Take a closer look at what CRNAs do and how to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist.

What Is a CRNA?

A CRNA is a type of advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). CRNAs specialize in administering anesthesia and other pain medications to patients during surgeries and other procedures, including labor and childbirth. The typical responsibilities of a CRNA include:

• Consulting with the patient prior to surgery, evaluating risks, and reviewing medical history
• Providing patient education and obtaining informed consent
• Calculating the correct dosages of anesthetics
• Administering medications and providing airway management
• Monitoring the patient during and after surgery

A CRNA may work in a large hospital or a dedicated surgery center. Some work for specialty practices, such as gastroenterology offices or plastic surgery specialists.

How Much Do CRNAs Make?

CRNAs are among the most highly compensated nurses. This is due to their advanced education and training, as well as the crucial role they play during operations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for nurse anesthetists was $223,210 as of May 2024.

How Long Does It Take to Become a CRNA?

If you already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 54 non-nursing college credits, it will take less time to become a CRNA compared to someone enrolling in a traditional four-year BSN program. Concordia’s ABSN program enables you to graduate in as few as 16 months. You’ll then need to complete other steps to become a CRNA.

Your entire timeline may involve the following:

• Earn a BSN: In as few as 16 months with Concordia University, St. Paul’s ABSN
• Obtain an RN license: Variable; take the NCLEX-RN within several months of graduation
• Gain clinical experience: Two to three years
• Earn a master’s degree: Two to four years, depending on whether you are a part-time or full-time student
• Earn a doctorate: Three to five years
• Obtain board certification and an APRN license: Variable

How to Become a CRNA

To become a CRNA, you first need to become a registered nurse. The process begins with understanding your options for your nursing education.

1. Research Your Nursing School Options and Apply

There are two main options for becoming an RN: Earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). It takes less time to earn an associate degree, but the problem with an ADN is that it doesn’t allow you to pursue graduate-level education, which is required of future CRNAs.

Instead, look for a program that confers a BSN like Condordia University, St. Paul’s ABSN program. Explore the admission requirements, and then reach out to an admissions advisor for help navigating the application process.

2. Earn a BSN

Our ABSN program compresses nursing education into 16 consecutive months, so be prepared for a fast pace. You’ll learn nursing theories and concepts during didactic coursework, which you can complete online. You’ll visit our ABSN learning center, either in Portland, Oregon, or St. Paul, Minnesota, for in-person learning components like on-campus nursing skills labs. These labs teach you how to perform nursing tasks like taking vital signs, inserting IV lines, and performing assessments.

Lastly, you’ll complete a series of clinical learning experiences at nearby healthcare facilities. During your clinical learning, you’ll interact with patients and perform nursing tasks under close supervision. While working shifts at nearby hospitals, you’ll gain confidence in your skills and develop a stronger sense of professionalism and nursing ethics, as well.

3. Earn Your State Nursing License

After graduating with a BSN, you can apply for authorization to test from the state board of nursing. This allows you to schedule your test date for the NCLEX-RN, the licensure exam you must pass to earn licensure. It’s best to choose the next available test date, which is generally within several months of graduation. A passing score allows you to obtain your state-issued nursing license.

4. Gain Clinical Experience

You should plan on getting at least a couple of years of clinical experience before taking the next academic step in your career. Look for nursing jobs that provide you with experience that will be valuable for your future career as a CRNA. For example, nursing jobs working with surgical patients as a perioperative nurse are a good option.

5. Earn an MSN and DNP

When you’re ready to head back to school, you’ll need to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Nurses often enroll in school on a part-time basis while continuing to work. If you choose this option, your employer may offer tuition reimbursement.

The next step in the process of becoming a certified registered nurse anesthetist is earning a doctorate degree. Future CRNAs can choose from a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or a Doctor of Nursing Anesthesia Practice (DNAP). Either will qualify you to become a CRNA.

6. Earn Board Certification and an APRN License

All types of APRNs must pass a board certification exam, and CRNAs are no exception. The National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) administers the National Certification Examination for future nurse anesthetists. After you pass this exam, you can apply for your state-issued APRN license.

Earn Your BSN Faster at Concordia University, St. Paul

Concordia University, St. Paul can accelerate your journey toward becoming a nurse. Our comprehensive curriculum allows you to develop a firm foundation in key nursing competencies. Our ABSN program uses a hybrid learning approach, with online didactic classes and applied learning experiences in immersive environments. You can hone your nursing skills in labs equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and you’ll also benefit from solid NCLEX prep.

Contact our admissions advisors today to find out if our ABSN program could be the right choice for you.