[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke”][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Key Takeaways[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check” marker-color=”secondary”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become a CRNA, earn your BSN degree, gain ICU experience, complete a doctoral program, and pass the NCE exam.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Doctoral degree required as of 2025.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, CRNAs earn an average annual salary of $223,210.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Anesthesiology is the medical specialty that uses medication to numb specific areas or, in more complex procedures, put patients into a deep sleep-like state to block pain during an operation.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re intrigued, consider becoming a nurse anesthetist — officially known as a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). Although the educational path is rigorous, it leads to one of the [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/best-nursing-specialities-for-the-future/”]most lucrative nursing fields[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Explore more about what CRNAs do, how to become one, average salaries, and job prospects.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]How Long to Become[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]7-8 Years[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Degree Required[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]DNP[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Certification[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]CRNA[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is a Nurse Anesthetist?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse anesthetists are [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs)[/hen-ui-link], the same nursing category that also includes [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/best-online-nurse-practitioner-programs/”]nurse practitioners (NPs)[/hen-ui-link]. CRNAs specialize in providing anesthesia for surgeries, childbirth, trauma care, and other medical procedures. They ensure patient safety and comfort before, during, and after the procedure.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Specific duties include performing patient assessments, selecting and administering anesthetic agents, monitoring vital signs, and managing recovery. CRNAs may work independently or as part of a team alongside surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals. They practice in various settings, including hospitals, surgical and outpatient care centers, and pain management clinics.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Because becoming a CRNA requires high levels of responsibility and expertise, it requires advanced education and extensive hands-on training.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a CRNA[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become a CRNA, you must follow a specific educational and licensure path that typically spans several years. While core steps are consistent nationwide, specific program prerequisites and state licensing requirements vary.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Below is a general overview of the steps required to enter this high-demand field.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Earn a BSN Degree From an Accredited Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The first step is earning a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/best-bsn-programs-online/”]bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link] from an accredited program. A BSN is a four-year undergraduate degree that prepares students for the [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/nclex/things-to-know-about-the-nclex-exam/”]NCLEX-RN exam[/hen-ui-link] and licensure as a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]registered nurse (RN)[/hen-ui-link]. Students take courses and complete a supervised clinical experience.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Pass the NCLEX Exam to Receive RN Licensure[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After earning a BSN, you must pass the [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/nclex/guide/”]National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses[/hen-ui-link] (NCLEX-RN), which tests critical thinking and nursing knowledge, in order to become an RN. Candidates must apply through their state board of nursing and receive authorization to test.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Gain Experience in Critical Care Nursing[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To qualify for a [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-anesthetist/”]nurse anesthesia[/hen-ui-link] program, RNs must gain at least one year of full-time experience in an acute or critical care setting. (Intensive care units or ICUs are a common setting for this experience.) While surgical experience is beneficial, operating room roles alone typically do not meet admission criteria unless they include direct management of critically ill patients. New RNs can pursue [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/nursing-residency-programs/”]nurse residency programs[/hen-ui-link] or apply for ICU internships to gain this experience.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Obtain Certifications[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most RNs must obtain certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) for admission into a nurse anesthetist program. Programs may also require Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Certification must be kept current through periodic renewal and continuing education.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Enroll in a DNP or DNAP Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As of 2025, to become a CRNA, you must enroll in and complete an accredited doctoral-level nurse anesthesia program — either a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp/”]doctor of nursing practice (DNP)[/hen-ui-link] or a doctor of nurse anesthesia practice (DNAP) to qualify for certification. The programs typically take three years to complete, including combined advanced classroom instruction with hands-on clinical training. Admission is highly competitive. Programs are offered by various universities and medical centers.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Receive CRNA Licensure[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After graduating from an accredited DNP or DNAP program, aspiring CRNAs must pass the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nbcrna.com/students/nbcrna-certification” target=”_blank”]National Certification Examination[/hen-ui-link] (NCE) administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA), which results in earning the certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) credential. State licensure requirements vary by state but typically include proof of national certification, a current RN license, and a background check.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Nurse Anesthetist Education[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse anesthetists must complete a rigorous education that builds advanced clinical and academic skills. At a minimum, this includes a BSN, followed by a doctoral degree. While some programs offer accelerated options, most take 7-10 years to finish.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As of 2025, all new candidates must graduate from an accredited doctoral-level program to be eligible for certification.