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What is a Nurse Anesthetist?

Nurse Anesthetist or Certified Nurse Anesthetist is a nurse practitioner specializing in the field of study known as anesthesia.  In the practice of medicine, anesthesia is defined as a temporary state being induced to lose sensation and/or awareness.  A Nurse Anesthetist are trained to provide a range of anesthesia under the supervision of a qualified health professional such as a podiatrist, physician, dentist or anesthesiologist.   Nurse Anesthetists is a type of Advanced Practice Registered Nurse and are well-respected and highly compensated medical professionals.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$164,030

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

77.40%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

39,860

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Nurse Anesthetist Degree

University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA) is recognized as a great institution of higher learning and research. Penn houses the first medical school and one of the pioneer centers of technological invention. The university fosters an interdisciplinary curriculum across all academic programs. Penn also offers continuing education, distance learning, summer programs, and international programs. It offers a top rated nursing anesthesia program. The program is designed to prepare students in learning and adapting the full scope of nurse anesthesia practice across diverse clinical settings. Penn’s state of the art simulation center and robust clinical rotation contribute to the academic excellence of the program. 

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Duke University (Durnham, NC) is a private university offering a wide range of academic programs. It is affiliated with the United Methodist church and its teachings have an influence on the university’s values and curriculum. The university’s School of Nursing offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees on nursing as well as Doctor of Nursing Practice. Duke's Doctor of Nursing Practice offers opportunities for advanced education including specialization in Nurse Anesthesia. The university prepares its students to gain necessary skills and knowledge giving the students the edge to pass the CRNA certification examination.  

Acceptance Rate

7.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Georgetown University (Washington, DC) is a recognized private university. It has a wide range of academic programs that allows students to choose the most suited major for them. Georgetown is the oldest Catholic and Jesuit university in the United States. For nursing, GU offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs for the discipline. The School of Nursing & Health Studies also offers several non-degree educational opportunities -- certificates, minors, and courses. Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice is granted in the university. It is a three-year full-time program packed with coursework, clinical experience, and immersion to further enhance the skills of nursing professionals. GU offers one of the top 10 nurse anesthesia program according to U.S. News & World Report.

Acceptance Rate

14.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA) extends its highly recognized academic programs across two main campuses and several educational centers located in Southern California. USC is also one of the oldest research universities in the United States. The university’s strong medical-health and science programs are renowned because of its contributions to new discoveries and innovations. The Keck School of Medicine offers a nurse anesthesia program. The program is designed to provide scholarly education and professional development to future nurse anesthetists. Different levels of clinical residency are integrated into the program curriculum allowing students to be competent and skilled in this nursing discipline. 

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Emory University (Atlanta, GA) is a private university that provides a long list of academic programs for students of both undergraduate and graduate studies. The university is the second oldest private university in the state. It is organized into nine schools and colleges. The university is affiliated with Emory Healthcare which is the largest healthcare system in GA assisting Emory to provide top notch medical and allied health programs. DNP, Nurse Anesthesia Program is a 36-month full time program that provides a full scope of advanced training to nursing professionals. Aside from technical skills, foundation in business and leadership is also integrated in the curriculum. 

Acceptance Rate

15.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Boston College (Chestnut, MA) offers several undergraduate programs that are ranked among the best in the United States. BC also fosters an active research culture. The institution embraces a tradition of excellence in education based on Jesuit origins. The Connell School of Nursing offers a wide range of academic degree programs including specialized programs. Nurse Anesthesia in BC is a 27-month program for nurses who aim to further their skills and knowledge. The program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. The school and the Associated Physicians of Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians collaborated to provide students top notch education for this particular discipline.

Acceptance Rate

27.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Northeastern University (Boston, MA) is a private university that fosters interdisciplinary and experiential learning. The university allows students to engage in cooperative education programs and student research, and experience global learning and service learning. Most of NEU’s research activities focus on health, security and sustainability. The university offers a long list of undergraduate and graduate programs including doctoral. The Nurse Anesthesia degree is a three-year professional doctoral program in the university. The program encourages interdisciplinary collaboration with other healthcare disciplines. The curriculum includes academics, research, and clinical experience.

