Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) play a vital role on the healthcare team, working hand-in-hand with anesthesiologists to administer anesthesia and monitor patients during surgeries and procedures. CRNAs are in demand all over the United States—in fact, according to the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA), the market for CRNAs will grow by nearly 38% by 2032. Wellhart staffs locations across the country with locum tenens CRNAs, so if you’re interested in capitalizing on this demand and wondering how many years it takes to become a CRNA nurse, here’s a guide on how to become a CRNA.
What is a CRNA?
CRNAs are a type of advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who work alongside anesthesiologists to administer anesthesia to patients and monitor them during procedures. Typically, a CRNA is responsible for examining the patient before an operation, educating the patient on the use of anesthesia, maintaining the patient while under anesthesia, and caring for them afterwards.
A Guide on How to Become a CRNA
To become a CRNA, you must first graduate with a baccalaureate or graduate degree in nursing from an accredited university. After you earn your nursing degree, you must then procure an unencumbered license as a registered nurse (RN), which takes a few steps:
- Take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX)
- Apply for and secure a nursing license in the state in which you wish to practice
Once you’re a licensed RN, you then must work for at least one full year as an RN in a critical care setting, according to the AANA. But to become a CRNA, there’s still a few steps left. While you’re working as an RN, or after your one year of clinical experience, you must enroll in a master’s degree nurse anesthesia educational program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) and earn your degree.
After you’ve completed that, you’re almost ready to begin working as a CRNA, but first, you need to take and pass the national certification exam administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). Once you’ve done that, it’s time to apply for CRNA licensure in the state you wish to practice, the requirements for which differ from state to state.
How long does it take to become a CRNA?
It takes about seven to 10 years to complete all the requirements to become a CRNA.
How long it takes to become a CRNA is dependent on the four years needed to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing, the year of clinical experience you must have as an RN, and the graduate CRNA educational program you must complete, which typically takes about three years.
If you’re looking for how to become a CRNA fast, know that there are intense educational and clinical requirements that come with becoming one of these crucial providers. As a CRNA, you are responsible for administering anesthesia and monitoring patients—a high-stakes task that requires comprehensive knowledge of your field.
How long is CRNA school?
A graduate CRNA program typically lasts around three years, but this is a mix of classroom learning and clinical experience.
In CRNA school, you’ll take classes on becoming a nurse anesthetist, but after you’ve finished your education, you’ll need to complete a clinical anesthesia residency. In that role, you’ll take a hands-on approach to learning about what it means to be a working CRNA, learning important skills along the way.
Is CRNA harder than nursing school?
This is a subjective question that depends on what areas of science and healthcare you’re most skilled or interested in. As advanced practice providers, CRNAs have more specialized responsibilities than your typical RN, so the education is more focused and could be difficult depending on your personal competencies.
What is the scope of practice for CRNAs?
It depends on the state in which the CRNA is practicing. CRNAs are subject to state laws that mandate whether or not they can practice independently, but usually they practice under the supervision of an anesthesiologist.
CRNAs work with anesthesiologists to educate the patient on the use of anesthesia before a procedure, administer anesthesia, monitor the patient who is under anesthesia, and care for them post-operation.
What exams do CRNAs need to take?
The main exams that CRNAs focus on are the NCLEX and the national certification exam (NCE) administered by the NBCRNA. The former is the exam to become a registered nurse, while the latter is the exam to become a CRNA specifically. The Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) offers the NCLEX.
The NCLEX exam utilizes computerized adaptive testing (CAT) technology to measure an applicant’s knowledge and skills as a nurse. The NCE, however, specifically tests the knowledge and abilities for those in the nurse anesthesia field. Just like the NCLEX, the NCE uses CAT technology in 100 to 170 questions, with a three hour time limit.
What licenses do CRNAs need?
While it varies by state, CRNAs need a license to practice as a RN or APRN, along with certification from the NBCRNA. Licenses to practice as a nurse come from each state, so having a license in one state may not be valid in another.
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) allows CRNAs to work in multiple states easily. Nurses can practice in multiple states designated as compact states. Most states have the NLC, the only states to not have NLC enacted is Nevada, Oregon, and a few U.S. territories. A few of them have pending NLC legislation, awaiting implementation or partial implementation.
What are the continuing education requirements for CRNAs?
CRNAs must renew their credentials with the NBCRNA through their CPC Program. The CPC program is an eight-year program. It allows CRNAs to complete 100 credits every four years. Of the 100 credits, 60 of them are Class A credits and 40 of them are Class B credits.
It also includes a CPC Assessment every eight years. This identifies any areas that need additional study and is a performance standard assessment of the four modules. The modules in the CPC program dive into airway management, applied clinical pharmacology, human physiology and pathophysiology, and anesthesia equipment/technology/safety.
How much does a CRNA make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse anesthetists—or CRNAs—make about $214,200 per year in the U.S. This varies by state, and they report that Illinois is the top paying state for CRNAs at $281,240 per year. If you’re still wondering “how much does a CRNA earn?” check out our CRNA salary guide.
Locum tenens CRNAs typically make more than their permanent counterparts, because they work short- or long-term assignments at facilities that need their expertise quickly. This often leads to facilities paying a higher premium for locums.
Find Your Next Locum Tenens CRNA Job with Wellhart
Are you a CRNA looking for a job? Check out our job board to see available positions all over the United States.
This article was written by Desirae Sin in June 2024 and was updated by Mike Connors in January 2025 to reflect updated information.