California CRNA Schools and Programs
CRNA means Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist; this specialized area of nursing qualifies registered nurses to manage patient anesthesia, much like an anesthesiologist. These nursing professionals cooperate with doctors and surgeons in many different healthcare settings, including operating rooms and specialty clinics. The choice to obtain CRNA training in California is one that will result in enhanced and rewarding career opportunities for dedicated nursing professionals .
Program Requirements
Generally current nurses or prospective nurses who are interested in enrolling in California CRNA Schools must hold a four year degree from an accredited nursing school. In addition, applicants will need to hold current nursing license from the state they’re currently practicing and will also need certifications for Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Basic Life Support (BLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Most CRNA schools need a minimum two years of on-the-job experience in an intensive care or critical care unit. Additional experience in a surgical intensive care unit is also helpful. Some CRNA schools in California admit students with a minimum 2.75 grade point average, though most call for a minimum 3.0 to 3.3 average. Aspiring students for CRNA training in California need to also achieve a baseline score of 1,000 on the Graduate Requisite Exam (GRE).
Duration and Cost
Based on a prospective student’s schedule, a CRNA degree should take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete, but vary depending on the CA CRNA school’s policies. Like a typical graduate school, tuition can get quite expensive ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 including tuition, textbooks, clinical and lab fees in addition to other supplies. Though, most CRNA students once admitted, may be permitted receive school funding through the school, state, and private finances that will make obtaining the CRNA Degree in California considerably more affordable.
CRNA Courses
While attending CRNA School in California, you should expect to take courses which can be a combination of academic theory in conjunction with clinical labs. Students are likely to draw experiences from prior classes taken at school. Intensive training in the proper anesthesia procedures is usually covered for all types of conditions requiring surgery. Topics covered in each of these courses can include but are not restricted to:
- Pharmacology
- Patient preoperative care
- Anesthesia assessment
- Anesthesia equipment operation
- Patient and practitioner safety
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| College Name | City | Zip | Degree | Program Length | Starting Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kaiser Permanente/California State University Fullerton | Pasadena | 91188 | MS in Nurse Anesthesiology | 24 months | SEP |
| Samuel Merritt University | Oakland | 94609 | Master of Science in Nursing, Post-Master's Certificate | 27 months | SEP |
| University of Southern California (USC) Department of Anesthesiology | Los Angeles | 90089 | MS in Nurse Anesthesia | 24 months | AUG |
