CRNA Advanced Practice

Massachusetts CRNA License Requirements

Complete guide to becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist in Massachusetts

Processing Time

4-8 weeks

Initial Cost

$150

Renewal Period

2 years

Practice Authority

full

Full Practice Authority

CRNA: state has opted out of the CMS Medicare physician-supervision requirement (May 2024); CRNAs may administer anesthesia without physician supervision under Medicare. State scope of practice may add requirements.

Prescriptive Authority: M.G.L. c. 112 sec. 80H: CRNA prescribes written prescriptions/medication orders under guidelines mutually developed with a supervising physician or independent-authority CRNA; gains independent prescriptive authority only after 2+ years supervised practice. Anesthesia administration itself requires no prescriptive authority.

1 Education Requirements

Degree Required

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Note: As of January 1, 2025, entry-level nurse anesthetist programs must be doctoral (DNP or DNAP). CRNAs educated prior to this date with an MSN remain eligible.

Program Requirements

Complete accredited Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist program
Hold active RN license in the state
Clinical hours as specified by program

2 National Certification

Certification Body

NBCRNA

Required

Yes

National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists

3 Fees

Initial Licensure

Application Fee	$150
Total	$150

Renewal

Renewal Fee (every 2 years)

$180

Continuing Education Requirements

Contact hours required

2 years

Renewal cycle

2 hrs domestic/sexual violence required

Prerequisites

To become a CRNA in Massachusetts, you must first hold an active RN license and typically have ICU experience. Massachusetts requires a state-specific RN license.

RN Requirements View Massachusetts RN Requirements