Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

After completing your CRNA program, apply and take the CRNA exam to gain certification.

Apply for your state licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN).

Each state has different rules about licensing and certification. You can check your state’s status here and here.

In addition, CRNAs often take out their own malpractice insurance.

• Evaluate the patient prior to surgery or the procedure
• Determine the type of anesthesia to administer and maintain proper levels
• Intubate patient if needed and manage the ventilator
• Ensure equipment works accurately
• Monitor vital signs and protect the patient from injury
• Communicate patient status to the physician and operative staff

It entirely depends on the setting.  CRNAs see a wide variety of cases from children to the elderly.

1. Complete an ADN or BSN program in nursing
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for your RN license
3. Have one to two years of experience working as an RN preferably in critical care settings
4. Apply and complete either an MSN (until 2025) or DNAP program to become a CRNA
5. Apply and take your CRNA exam to gain certification and obtain licensing per your state’s rules.

American Association of Nurse Anesthetists

• Mission: “The AANA advances patient safety and our profession through excellence in practice and service to members... The AANA is dedicated to advancing its members’ profession and anesthesia patient safety through advocacy, evidence-based practice standards, professional development, and commitment to innovation, collaboration and diverse ideas, experiences, and beliefs.”
• Cost: $100-300, annually, depending on membership type.
• Perks: Access to CRNA Advocacy, Professional Practice Support, Public Relations, Publications and Resources, Continuing Education, Support for Nurse Anesthesia Education, Quality and Patient Safety, Research, Member Advantage Program, AANA Insurance Services, and more.

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Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs‍

• Mission: “To grant public recognition to nurse anesthesia programs and institutions that award post master’s certificates, master’s, and doctoral degrees that meet nationally established standards of academic quality (quality assessment); and, to assist programs and institutions in improving educational quality (quality enhancement).”
• ‍Cost: CRNA Certification Exam costs a one-time fee of $995. 
• Perks: “The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) is nationally recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) as an accrediting agency for the ‘accreditation of institutions and programs of nurse anesthesia at the post-master’s certificate, master’s, or doctoral degree levels in the United States, and its territories, including programs offering distance education.’”