How To Become A CRNA

A career as a CRNA begins by becoming a registered nurse (RN). There are numerous types of RN educational programs, the most common being Associate Degree and Baccalaureate Degree programs. The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) typically takes two academic years to complete. The Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing (BSN) typically takes four academic years to complete. There are "bridge" programs available that allow nurses with Associate Degrees to obtain their Baccalaureate Degree. Today, all programs require that applicants have a Bachelor's Degree, are licensed as RNs, and have at least one year of experience in an Intensive Care Unit. Students who are accepted into Nurse anesthesiology training programs will complete a 36 month program of study and obtain their doctorate. For specific academic requirements, check with the department of admissions at the school of interest. 

Is It Difficult To Get Into Anesthesiology School?

Admission to nurse anesthesiology school is very competitive! There are always many more qualified applicants than there are student positions within any given school. Only the best and brightest applicants are chosen for admission. You will have a better chance of being accepted into anesthesiology school if you maintain a high grade point average, demonstrate leadership, and obtain your CCRN certification. References or letters of recommendation may also be an important factor in the application process.

What does a Nurse anesthesiology Education Program Include?

A program will include 36 months of graduate course work including both classroom and clinical experience. The classroom curriculum emphasizes anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics and pharmacology as related to anesthesiology. The major clinical component provides experience with a variety of anesthesiology techniques and procedures for all types of surgery and obstetrics. All students graduating from a nurse anesthesiology program in 2025 (matriculating in 2022) will obtain a doctorate degree (DNP or DNAP).  Upon graduation, candidates must pass a national certification exam to be certified as CRNAs.

Additional learning opportunities may become available during the program, such as medical missions. Click here to read the story of two doctoral nurse anesthesiology students that were sponsored by the Denver Health anesthesiology Department to participate in a medical mission in Nigeria.

What are the Requirements for Admission to a Program?

  • The requirements for admission include the following:
  • BSN or another appropriate baccalaureate degree (Each program determines "appropriate" degrees and "approved" programs)
  • RN license
  • At least one year of experience in an Intensive Care Unit

How long does anesthesiology school take?

All programs are 36 months in length.

Do I become a CRNA when I graduate from anesthesiology school?

No. One becomes a CRNA when one has successfully passed the National Qualifying Examination administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). This examination is taken soon after graduation from anesthesiology school.

Are there any anesthesiology schools in Colorado?

  1. Texas Wesleyan University - DNAP

This is a distance learning option that is available at a clinical site in Denver. More information is available on the Texas Wesleyan website.

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science offers a DNP in Nurse anesthesiology. This program offers 9 out of 18 months of didactic education using remote learning; and has opportunities for 12-18 months of the clinical training portion in Colorado. 

Pictured is Texas Wesleyan DNAP student Yannick Macaulay, BSN, RN performing jet ventilation for a patient with severe subglottic stenosis at Denver Health in Colorado.

 

  1. Rosalind Franklin University (RFU) of Medicine and Science - DNP in Nurse anesthesiology

This program offers 9 out of 18 months of didactic education using remote learning, and has opportunities for 12-18 months of the clinical training portion in Colorado. More information is available on the RFU website.

Pictured is RFU Senior Nurse anesthesiology Resident Jean Weigand, RN performing a TAP block on a surgical patient while training at St. Anthony Hospital in Denver, Colorado.

WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT A CAREER AS A NURSE ANESTHETIST?

The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) is an excellent source of information for nurses who are interested in becoming CRNAs. Check out this webpage for more information: Become A CRNA.  Should you need further information, do not hesitate to contact CoANA.

Is Financial Aid Available for an Individual to Attend a Program?

Financial aid is available and varies by program. It is suggested that you contact several programs and ask them about the availability of tuition assistance, as well as the specific admission criteria.

What is the Role of An Individual CRNA?

A CRNA takes care of a patient’s anesthesiology needs before, during and after surgery or the delivery of a baby by the following:

  • Performing a physical assessment
  • Participating in preoperative teaching
  • Preparing for anesthetic management
  • Safely administering anesthesiology in a variety of settings and practice models
  • Maintaining anesthesiology intraoperatively
  • Overseeing recovery from anesthesiology
  • Following the patient’s postoperative course from recovery room to patient care unit or discharge

CRNAs provide services in conjunction with other healthcare professionals such as surgeons, dentists, podiatrists, and anesthesiologists.

COME JOIN US!

The AANA also offers membership to RNs! AANA RN members receive all the benefits of being a member of the AANA and includes the opportunity to join a state nurse anesthesiology association at no additional cost. RNs joining the AANA and selecting Colorado as their state association, also become members of the Colorado Association of Nurse Anesthesiology.