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Dear Cindy,
I am an AD RN (nine years’ experience, short time in neuro ICU, remainder of time in psych). I also hold an MS in microbiology/biological sciences, with 10 years of teaching at a community college. Does a program exist whereby I might fast-track to obtain a CRNA?Rather than having to acquire a BSN, then an MSN, then a CRNA?
I have always wanted the CRNA after the RN, but I don’t have the time for all the separate degrees! I’m quite anxious to beginand would greatly appreciate any insight you could offer.
Sincerely, Terry
Dear Terry,
You don’t need a master’s degree to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). But there is no fast-track option—nurse anesthesia programs require a BSN or another appropriate baccalaureate degree (the program determines “appropriate”), as well as an RN license and a minimum of one year of acute care nursing experience. Programs take 2–3yearsto complete. According to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA), programs housed in schools of nursing generally require a BSN, but those housed outside of schools of nursing may accept a bachelor’s degree in biology or another scienceor other fields it deems acceptable.
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You would need to contact the program directly to see if you’re a candidate and could meet the admission requirements. To become certified, you must graduate from an a nurse anesthesia educational program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) and pass the certification examination administered by the National Board ofCertification & Recertificationfor Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).
