How to Become a Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): Education, Licensing, and Career Guide

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice nurses trained to administer anesthesia and manage patient care before, during, and after surgical procedures. With one of the highest levels of autonomy and compensation in nursing, the CRNA role attracts motivated professionals seeking meaningful, hands-on roles in perioperative care.

According to the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, CRNAs administer over 50 million anesthetics annually in the U.S., often serving as the primary anesthesia providers in rural and underserved areas.

This guide outlines everything you need to know about becoming a CRNA—from education and clinical requirements to certification and job outlook.

> Explore Go-Elective Pre-Nursing Internships and Nursing Electives Abroad

What Is a CRNA?

CRNA stands for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, a highly trained nursing professional who provides anesthesia services in surgical settings, pain clinics, trauma centers, and more. CRNAs work closely with physicians, surgeons, and dentists to create and execute safe anesthesia care plans.

What Does a Nurse Anesthetist Do?

CRNAs play a vital role in the surgical team. Their responsibilities include:

• Assessing patients before surgery
• Administering anesthesia and monitoring vital signs
• Adjusting anesthetic levels during procedures
• Overseeing recovery and pain management
• Educating patients and families on anesthesia and recovery

They may also take on administrative, teaching, and leadership roles within healthcare institutions.

How to Become a CRNA: Step-by-Step Pathway

Starting in 2025, all new CRNAs must earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP)—a change from the current MSN standard. Here’s how to meet the full set of requirements.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

A BSN lays the foundation for advanced nursing practice. These 4-year programs cover anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and clinical training. It’s also recommended to pursue opportunities like nursing internships abroad for early clinical exposure and global health experience.

Step 2: Pass the NCLEX-RN

After completing your BSN, you’ll need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a licensed registered nurse (RN).

Step 3: Gain Critical Care Experience

Most CRNA programs require at least one year of full-time RN experience in an ICU, trauma unit, or another high-acuity setting. This experience builds clinical judgment and teaches you how to manage complex patient scenarios—essential for anesthesia practice.

✅ Tip: ICU experience with ventilator management, invasive monitoring, and titration of vasoactive medications is especially valuable.

Step 4: Earn CCRN Certification (Optional but Recommended)

The Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) credential isn’t required by every CRNA program but is highly respected. It demonstrates your competence in critical care and can make your application stand out.

Step 5: Take the GRE (if required)

Some CRNA programs require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Be sure to check each school’s admissions criteria and aim for competitive scores based on their averages.

Step 6: Apply to Accredited CRNA Programs

There are 120+ accredited nurse anesthesia programs in the U.S., typically lasting 3 years and culminating in a DNP or DNAP. Look for programs with diverse clinical placements, supportive faculty, and high board pass rates.

Be mindful of:

• Clinical rotation locations
• Tuition and funding options
• Prerequisites (e.g., coursework, certifications, minimum ICU hours)

Step 7: Complete CRNA School

CRNA school combines rigorous classroom learning with extensive clinical training (minimum 2,000 hours and 600+ anesthesia cases). You’ll be exposed to general, regional, and monitored anesthesia care in a variety of surgical specialties.

Step 8: Pass the National Certification Examination (NCE)

Upon graduation, you’ll take the NCE, administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). Passing the NCE is required for national certification and state licensure.

Licensure and Certification

Once you’ve passed the NCE:

• Apply for licensure through your state’s board of nursing
• Maintain certification with continuing education (100 CE hours every 4 years)
• Renew clinical practice authority every 8 years through recertification

What Skills Do CRNAs Need?

In addition to technical proficiency, CRNAs must demonstrate:

• Advanced critical thinking
• Excellent communication skills
• Calmness under pressure
• Detail-oriented decision-making
• Compassion and empathy
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively

CRNA Salary and Job Outlook

CRNAs are among the highest-paid nursing professionals in the U.S.

• Median salary: $189,180 per year
• Top earners: $220,000+
• Job growth: Projected 45% increase by 2032 (BLS)

Salaries vary based on experience, location, and practice setting. Rural and underserved areas often offer higher wages due to increased demand.

Top CRNA Schools in the U.S. (Ranked 2024)

Some of the most respected CRNA programs include:

• Duke University
• Baylor College of Medicine
• Virginia Commonwealth University
• Rush University
• University of Pittsburgh
• University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
• Georgetown University
• U.S. Army Graduate Program in Anesthesia Nursing

Explore a full list on the COA’s website.

Get a Head Start with Nursing Internships Abroad

Competitive CRNA programs value applicants with diverse clinical experience and community service. One of the best ways to gain meaningful exposure is through a nursing internship abroad with Go Elective.

In Kenya or Tanzania, Go Elective interns:

• Shadow experienced nurses in high-volume hospitals
• Assist in maternal health, emergency, surgery, and infectious disease wards
• Learn in low-resource environments that challenge adaptability and problem-solving
• Participate in public health education and community outreach

These immersive programs build both competence and confidence—and provide compelling talking points for your CRNA school interviews and applications.

Final Thoughts: Is a CRNA Career Right for You?

Becoming a CRNA is a long and challenging journey, but it leads to a deeply rewarding and impactful career. If you thrive in high-pressure environments, enjoy working autonomously, and want to play a central role in patient care, this path may be the perfect fit.

Start laying the foundation early with strong academics, ICU experience, and global clinical exposure. To learn more, explore Go Elective’s nursing internships and take the first step toward your career as a nurse anesthetist.

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Recent Articles , Pre-health, Nursing Internships,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Jun 15, 2025