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]BSN Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A BSN is the four-year, foundational degree required for anyone pursuing a career as a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), preparing graduates for licensure as registered nurses (RNs) and future admission into a doctoral-level nurse anesthesia program. [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/” target=”_blank”]Earning a BSN[/hen-ui-link] is the first step on the CRNA path and is required by accredited nurse anesthesia programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Admission Requirements: [/hen-ui-text]Many BSN programs require a high school diploma with a minimum 3.0 GPA.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Curriculum: [/hen-ui-text]BSN programs typically include foundational courses in anatomy and physiology, biology, and statistics, plus leadership, ethics, and evidence-based practice courses.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Time to Complete: [/hen-ui-text]High school graduates usually complete the program in four years; ADN, RN, or another bachelor’s degree candidates can complete the BSN in less than two years.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Skills Learned: [/hen-ui-text]Clinical assessment and diagnosis, medication administration, pharmacology, critical thinking, clinical decision-making, communication, evidence-based practice, leadership, infection control, cultural competency, and ethical care.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]DNP or DNAP Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp/” target=”_blank”]doctoral degree[/hen-ui-link] is required to become a CRNA. These advanced degrees provide in-depth training in anesthesia techniques, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and clinical decision-making, along with supervised clinical practice hours.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Admission Requirements: [/hen-ui-text]Candidates must have a BSN with a minimum 3.0 GPA and at least one year of full-time acute care experience.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Curriculum: [/hen-ui-text]Advanced courses in pharmacology, physiology, and pathophysiology, plus specialized courses in anesthesia care, patient safety, and clinical practice.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Time to Complete: [/hen-ui-text]BSN graduates take a minimum of three years to complete a doctorate; candidates with an MSN can finish in 1-2 years.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Skills Learned: [/hen-ui-text]Comprehensive anesthesia techniques, advanced patient assessment, airway management, ventilator support, pharmacologic expertise, crisis management, clinical leadership.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]CRNA Licensure and Certification[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To practice as a nurse anesthetist, you must hold both national certification and state licensure. This requires an active RN license and a doctoral degree (DNP or DNAP) to sit for the national certification exam. Each state sets its own requirements for maintaining RN licensure.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After passing the certification exam, you can apply for CRNA licensure through your state’s board of nursing. To stay certified and licensed, CRNAs must complete the NBCRNA’s [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nbcrna.com/certification-programs/cpc” target=”_blank”]Continued Professional Certification[/hen-ui-link] (CPC) program, which includes 100 continuing education credits every four years and a knowledge assessment every eight years.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]CRNA Salary and Career Outlook[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]New CRNAs can find job opportunities through professional networks, online job boards, and the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) career center.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Joining state or national nurse anesthesia associations can provide access to job postings, mentorship, and continuing education. Gaining clinical experience in high-acuity settings during your training may also improve job prospects, especially in competitive markets. Employers often seek candidates who demonstrate strong decision-making, adaptability, and the ability to work independently or in team-based environments.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CRNAs work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, outpatient surgical centers, pain management clinics, and rural health facilities. Responsibilities can vary widely depending on the setting and scope of practice allowed by state law.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As of May 2024, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports nurse anesthetists earned an average annual salary of $223,210. However, [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-anesthetist/salary/”]CRNA salaries[/hen-ui-link] depend on geographic location, position, employer, and other potential factors.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Discover the five highest-paying states for CRNAs, according to the BLS.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]CRNA Average Salary Data, Highest-Paying States[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]U.S. State[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Annual Salary[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”U.S. State”]Massachusetts[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$292,390[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”U.S. State”]Washington[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$276,110[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”U.S. State”]Vermont[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$272,180[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”U.S. State”]Alaska[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$268,970[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”U.S. State”]New Jersey[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$268,310[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About How to Become a CRNA[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How many years does it take to become a CRNA?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) typically takes 7-10 years. This includes earning a BSN (four years), gaining 1-2 years of critical care experience, and completing a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) or DNAP program, each of which generally takes three years.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is CRNA school harder than nursing?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, CRNA school is significantly harder than basic nursing school. It builds on foundational nursing knowledge with advanced coursework in physiology, pharmacology, and anesthesia practice. The programs are highly competitive, academically rigorous, and require extensive clinical training to prepare students for independent anesthesia care.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is becoming a CRNA financially worth it?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, becoming a CRNA can be highly lucrative. With average annual salaries exceeding $250,000, CRNAs are among the highest-paid nursing professionals. While earning a doctorate is costly and demanding, the long-term earning potential and job stability can make it a sound investment.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the shortest CRNA program?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The shortest accredited CRNA programs can be completed in about 21-24 months. These are typically post-master’s DNP or DNAP tracks. However, most students spend 36 months earning a doctoral degree, which requires prerequisite coursework, clinical hours, and hands-on anesthesia practice.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]