Everything You Need to Know on How to Become a CRNA

• If you’re here it must be because you’re considering pursuing a CRNA certification, how awesome!
• CRNA programs are one of the most competitive in the nursing industry, but I am confident you can do it!
• Do you think you have what it takes? Check out Nursing CE Central’s guide to walk you through how you can being your career as a CRNA!

Do you have big aspirations?  

Are you wondering what you want to do with your career as a nurse?  

Becoming a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) is an amazing, specialized nursing field that involves a ton of dedication and hard work but provides a vast reward.  

So, if you are wondering how to become a CRNA, we have all the information you need right here! Keep reading!  

What is a CRNA?

If you’re here, you must be curious on how to become a CRNA, but do you know exactly what the nursing role entails and what the pay is like?  

If you do, that’s great; but it’s okay if you don’t, that’s what I’m here for!  

According to the University of Kansas’ School of Health Professionals, a CRNA is a highly skilled nursing professional who administers anesthesia for all types of surgical procedures. 

CRNAs are ranked as the highest paying specialty within the nursing profession.  

But how much is that exactly? 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median yearly salary for the profession is $183,580.00, wow!  

With a salary that high, it’s no wonder so many nurses are wanting to learn how to become a CRNA, so let’s get down to the details. 

What Do They Do?

CRNAs administer anesthesia to patients and work alongside other healthcare professionals, such as anesthesiologists and surgeons. 

Not only do they administer anesthesia to their patients and maintain their care while sedated, but they also perform evaluations and pre-assessments to ensure their patient’s time under anesthesia will be as safe as possible.  

They support the post-anesthesia care team by assessing for complications, providing pain medication if necessary, and being present during procedures to manage any potential complications.  

On top of this, they also provide emergency and pain management services.  

How to Become a CRNA

Since you’ve made it this far, you’re probably wondering what steps you need to take on how to become a CRNA. Well, you’re in luck! 

Herzing University outlines the four steps you need in order to become a CRNA. Check them out! 

1. Earn your BSN. 
2. Gain roughly two years of experience in the ICU or ambulatory nursing field.  
3. Earn a Master’s of Nursing Anesthesia from an accredited university. 
4. Pass your National Certification Exam from the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). 

Pro Tips:  

1. Have solid ICU experience.

You will need foundational knowledge, fast-paced critical thinking capabilities, and nursing skills to succeed through CRNA school.  

2. Make sure you are financially prepared.

CRNA school is expensive. Many programs do not allow you to be employed while you are working toward your degree, which means you need a good nest egg of money saved up before starting your program. Student loans are also available!  

 3. Do your research on CRNA programs.  

• Are you wanting the program that is closest to home?  
• How much is their program? 
• Is their anesthesia program accredited? 
• How long will it take you to earn your degree? 
• What are their pass rates? 
• What are the prerequisite requirements? 

These are all valuable questions you should consider when narrowing down what programs you would like to apply to!   

When determining all the factors of how to become a CRNA, please keep in mind that you will want to be somewhere that will make you happy; remember, it is a lot of time, money, and commitment.

4. Make sure you have a solid resume and you have practiced for your interview. 

CRNA school is extremely competitive, so it is vital that you prepare as best as you can ahead of time; the interview process can be rigorous.

I hope this blog has given you all the valuable information you need and answered the underlying question of how to become a CRNA!  

You got this, good luck!

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