Acceptance Rate

18.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Villanova University (Villanova, PA) is a private Catholic higher education institution that offers a wide range of academic disciplines. It is considered the oldest Catholic university in the state. The university has a comprehensive post-baccalaureate program in nurse anesthesia. The university aims to provide the local community and beyond with competent nurse anesthetists. Therefore, this graduate program provides education that is designed from a strong background in scientific and theoretical knowledge and extensive clinical experience. 

Acceptance Rate

28.24

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, OH) is a private research university that houses a wide range of academic programs for students to choose from. The university has programs taught in conjunction with University Circle institutions which includes several medical and art centers. The Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing offers bachelor’s and master's degrees in nursing. Nurse anesthesia is one of the disciplines offered under the master’s program. The curriculum adopts a direct patient care practice allowing students to experience a hands-on training and real-life practice as future nurse anesthetists. Students are also welcome to continue learning through doctoral programs. 

Acceptance Rate

27.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Wake Forest University (Winston Salem, NC) is a private research university with 42 majors and programs offered across six colleges and schools. Wake Forest is listed under the top 30 best national universities in the United States by the U.S. News & World Report. The school has a large number of degree programs for students and has an active research program. School of Medicine offers a doctoral program in Nurse Anesthesia. It is a three-year full time program leading to a Doctor of Nursing Practice. The curriculum is designed with a year of distance education and two years of on-campus education including clinical courses. 

Acceptance Rate

29.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Florida State University (Tallahassee, FL) is a public research university that offers a student-centered education. The university offers it academic programs across regional campuses and academic centers. The Master's of Science in Nurse Anesthesia is offered at the Panama City campus. Students are provided with didactic instructions and given training at a clinical simulation lab. The university has a limited number of students every year. 

Acceptance Rate

35.97

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

Texas Christian University (Fort Worth, TX) is a private Christian university that fosters a liberal arts curriculum. The university also has a highly active research program. Nursing and Education are some of the popular majors in TCU. Many students also choose to take double majors. The university offers a doctoral degree and a post-graduate certificate for the nurse anesthesia degree program. The program is managed by Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences. Students are given online and on-campus coursework, simulation experiences and clinical residency for this program. 

Acceptance Rate

47.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Fairfield University (Fairfield, CT) is a Catholic university offering bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees through its five schools and colleges. One of these five is the Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies. It offers one of the most popular programs in the university -- nursing. Nursing programs include a doctoral degree in nursing practice. The program is focused on nurse anesthesia which aims to prepare students to be certified registered nurse anesthetists and healthcare leaders. The curriculum is delivered by industry experts allowing students to learn a variety of skill sets and academic knowledge. 

Acceptance Rate

57.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus (Pittsburg, PA) is a public university that offers many undergraduate and graduate degree programs across a wide range of academic disciplines. Pitt has been recognized as one of the best universities in the country for its academic and research programs. The university provides comprehensive nursing programs from undergraduate to doctoral as well as professional degrees. Pitt offers the Doctor of Nursing Practice Nurse Anesthesia program. It fosters a curriculum that includes a didactic component integrated with cutting edge simulation and clinical experiences. The university’s School of Nursing aims to provide superior education for its students by providing state of the art facilities and having industry experts as faculty. 

Acceptance Rate

56.65

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Gonzaga University (Spokane, WA) is a private Catholic university that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. The university integrates liberal arts as its core curriculum. The university also provides experiential learning opportunities for interested students. Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice is a program designed for RNs who aim to expand their careers in the field. Aside from being skilled nurse anesthesia practitioners, nurses are also prepared to be leaders in the industry. Graduates are eligible to take the National Certification Examination.

Acceptance Rate

61.7

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

University of South Florida-Main Campus (Tampa, FL) is a public university under the State University System of Florida. The university offers programs for all degree levels and it is also very active on its research initiatives. This public university has been recognized as the “Harvard of the South”. USF offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Nurse Anesthesia program. Instructions are delivered in both classroom and clinical settings. Nurse professionals learn advanced knowledge and skills to be competent and proficient Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists. Graduates are eligible for the national certification exams.

Acceptance Rate

47.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

University at Buffalo (Buffalo, NY) is one of the flagship universities under the SUNY system. UB fosters a culture of creativity and resourceful thinking. The institution allows students to choose from a wide range of academic disciplines to learn and explore. The university is also home to innovative inventions, particularly in the medical field. The School of Nursing offers a Nurse Anesthesia DNP program. It aims to broaden the knowledge and skills of nursing professionals. UB’s nurse anesthesia program is CCNE accredited allowing students to experience and be updated on the latest evidence-based science to improve clinical practice outcomes. 

Acceptance Rate

61.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Union University (Jackson, TN) is a private evangelical Christian university that offers undergraduate and graduate programs. The university is recognized as a top tier university, ranking consistently among the best. The Doctor of Nursing Practice is offered in Union University. The program specializes on executive leadership, nurse anesthesia, and nurse practitioner disciplines. Christian teachings play an important role on the program curriculum. 

Acceptance Rate

52.72

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

University of South Carolina at Columbia (Columbia, SC) is a public university extending its academic excellence across several satellite campuses across SC. The university also fosters an active research program. Most studies at USC explores nanotechnology, health sciences, the environment, information technologies, and more. The university has several graduate programs including Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice program. It is a 36-month full time program that provides instructions on integration of didactic, clinical experience, and the mechanics of anesthesia. Graduates under this program are eligible for the NBCRNA's National Certification Exam (NCE). 

Acceptance Rate

68.65

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Quinnipiac University (Hamden, CT) is a private university that grants undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees across nine schools. It extends its academic offerings to three campuses. The university’s medical programs are highly recognized by several publications. It has comprehensive nursing programs that prepare every student to be skilled and competent across every clinical setting. Nurse Anesthesia is an on-campus doctoral degree for nursing professionals who aim to expand their skills and knowledge on the discipline. Students will learn alongside professionals, doctors, and others while training for this program.

Acceptance Rate

70.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Bradley University (Peoria, IL) is a private university housing a wide range of academic programs for students. The university is focused on providing undergraduate degrees but it has several graduate programs focused on a variety of academic disciplines. The university is listed as one of America’s Best Colleges. One of the popular programs in the university is nursing. The curriculum for undergraduate and graduate programs are designed to produce confident and skilled healthcare professionals. There are four majors for bachelor’s degree programs while there are five graduate programs including a post master’s certification. Graduate programs are offered through distance learning.

Acceptance Rate

70.21

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Thomas Jefferson University (Philadelphia, PA) is a private university that offers a wide range of academic programs. Philadelphia University and Jefferson have been combined in 2017. Jefferson University offers a 36-month DNP Nurse Anesthesia program. Nurse professionals are given didactic coursework and required to finish over 2,000 hours of clinical practice. This will equip the students with essential skills and knowledge about the particular nursing discipline. The program touches on leadership, systems thinking, reflective practice, health policy, implementation science and evidenced-based clinical practice.

Acceptance Rate

65.88

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

DePaul University (Chicago, IL) is among the largest private universities across the United States. It offers a long list of academic disciplines, most are highly-recognized for its undergraduate and graduate programs. DePaul embraces a diverse student population encouraging multiple viewpoints on academics and student life. DePaul offers Nurse Anesthetist degree under the Doctor of Nursing Practice program. Graduates are expected to develop clinical skills and master the use of tools to improve outcomes, safety and quality of healthcare. 

Acceptance Rate

68.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

University of Scranton (Scranton, PA) is a private Jesuit university that fosters a liberal arts curriculum. It is organized into three colleges offering both undergraduate and graduate studies. It also awards doctoral degrees in physical therapy, nursing, and business administration. The university offers a Nurse Anesthesia Program. It is a comprehensive 36-month program that prepares students to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. Students are given the opportunity to practice classroom content. They are also trained for essential clinical skills. 

Acceptance Rate

76.32

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

SJU or Saint Joseph's University (Philadelphia, PA) is a private higher learning institution offering a wide range of academic programs. The school values Roman Catholic teachings. The university grants both undergraduate and graduate degrees including certification programs. Most programs are focused on business, marketing, social sciences, and healthcare professions. 

Acceptance Rate

74.98

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

What is a CRNA?

CRNA is the acronym used for a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. A CRNA is an advanced RN with a graduate-level degree who is certified within anesthesia. CRNA's administer anesthesia for a range of procedures and surgeries. They work closely with medical professionals such as anesthesiologists and physicians before, during, and after medical procedures. A CRNA works in a number of different settings within healthcare such as ambulatory care facilities, hospitals, dental offices, trauma wards, surgical centers, military installations, and pain management facilities.

What Does a CRNA Do?

CRNA's will provide anesthesia for a wide range of procedures in a number of healthcare settings from traditional hospitals to emergency rooms. Outside the operating room, a CRNA may perform a host of administrative functions such as financial management, quality assurance audits, human resources, and risk management assessments. Other services performed by a CRNA can include working with attending physicians with patients in an MRI lab, cardiac catherization, and lithotripsy treatment centers.

In rural areas, a CRNA is often the only anesthesia provider employed by medical facilities. Healthcare organizations such as pain management centers, surgical centers, trauma units, and obstetrician divisions in remote areas will typically employ a CRNA in lieu of anesthesiologists.

The rapidly growing field for Nurse Anesthetists is estimated to rapidly grow in the coming decade. In fact, the BLS estimates growth to be an astounding 31% through 2024 which is five times the national average job growth outlook. Over 90% of Nurse Anesthetist professionals are represented by the AANA, American Association of Nurse Anesthetists.

How is a CRNA Different from an Anesthesiologist?

Anesthesiologists are physicians that have attended medical school, completed the requisite internships and rotations with mandated residency training at an approved hospital. On the other hand, a CRNA is a nursing professional that is qualified to administer anesthesia. CRNA's will hold an RN plus an additional two years of schooling in anesthesia to earn their credentials. In most cases, a CRNA will work under the direct supervisions of a physician or a board certified anesthesiologist. Both a CRNA and an anesthesiologist are highly capable, well-trained medical professionals.

Is a CRNA a type of APRN?

A CRNA is one of four primary types of Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). To be classified as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, you will be required to meet a series of qualifications. Common qualifications of an APRN include the following:

  • Have an degree as a Registered Nurse - albeit a Post-Masters, Masters, or Doctorate
  • Can provide specialty care and primary to patients
  • Pass the board certified national examination
  • Provide necessary patient education regarding health issues or concerns
  • Coordinate care for patients and advocate prudently
  • Refer patients to specialists and physicians

Different Types of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses

Other types of notable APRN disciplines include the following 4 types of nursing specialties:

  1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) A CRNA is an APRN that provides anesthesia to patients in a wide variety of medical settings. CRNA's will provide anesthesia care to the infirm and healthy patients prior to a variety of surgical applications.
  2. Certified Nurse Practitioners (CNP) Certified Nurse Practitioners are APRN specialists working closely with attending physicians. CNP's are charged with performing a variety of research and advocating for patients as specialists or generalists.
  3. Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) A CNM melds a traditional midwife with the duties of a gynecologist. Certified Nurse Midwives assist with services from childbirth and family planning to postpartum care.
  4. Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) A Clinical Nurse Specialist are nurses providing specialized care and/or primary care for patients. Specializations can be segmented by care type, medical setting, disease type, demographics, and health concentration.

How to Become a Nurse Anesthetist

Students who are curious about how to become a CRNA or Nurse Anesthetist will need to step through a series of academic and professional requirements prior to working independently at a qualified healthcare facility.

Earning your CRNA will require you to successfully complete an BSN or equivalent nursing degree. Following that step, you will need to obtain your license as a Registered Nurse by passing the NCLEX. Next, you will need to get 1-2 years of valuable work experience in an approved critical care setting. Lastly, you will need to gain admissions to an accredited graduate-level CRNA program such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). However, in some cases you may be required to hold a post-master's or doctorate degree in order to practice as a CRNA. Make sure to check with your state nursing board for requirements and guidelines.

Students applying to an accredited university will need to meet or exceed the schools admissions requirements. Typical prerequisites include qualifying work experience in the field, a BA or BS in nursing or a related field along with GRE and GPA minimum thresholds. Some nursing colleges will require students to hold an RN prior to application to an MSN or equivalent degree program. Gather admissions information well in advance and know your options prior to completing college applications.

Typical CRNA degree programs will last 2 years based on full time study. After successfully completing the CRNA degree, students will be required to take and pass a board-certified nursing examination administered by the NBCRNA. Earning a graduate degree from an accredited, state-approved college or university in conjunction with work experience, licensure, and successfully passing the certification exam(s) will provide you with the ability to start work as a CRNA.

Top Nurse Anesthetist Degree

Online Nurse Anesthetist Degrees

Qualifying students can learn about traditional and online CRNA degree options available at accredited colleges with our school finder tools.  Utilizing technology and latent curiosity, will lead students to great university programs for future Nurse Anesthetists.  Students electing to study via distance learning can join lectures remotely, participate in online discussions, complete online projects, and learn about vital material through digital textbooks without commuting to a physical classroom.

You can find universities that offer traditional degree programs, online only degrees, and hybrid degree programs in nursing.  A hybrid degree blends the best of a distance learning education with a traditional on-campus degree program.  Learning both online and on-campus may be a valuable means to a great education with the flexibility you require in your busy schedule.  Take the time to learn about your online nursing degree options by checking out schools that offer CRNA programs today.

Online Colleges Offering Degrees in Nurse Anesthetist

Employment for a CRNA & Specializations

For students that earn a college degree in Nurse Anesthetist, there are several fields of specialization that one can pursue. The options range from audiologist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, physician assistant, surgeon, physician, registered nurse, and speech-language pathologist to name a few possible career tracks.

Largest Employers of Nurse Anesthetists

  • Physicians Offices 21,460
  • Medical and Surgical Hospitals 11,850
  • Outpatient Care Facilities 1,820
  • Offices of Health Practitioners 1,650
  • Federal Government 980

States Employing the Most Number of Nurse Anesthetists

  1. Texas 4,700
  2. Ohio 2,510
  3. North Carolina 2,440
  4. Pennsylvania 2,310
  5. Florida 2,030

CRNA Salary and Career Outlook

The CRNA job outlook is well above the average. In fact, CRNA and Nurse Anesthetist job outlook is forecast at a scorching 31% projected growth rate through 2024 according to the BLS. This rapid CRNA job growth will add some 53, 400 jobs to the workforce during this reporting period.

The annual median income for a Nurse Anesthetist is $160,270 which translates to an hourly wage of $77.05. Given the broad nature of the Nurse Anesthetist degree, compensation after graduation can vary greatly from career field to career field given prior experience and geographic location. Related fields include teaching, research, physician assistant, physical therapy, surgeon and registered nurse.

Nurse Anesthetists Salary by State

  1. Montana $242,140
  2. Wyoming $233,400
  3. California $215,530
  4. Oregon $199,860
  5. Nevada $192,330

What Does a Nurse Anesthetist Do?

According to a recent survey of active Nurse Anesthetists conducted by the U. S. Department of Labor, a typical day can be quite varied. Depending on the work setting and defined responsibilities for that specific work environment, the daily activities for a nurse anesthetists will fluctuate. Generally, you will find NAs have significantly greater latitude to make decisions and counsel patients versus an RN. The following to represent the majority of the job duties associated with a nurse anesthetist:

  • Diagnose patients as they arrive in the clinic or hospital diagnosis can include monitoring a patients heart rate, pulse, pupil dilation, skin color, non-verbal cues, respiratory system, blood pressure, ventilation, and urine.
  • Perform screenings A nurse anesthetist will perform pre-anesthetic screenings which include a physical and verbal evaluation.
  • Manage resources Nurse anesthetists will organize, select, order, and prepare the necessary equipment and resources associated with the administration of anesthetic drugs, fluids, blood, accessory drugs, and adjuvant drugs.
  • Manage vitals NAs will work closely with patients and other nursing professionals to actively manage pulmonary and airway status of a patient. Techniques for doing so may include respiratory therapy, endotracheal intubation, pharmacological support, mechanical ventilation, and extubation.
  • Communication Crisp and concise communication with other medical providers along with direct communication with patients & family members is a cornerstone of the nurse anesthetists position. Consultations and patient referrals are also a key function for many NAs.

Job Titles of a Nurse Anesthetist

Depending on the clinic or hospital and region of the country, a Nurse Anesthetists may be called by different titles with varying job responsibilities. A sampling of job titles associated and nomenclature associated with the core job responsibility of a Nurse Anesthetist include:

  • Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
  • Staff Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
  • Associate Professor Program Director Nurse Anesthesia
  • Staff Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (Staff CRNA)
  • Chief Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (Chief CRNA)
  • Chief Nurse Anesthetist, Professor/Nurse Anesthetist
  • Senior Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (Senior CRNA)
  • Anesthesia Service (Staff CRNA)
  • Staff Nurse Anesthetist

For more information about earning a Nursing Anesthetist degree, simply visit the accredited colleges and universities below or visit our online nursing resource page or career portal to learn more careers in nursing.

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