clinic, or research setting.
Where to Find Nursing Internships?
🔹 Hospital Internships & Nurse Residency Programs
Look for nurse externships at major hospitals like Maine Medical Center (MMC) or Boston Children’s Hospital.
Check the AACN Nurse Residency Program Directory: AACN Website
🔹 Government & Military Nursing Internships
Veterans Affairs (VA) Nursing Internship
U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS)
CDC Summer Nursing Internship
🔹 Online Job Boards
Indeed, LinkedIn, Handshake (College Career Center)
Search "Nurse Extern" or "Summer Nursing Internship"
🔹 Networking & Faculty Recommendations
Ask your professors or clinical instructors for recommendations.
Attend nursing career fairs & hospital open houses.
3. How to Find a Remote Job as a Student Nurse
Since you want a remote job as a nursing student, look for non-bedside roles that provide flexibility and relevant experience.
Best Remote Nursing Jobs for Students
🔹 Telehealth Nursing Assistant – Work remotely answering patient questions under RN supervision.
🔹 Medical Scribe (Remote) – Assist physicians by documenting patient notes during virtual consultations.
🔹 Case Management Assistant (Remote) – Help RNs coordinate patient care via phone or email.
🔹 Medical Coding & Billing (Entry-Level) – Train in ICD-10 coding for healthcare reimbursement.
🔹 Healthcare Data Entry or Virtual Assistant – Work for insurance companies, clinics, or telemedicine startups.
🔹 Research Assistant (Nursing & Public Health Studies) – Assist in data collection and analysis.
Where to Apply for Remote Nursing Jobs?
🔹 Job Boards for Remote Nursing Roles
Indeed (www.indeed.com) – Search "Remote Nursing Assistant" or "Telehealth Assistant"
FlexJobs (www.flexjobs.com) – Specializes in remote healthcare jobs
We Work Remotely (www.weworkremotely.com)
Upwork & Fiverr – Freelance medical transcription, writing, or scribing
🔹 Companies Hiring Remote Nurses
Teladoc Health – Telemedicine roles
UnitedHealth Group – Remote case management
Carenet Healthcare Services – Virtual nursing assistants
ScribeAmerica – Remote medical scribing
Next Steps for You, Grace:
Start applying for summer nursing internships ASAP – Hospital deadlines close early.
Look for remote healthcare jobs on job boards and LinkedIn networking.
Plan your CRNA career path – Focus on getting ICU experience after graduation.
Consider healthcare data & tech certifications (Google Data Analytics, Medical Coding).
A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is an advanced practice nurse who provides anesthesia care in surgical, emergency, and pain management settings. The journey requires a strong academic background, clinical experience, and advanced education.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Since you're in your senior year of nursing school, you're already on the right track!
Aim for a high GPA (preferably 3.5 or higher) to stay competitive for CRNA programs.
Step 2: Pass the NCLEX-RN & Obtain RN Licensure
After graduation, take the NCLEX-RN exam to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
Apply for a state nursing license (Maine Board of Nursing).
Step 3: Gain ICU/Acute Care Experience (1–3 Years)
CRNA programs require at least one year of ICU experience (preferably in a high-acuity setting like CVICU, SICU, MICU).
Many programs prefer 2+ years of critical care experience.
Step 4: Obtain Certifications (Recommended for CRNA Applicants)
Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) – Highly recommended for CRNA applicants.
Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).
Step 5: Apply for a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Nurse Anesthesia Program
As of 2025, CRNAs must earn a DNP or DNAP (Doctorate in Nurse Anesthesia Practice) instead of a master’s degree.
Programs typically take 3 years to complete.
Top CRNA programs include:
University of New England (Portland, ME)
Duke University
University of Pittsburgh
Baylor College of Medicine
Step 6: Pass the National Certification Exam (NCE) for CRNA Licensure
After completing your doctorate, pass the CRNA board exam to practice as a nurse anesthetist.
Step 7: Secure a CRNA Job
CRNAs work in hospitals, surgical centers, pain clinics, and the military.
Salaries range from $180,000–$250,000+ per year, depending on experience and location. How to Get a Summer Internship as a Final-Year Nursing Student
A summer internship can provide valuable hands-on experience in a hospital, clinic, or research setting.
Where to Find Nursing Internships?
🔹 Hospital Internships & Nurse Residency Programs
Look for nurse externships at major hospitals like Maine Medical Center (MMC) or Boston Children’s Hospital.
Check the AACN Nurse Residency Program Directory: AACN Website
🔹 Government & Military Nursing Internships
Veterans Affairs (VA) Nursing Internship
U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS)
CDC Summer Nursing Internship
🔹 Online Job Boards
Indeed, LinkedIn, Handshake (College Career Center)
Search "Nurse Extern" or "Summer Nursing Internship"
🔹 Networking & Faculty Recommendations
Ask your professors or clinical instructors for recommendations.
Attend nursing career fairs & hospital open houses.
3. How to Find a Remote Job as a Student Nurse
Since you want a remote job as a nursing student, look for non-bedside roles that provide flexibility and relevant experience.
Best Remote Nursing Jobs for Students
🔹 Telehealth Nursing Assistant – Work remotely answering patient questions under RN supervision.
🔹 Medical Scribe (Remote) – Assist physicians by documenting patient notes during virtual consultations.
🔹 Case Management Assistant (Remote) – Help RNs coordinate patient care via phone or email.
🔹 Medical Coding & Billing (Entry-Level) – Train in ICD-10 coding for healthcare reimbursement.
🔹 Healthcare Data Entry or Virtual Assistant – Work for insurance companies, clinics, or telemedicine startups.
🔹 Research Assistant (Nursing & Public Health Studies) – Assist in data collection and analysis.
Where to Apply for Remote Nursing Jobs?
🔹 Job Boards for Remote Nursing Roles
Indeed (www.indeed.com) – Search "Remote Nursing Assistant" or "Telehealth Assistant"
FlexJobs (www.flexjobs.com) – Specializes in remote healthcare jobs
We Work Remotely (www.weworkremotely.com)
Upwork & Fiverr – Freelance medical transcription, writing, or scribing
🔹 Companies Hiring Remote Nurses
Teladoc Health – Telemedicine roles
UnitedHealth Group – Remote case management
Carenet Healthcare Services – Virtual nursing assistants
ScribeAmerica – Remote medical scribing
Next Steps for You, Grace:
Start applying for summer nursing internships ASAP – Hospital deadlines close early.
Look for remote healthcare jobs on job boards and LinkedIn networking.
Plan your CRNA career path – Focus on getting ICU experience after graduation.
Consider healthcare data & tech certifications (Google Data Analytics, Medical Coding).