Washington DC CRNA Schools and Programs

CRNA means Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist; this specialized area of nursing qualifies registered nurses to administer patient anesthesia, similar to an anesthesiologist. These nursing professionals work closely with doctors and surgeons in several healthcare settings, including operating rooms and specialty clinics. The decision to obtain CRNA training in Washington DC is one which will lead to enhanced and fulfilling career opportunities for dedicated nursing professionals .

Program Requirements

The first prerequisite for the majority of Washington DC CRNA schools is a four-year degree in nursing. Applicants must also have a current nursing license for the state where they plan to practice, as well as certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Most CRNA schools need a minimum 24 months 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 Washington DC admit students with a minimum 2.75 grade point average, though most require a minimum 3.0 to 3.3 average. Aspiring students for CRNA training in Washington DC need to also achieve the absolute minimum score of 1,000 on the Graduate Requisite Exam (GRE).

Duration and Cost

The average CRNA course of study lasts from two or three years, contingent on full-time enrollment and various policies of numerous DC CRNA schools. The entire costs of CRNA schools ranges from $10,000 to in excess of $100,000, including tuition, textbooks, clinical and lab fees, and also other supplies. Once admitted to the program, most CRNA students be eligible for some types of financing to offset some of these expenses.

CRNA Courses

The courses found in most CRNA schools in Washington DC combine academic theory with clinical practice. These types of classes are offered in sequences; material covered in a single semester is built upon over the following semester. Intensive training in the proper anesthesia procedures is also covered for all types of conditions requiring surgery. Topics covered in each one of these courses can include but are not limited to: