Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
June 19, 2007
A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist is someone who administers anesthesia to patients. They collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentists and podiatrists to safely administer anesthesia medications. For additional information, please refer to the Nurse Anesthetist discussion thread.
Median Annual Salary
$134,820
Educational Requirements
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Successful completion of a CRNA program (24-36 months). Prior to admission into a CRNA program, applicants should have already completed the following: BSN or other appropriate baccalaureate degree, hold a current RN license, and have one year’s experience in critical care nursing.
Search our job listings for nurse anesthetist positions.
Check out this site for further information on advancing your nursing education.
Related Organizations
American Association of Nurses Anesthetists
Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists
American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses
International Federation of Nurse Anesthetists
British Anaesthetic and Recovery Nurses Association
crna99
7 days ago
2 comments
Listen Kids. I've was a critical care nurse for 10 years prior to going to CRNA school. I've been out for almost 2 years. If you want to go to CRNA school...you need to be serious about it. It's not just a 'fantasy" job or an easy degree to get and it keeps getting harder every year. I made straight A's my entire life...including college. I had a minor in Biology. It was one of the only reasons I was a good candidate for CRNA school. The chemistry that you take for nursing is "dummy" chemistry. So don't think that it's completion will be your friend for getting into CRNA school. You need your 4 year degree in Nursing and atleast 2 years critical care experience if you want to know what the hell you are doing before getting in. You also need to brush up on your gen chem and organic chem as related to physiology. And you need to have a DAMN good grasp of pharmacology. CRNA schools are typically 2.5 years once you get accepted. And it is hell every step of the way. I'm not going to sugarcoat it.
So...If you want to be a CRNA...you MUST be committed. It's hard and It's expensive. Get your nursing experience early because if you don't you hurt yourself immensely.
sarahhhx3
20 days ago
2 comments
How long do you have to go to school to become a Prenatal nurse?
btison
24 days ago
4 comments
Mary,
There are several resources that can list the CRNA programs closest to you: http://www.crnadirect.com/CRNA_schools/ -or-
www.aana.com
To me it looks like you have great experience, but from what I understand most CRNA programs want critical care experience. Neonate-ICU, ICU, Neuro-ICU, Cardio-ICU, etc. You should just contact the program closest to you and check their requirements. Good Luck!
MARYMOUNTGIRL
27 days ago
2 comments
hello ! i am a registered nurse licensed in GA, IL and TEXAS. I HAVE WORKED AS AN AGENCY NURSE SINCE 2006 in oncology, adult post surgical units and longterm care facilities. i also have over eight years experience in emergency room mental health care and crisis therapy experience. i will like to becom a nurse anesthetist can anyone refer a good certification program
reversenayr
about 1 month ago
22 comments
Hi! im a registered nurse here in the Philippines. I am presently working as an ICU nurse here. can anyone help me land a nursing job in the USA?
btison
about 1 month ago
4 comments
To get into a CRNA program you must be an RN working in some type of ICU for at least a year. There are some schools that will allow an associates in nursing if you have a bachelors in an "appropriate" field. Those schools are few so I would get your BSN to increase the number of places you can apply. CRNA is all chemistry and physiology, so the more classes you can take in those areas the better your application looks. Once you have your degree and and your experience you have to take the GRE and do really well on it. Plan ahead and study, don't take it blind. For those of you looking at having to move, many of the schools do their clinicals at hospitals outside the state the university is located. The program I am looking at in Texas has the first years bookwork and year and a half clinicals located in Oklahoma where I am. So, you may not have to move at all or at least not for very long. CRNA is exciting and very lucrative, so alot of people are interested in applying. The better your grades and the more you can do to set yourself apart the better your chances of getting in. There are not many schools in the country and competition is tough and getting tougher. I think CRNA is a better path than medical school, c4cleo, 4 years BS, 4 years medical school, 5 years residency, you might make 250k but you'll pay 50k in malpractice. CRNA: 4 years BSN, 1 year work, 2.5 years CRNA school then you're working making 150k with NO malpractice. I was torn between the same choices but after completing my BS in Biology I went for nursing and CRNA. Good luck to all!
Jonatshaja
2 months ago
8 comments
I've got a high school diploma and some college under my belt...I'm just trying to find the best way to become a CRNA. I have been in love with nursing for a while now... I really would love to do some hospital assisting job while I get my pre reqs..but I have not certification. :(
Any ideas job ideas medically related that I can do... I have lots of real world experience...my son who is fine was born with ESRD...so Im very familiar with hospital settings and protocol. I'll be getting married in May and starting school full time then for nursing...just wanted to get my foot in the door in meantime.
mikeriveraprod
2 months ago
12 comments
Two to three years for traning, it's like taking another BSN, I think i'll just take a master's degree
alewis5
2 months ago
2 comments
im interested in nursing career but i dont know how to get start and i need more inforemations on how to start because . if someone could please give me some info i would greatly appreciate it
sumitra
2 months ago
4 comments
Hi , i am currently a nursing student . I am interested in pursuing my future career in being an anesthesia nurse . Passing out as an RN in a year's time.
aironside
4 months ago
2 comments
It is true that NP's are almost doctors, but a CRNA is almost an anesthesiologist, which is the highest paid doctor.
Business2CNA
4 months ago
30 comments
Why does a CRNA make more than a NP? Isnt a NP a higher level of Nursing than a CRNA? NP seems to be almost a doctor to me prescribe meds and have own practice that pay sucks NP pay is close to RN pay.
JENNY20
5 months ago
2 comments
about how long do you have to be in college before you are a certified registered nurse anesthetist?
normienurse
5 months ago
16 comments
Don't put yourself down aliciamiller!!! when you say "all I have is a GED!!!" Getting your GED is a huge accomplishment and you should be proud of yourself! Go for it!
normienurse
5 months ago
16 comments
I just graduated from a 2 year college with an Associate's degree. I passed the NCLEX and now I am an official RN! I'm going back to school to get my BSN in 1 year-many schools have a 1 year RN to BSN program, then I'm applying for my master's to get my CRNA. I'm 36, a single mom, if I can do it, any of you can! Good luck! If I can help with any questions, please contact me!