Are you seeking a flexible, fast-paced, and high-paying career in nursing? If so, becoming a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) may be right for you.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, CRNAs are the highest-paid nurses, earning an average of $203,090 annually. In addition, they have work autonomy and flexibility—two factors that make for a fulfilling career.
Let’s learn more about CRNAs and how long it takes to become one.
What Is a CRNA and What Role Do They Play in Healthcare?
CRNAs are advanced practice registered nurses with specialized training in administering anesthesia during surgical, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures.
Besides administering anesthesia, their other duties include the following:
- Taking patients’ medical histories
- Examining patients
- Ordering diagnostic tests
- Monitoring patients
- Operating medical equipment
- Analyzing test results
- Tailoring treatment plans to a patient’s condition
- Administering medications and treatments
- Evaluating a patient’s response to treatment
- Collaborating with doctors and other healthcare professionals
- Educating patients on anesthesia, pain management, recovery, and plan of care
In some states, CRNAs work under medical supervision. However, other states allow CRNAs to practice independently without supervision.
Job Opportunities for a CRNA after Completing Their Education and Training
CRNAs will find countless job opportunities after completing their education and training. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics declares CRNAs should expect a 38 percent job growth over the next decade.
They can find jobs in various settings, such as hospitals, outpatient care centers, and private practice clinics.
In hospitals, CRNAs may work in shifts to provide anesthesia care around the clock. In some cases, they may need to be on call. However, they can also work during regular business hours at private practice clinics and physician’s offices.
Timeline of Becoming a CRNA
Becoming a CRNA involves a multistep process that will take about seven to nine years to complete. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The first step is to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited nursing program, which takes an average of four years.
Step 2: Get Your Registered Nurse License
After graduating, the next step is to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and get your Registered Nurse (RN) license. Having a BSN is a requirement to sit for this exam.
Step 3: Work as a Critical Care Nurse
Once you’ve obtained your RN license, the next step is to work in a critical care setting for one to two years.
Because each CRNA program’s requirements differ, you should research your preferred CRNA program before accepting a job offer.
Here are a few questions to ask when you do your research:
- What nursing specialties does this program consider “critical care” (e.g., intensive care unit (ICU), post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), emergency room (ER), telemetry, etc.)?
- How many years of critical care experience do I need before applying?
Step 4: Go to CRNA School
Once you’ve obtained sufficient work experience, it’s time to apply to CRNA schools.
CRNA program requirements typically include the following:
- An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
- A Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score of 300 or higher
- A CV displaying professional achievements
- A writing test
- An interview with a program admissions panel
A nurse anesthetist program takes about two to three years to complete. In the program, you’ll have classwork and hands-on clinical opportunities to practice your skills in administering anesthesia.
Types of Courses Included in CRNA Educational Programs
CRNA programs are challenging and rigorous to ensure students succeed in their chosen career path. These programs include higher-level courses in science and healthcare, such as the following:
- Advanced Anatomy
- Advanced Anesthesia Pharmacology
- Advanced Health Assessment
- Anesthesia Clinical Practicum
- Anesthesia Crisis Resource Management
- Healthcare Informatics
- Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Biochemistry
- Leadership and Health Policy
- Medical Physiology & Pathology
- Obstetric, Pediatric, and Geriatric Anesthesia
- Physics for Anesthesia
- Principles of Anesthesia Practice
- Statistics and Research Methods
These courses help you prepare for your certification exam, which leads us to the next step.
Step 5: Pass the National Certification Examination
After CRNA school, the last step is to pass the National Certification Examination (NCE), which makes sure you’re ready to meet the rigorous standards of becoming a nurse anesthetist.
As long as you study diligently in CRNA school, you should be ready for the NCE, which tests your knowledge in the basic sciences, medical equipment and technology, principles of anesthesia, and anesthesia for surgical procedures and special populations.
In total, becoming a CRNA takes about seven to eight and a half years.
Here’s a recap of the timeline:
- Obtain a bachelor of science in nursing and pass the licensure exam: four years
- Work as a critical care registered nurse: one to two years
- Complete CRNA school and pass the NCE: two to three years
The journey of becoming a CRNA can be demanding but ultimately rewarding. It’s no wonder getting into CRNA programs has become highly competitive.
If you’re willing to put in the effort, you can become a CRNA and enjoy a nursing career that gives you autonomy and flexibility on top of a generous salary.
Author Bio
Arleen Veloria is a seasoned registered nurse and writer who uses her background in nursing to write engaging, authoritative health content. Through her writing, she aims to promote public health literacy. She is also a U.S. Navy Nurse Corps veteran, military wife, and mother. Visit her website or LinkedIn to learn more about her.
