Featured CRNA Schools
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The University of Cincinnati College of Nursing – Nurse Anesthesia program offers students a fast track to a well-paying career as a certified registered nurse anesthetist. Programs feature hands-on training and clinical experience from the first semester, guaranteeing that students achieve the highest level of educational excellence in the CRNA program.
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Chamberlain College of Nursing - For students seeking a comprehensive nursing curriculum that focuses on real-world skills and techniques, Chamberlain College of Nursing provides a wide array of degree programs designed to provide the basis for a rewarding career in the medical field. Students who complete these programs are well-positioned to pursue certification as a CRNA or other professional nursing specialty.
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Walden University – offers an impressive range of degree programs for healthcare professionals. Nurses can earn their Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Post-Master’s of Science in Nursing while preparing themselves for high-paying careers including CRNA certification and doctoral programs in nursing. Walden’s comprehensive nursing programs provide nurses with the specialized knowledge they need to succeed.
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Kaplan University’s School of Nursing – provides the basis for an advanced position as a CRNA, allowing nurses to further their education and their career prospects. Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees are available; most programs are available online, and credit for previous career experience and educational courses is usually offered through Kaplan’s unique program.
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Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) must undergo extensive training in order to provide specialized care to their patients; typically, CRNA schools offer programs that range between two and three years of full-time study to complete, depending on the educational institution. CRNA schools offer comprehensive training in a variety of medical subjects, ensuring that graduates from these programs are well equipped to face the challenges of their chosen profession. Graduates from CRNA schools take on jobs in hospitals, dental practices, and clinics throughout the United States, acting as the primary anesthesia caregivers in many cases. These highly trained professional nurses are eligible for advanced positions that offer enhanced responsibility and increased salaries.
Requirements and Expectations
CRNA schools require a number of prerequisite qualifications for nurses seeking admission to their programs. In order to gain admission to an accredited CRNA school, applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in nursing or an allied health-related field, must currently hold a license to practice as a registered nurse, and usually must have at least one year’s experience in acute-care nursing practice. Upon admission, CRNA students are required to complete a comprehensive and advanced course of study including 106 contact hours in concepts in chemistry and biochemistry, 135 contact hours in anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology, 105 contact hours in the practice of anesthesia including an overview of physics and the use of technological equipment in pain management, 45 contact hours in professional practice, 45 contact hours in clinical correlation, and 30 contact hours in research methodology.
Accredited CRNA schools also require a clinical residency for CRNAs, offering them the chance to practice anesthesia techniques and derive hands-on experience in an actual hospital setting. Clinical training provides students with opportunities to test their skills in medical, dental, surgical, obstetrics and pediatric care, ensuring that graduates from CRNA schools have the knowledge and expertise to deal with real-world situations after graduation. Upon completion of an accredited CRNA program, students typically have accrued about 1,700 hours of clinical experience in the practice of anesthesia and, under close supervision, have personally administered around 800 anesthetics to patients.
Tuition Costs and Financial Aid
The training provided by CRNA schools is one of the most intensive education programs in all of nursing; it’s also one of the most costly. Depending on the length of the program and the institution chosen, a complete course of studies at an accredited CRNA school typically costs $40,000 or more; some institutions charge additional fees for laboratory and clinical access, which can significantly add to the total cost. Federal financial aid is available for these courses, and grants are sometimes available for highly qualified students.
CRNA Certification
Within two years after completion of coursework at a CRNA school, graduates typically prepare to sit for the National Certification Examination; this is a computerized test and must be taken at an approved examination center. Multiple-choice questions are presented one at a time, and each must be answered before the next is presented. The test comprises a minimum of 100 questions; more questions may be required in order to determine definitively if the CRNA applicant has passed or failed the examination. Testing centers are located throughout the United States; however, applicants may have to travel a significant distance in order to take the examination.
Upon graduation from an accredited CRNA school and successful completion of the National Certification Examination, nurses will be nationally certified as CRNAs and eligible to obtain positions with hospitals, surgical centers, and dental offices. CRNAs average about $160,000 per year in salary; depending on the location and the type of position, some earn much more. A career as a CRNA is not for everyone; it requires a high level of personal responsibility, interpersonal skills, and a genuine desire to assist patients with pain management and the stresses that typically surround a surgical procedure. For those who have a deep commitment to the highest level of patient care, however, enrolling at a CRNA school can be the first step toward a rewarding and challenging new career.
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