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What’s required for a CRNA ?
Hi, I’m a 9th grade girl and my all time dream is to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist #nursing #medicine
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Palak’s Answer
Hi Amaurelys,
In the general the steps are outlined below:
1) obtain a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree
2) become licensed as a registered nurse (RN) - pass NCLEX-RN exam
3) work for a minimum of 1 year in a critical care setting (average work for about 3 years)
4) gain admission into an nurse anesthesia program
5) obtain board certification and licensure (via exams)
The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists has a wealth of information: https://www.aana.com/membership/become-a-crna
Good luck.
In the general the steps are outlined below:
1) obtain a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree
2) become licensed as a registered nurse (RN) - pass NCLEX-RN exam
3) work for a minimum of 1 year in a critical care setting (average work for about 3 years)
4) gain admission into an nurse anesthesia program
5) obtain board certification and licensure (via exams)
The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists has a wealth of information: https://www.aana.com/membership/become-a-crna
Good luck.
Updated
Mary Jane’s Answer
I would note that there is an alternate pathway to becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) to the one described by Dr. Patel.
There are a number of direct-entry MSN programs which allow you to apply with a general BS degree--in other words, not a BSN. Upon completing the MSN, one can then apply to CRNA programs. Nationally, we are seeing a shift in advanced practice nursing degrees (APRN) from the Masters level to the doctoral level--in other words, DNP degrees are now required rather than MSN degrees. By 2025 all CRNAs will be required to have the doctoral degree. Taking this route, a student might complete the following:
1) Obtain BS or BA in biology, psychology, or sociology while completing the MSN prerequisite courses
2) Obtain MSN degree
3) Pass NCLEX exam to become licensed as an RN
4) Work as an RN for a year
5) Complete a DNP CRNA program
6) Obtain board certification
Whether you seek the BSN or MSN mainly depends on how fast you want to get the RN and begin working as a nurse. MSN's and DNP's typically have higher salaries and greater opportunities for advancement and leadership on the job, although some employers provide tuition assistance for employees to complete MSN and DNP degrees -- this can be a slower but cheaper path!
Read more about the change in CRNA degrees here: https://nurse.org/education/crna-doctorate-degree-2025/
There are a number of direct-entry MSN programs which allow you to apply with a general BS degree--in other words, not a BSN. Upon completing the MSN, one can then apply to CRNA programs. Nationally, we are seeing a shift in advanced practice nursing degrees (APRN) from the Masters level to the doctoral level--in other words, DNP degrees are now required rather than MSN degrees. By 2025 all CRNAs will be required to have the doctoral degree. Taking this route, a student might complete the following:
1) Obtain BS or BA in biology, psychology, or sociology while completing the MSN prerequisite courses
2) Obtain MSN degree
3) Pass NCLEX exam to become licensed as an RN
4) Work as an RN for a year
5) Complete a DNP CRNA program
6) Obtain board certification
Whether you seek the BSN or MSN mainly depends on how fast you want to get the RN and begin working as a nurse. MSN's and DNP's typically have higher salaries and greater opportunities for advancement and leadership on the job, although some employers provide tuition assistance for employees to complete MSN and DNP degrees -- this can be a slower but cheaper path!
Mary Jane recommends the following next steps: