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How Do I Become a CRNA?

Before you apply to anesthesia school, you should know what you’re up against. Minimum requirements for becoming a CRNA student include the following:

  • A Bachelor of Science in Nursing or other appropriate baccalaureate degree (check with the school to which you’re interested in applying).
  • A current license as a registered nurse (RN).
  • A minimum of one year of acute care experience as a registered nurse (RN).
  • Admission to an accredited nurse anesthesia education program (click here for interviews tips and click here for a list of accredited programs).

In order to, then, become a CRNA:

  • You must graduate from an accredited nurse anesthesia education program.
  • You must pass the national certifying examination following graduation.

In order to maintain your certification, you must:

  • Participate in a minimum of 40 hours of approved continuing education each two years.
  • Maintain substantial anesthesia practice.
  • Maintain current state licensure.
  • Certify that they have not developed any conditions that could adversely affect your ability to practice anesthesia.

Information obtained from AANA.com on 1/16/09

Discussion

8 comments for “How Do I Become a CRNA?”

  1. soy enfermero universitario especilista en anestesiologia,me gustaria conseguir trabajo y una beca para ser CRNa y dar el examen nacional de certificacion

    Posted by JUAN BAUTISTA CENTURION BENITEZ | January 2, 2010, 8:01 am
  2. I feel this is not too much to ask for when you are dealing with peoples lives i will gladly accept the challenge.

    Posted by nurse senegal | August 7, 2010, 9:42 pm
  3. i’m only 14 but my dream is to become a crna and i want ot no what college is best to attend?

    Posted by Dakota Valderas | October 4, 2010, 3:40 pm
  4. Dakota, there were some ranking published in 2007 (http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-nurse-anesthesia-schools/rankings) but in general I suggest you visit a few schools and see which feels like the best fit for you.

    Posted by CRNASalary.com | October 4, 2010, 4:15 pm
  5. Dakota – University of Washington has one of the top 10 medical programs in the country. Start there. Get your BSN there. If you get good grades you should have no problem getting into any other medical program for your masters. And I hope you’re good at math. There is plenty of math involved with putting people under anesthesia.
    GOOD LUCK!

    Posted by Erin | October 21, 2010, 5:34 pm
  6. I am a senior in high school and I just recently found out about CRNA’s, what is the best major to study right out of high school?

    Posted by Talon | December 13, 2010, 11:41 pm
  7. Talon – get a BSN (bachelor of science in nursing) by majoring in nursing for 4 years

    Posted by Janett | February 12, 2011, 3:46 am
  8. CRNA is certainly the hot field…but you never know what direction things go in healthcare. In nursing profession few years ago…travel nursing was the buzz…then bottom dropped out on it. Leason is….dont chase the money or whats hot because that is almost never permanent…chase what you think you could be special at.

    Carl

    Posted by Carl | May 20, 2011, 4:01 am

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