Thinking of Becoming a Nurse Anesthetist?
CRNAs earn the highest nursing salary at $203,090 per year with 14% projected job growth. Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia for surgeries and procedures, practicing with significant autonomy after earning NBCRNA certification across all 50 states.
What Does a Nurse Anesthetist Do?
Surgical Anesthesia
- Pre-anesthesia assessment
- Administer anesthesia for surgery
Patient Monitoring
- Monitor patients during procedures
- Post-anesthesia recovery
Specialized Care
- Pain management
- Emergency airway management
Is This Career Right for You?
You Might Thrive If You...
- Excel in high-pressure situations
- Have a strong science background
- Are detail-oriented and decisive
- Want the highest nursing salary
- Enjoy autonomy in clinical decisions
Things to Consider
- Longest path (7-10 years total)
- Doctoral degree required (DNP/DNAP)
- Requires ICU experience first
- Highly competitive program admission
- High-stakes patient situations
How to Become a Nurse Anesthetist
Earn BSN and RN License
Complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and pass the NCLEX-RN to become a registered nurse.
Work in ICU for 1-3 Years
Gain critical care experience in an ICU setting. Most programs require a minimum of 1 year, but 2-3 years strengthens your application.
Complete COA-Accredited Doctoral Program
Earn a DNP or DNAP from a Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) accredited program (3-4 years).
Pass NCE Certification Exam (NBCRNA)
Pass the National Certification Examination administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists.
Obtain State APRN License
Apply for advanced practice licensure as a CRNA through your state board of nursing.
Salary & Career Outlook
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Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you are just starting your research or ready to apply, we have the resources to guide you through every step of your CRNA career journey.