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One of the places that CRNA’s can work is typically work in hospitals, pain clinics, trauma or surgical center, plastic surgery clinics, and some podiatry clinics or dental clinics. Some of the major hospitals as well, Baylor, parkland, or Presbyterian  hospital.

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What Is It REALLY Like Being a Nurse Anesthetist?

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Whether you're already working towards a nursing degree or just exploring the field, get the scoop on this specialty straight from a CRNA.

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Something that makes me wanna do this career, besides the pay. Is the amount of work it takes honestly, I love the process of getting something done. And also been interested in the medical field for a very long time and has been interested in the field, with having so many surgeries I have been a client of this career.

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A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) ensures that patients survive surgery without pain or recollection. The critical performance of these advanced practice nurses places their position high on the hottest jobs lists.

Nurse anesthetists, who work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, surgery centers, physicians' offices, dental centers, pain clinics, and military health care facilities, ranked fourth on U.S. News & World Report 's top 100 jobs for 2016.

The good news for CRNAs gets even better with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting the profession-which earned a median salary of $157,140 in 2015-is poised to grow by 19% by 2024, which translates into 7,400 new job openings.

Nurse anesthetists collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentists, and other health care professionals to provide anesthesia to patients. So what does it take for a registered nurse to pursue this demanding role and become a CRNA?
Qualifications
Applicants need a bachelor's degree in nursing or the equivalent and have at least one year of critical-care nursing experience. Nurse anesthesia education programs consist of 25 to 36 months of graduate work including both classroom and clinical experiences. A CRNA may sub-specialize in pediatrics, plastic surgery, dental, obstetrics, cardiovascular, plastic surgery, or neurosurgical anesthesia.

Nurse anesthetists tend to be detailed-oriented leaders with a drive to excel as an independent decision-maker, experts say. For nurses considering this role, know this: CRNA programs are rigorous and competitive.

"You have to be the cream of the crop because the competition is so stiff," says Marc Code, DNP, CRNA, director of the nurse anesthesia program at Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, California. "The GPA has to be competitive. For us the mean is a 3.4, or a 3.5. I would presume for other schools it's also about the same. The student's experience, the student's emotional intelligence, and the student's diversity all factor in. We're looking for cohorts that reflect the diversity of our community. It is a competitive process, but not one with barriers so large that an individual who didn't meet the bar in all the areas can't do things to bring themselves up to become competitive to get in. But it will take more work."

Diverse nurse anesthetists, as well as registered nurses, are needed to reflect the patient population, says Wallena Gould, EdD, CRNA, FAAN, founder and CEO of the Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program. "Even in the black community, there are patients from Ghana, Cameroon, or Jamaica," she says. Working with a CRNA who shares one's culture or language can make a difference. "A lot of things can be missed, especially if you're trying to take a patient history before the anesthesia or if they have questions," says Gould, who is also chair of the American Association Nurse Anesthetists Diversity Task Force.
Expect Challenges and Sacrifices
Nurses entering the CRNA program lack any anesthesia experience so "what we have to do is take seasoned ICU nurses and turn them into nurse anesthetists in 27 to 36 months, and they have to have the same knowledge, skills, and critical thinking as a MD anesthesiologist because we are held to the same standards," says Code. "We can do everything, everything that they can do. That's a lot to learn in a very short time."

When considering returning to school, review your monetary needs, as working full-time is likely not an option. Nurse anesthetist programs are quite different from the nurse practitioner programs, says Gould.

Before applying, take stock of the financial sacrifices you will need to make, advises Gould. If married, discuss how you will go from two incomes to one. Look at your credit worthiness, as many students will be loan dependent. Realize "you have to live off those loans... probably anywhere from 28 to 36 months. That's almost three years without income coming in. It's a huge sacrifice," she says.

"A nurse practitioner program is doable in terms of working full-time and going to school. You cannot work full-time while in the nurse anesthetist program, so there are a lot of things to consider before enrolling," says Gould.

When Gould started school, she was five months pregnant with an 8-year-old and the family lived on her husband's income. "It was pretty difficult. You can no longer go on those lengthy vacations with family and friends. My husband and I didn't exchange Christmas gifts. We cut back on social events. On a beautiful day during the summer when it's 90 degrees, you are in the library. They take your life, basically. There are financial sacrifices, social sacrifices, and personal sacrifice you make before you enter a program."

The overall job outlook for CRNAs is positive, but take time to "understand the restrictions and opportunities related to your options: CRNAs lack utility outside of surgeries and procedures (and) salaries are stagnating," says Nick Angelis, CRNA, MSN and author of How to Succeed in Anesthesia School (And RN, PA, or Nursing School).

"The profession is nearing a saturation point in some areas, so it's more important to excel in nursing school, get a job that offers valuable experience, and look around to see what the most interesting and rewarding options are if you intend to go back to school. If there's a nurse practitioner program in town with a low attrition rate that graduates competent, happy practitioners, that makes more sense than moving to another state for the ultimate anesthesia program," says Angelis.

"Planning too far ahead causes some students to skip over valuable skills they need to master before entering graduate school. The exception is finances; as I mention repeatedly in my books, it's never too early to start saving. Otherwise, much of the hard work you put into anesthesia school will go to paying off exorbitant loans," Angelis says.

Another suggestion is to take advantage of current learning opportunities. What can you learn in school or at the hospital every day? Welcome uncomfortable situations that stretch your knowledge and abilities, preferably with backup available, he says.

"Without an objective understanding of your own skills and weaknesses, it's difficult to become a nurse ready for the independent decision-making required of a nurse anesthetist.

"For example, in basketball games such as HORSE or Around the World, a player selects shots they know they can make but their opponents will miss," Angelis says. "The winner isn't usually the best player. Rather, it's the player who understands their own abilities and limitations the most."

CRNAs are the highest paid of the advanced practice nurses, but that compensation reflects their ability to handle critical tasks.

"We take full control of every body function that a patient has during a surgery and we solve problems during the surgery, and bring them out awake and recovered on the other end," says Code. "And we have done it thousands and thousands of times every day. That responsibility has a compensation value and it's very valuable."

Gould agrees. "Our responsibility is much higher than all the other advanced practice nurses. When I tell high school students how much money we make, their eyes pop out of their heads. But the more money, the more responsibility. You literally have someone's life in your hands every day and we make good decisions," she says.

A CRNA can own their own anesthesia service to do their own billing and make even more money than a CRNA at a hospital or surgery center, experts say.
Match Jobs to Lifestyle
"The jobs are all over the United States," says Code. "There are 17 states that have opted out of physician supervision, which allows nurse anesthetists to practice without supervision of a physician, which allows them to go into rural settings and provide the access to anesthesia care that wouldn't be there otherwise."

A 2015 study published in Nursing Economic$ found that CRNAs provide the majority of anesthesia care in U.S. counties with lower-income populations and people that are more likely to be uninsured or unemployed.

More advanced practice nurses are required to meet the population demand, which means greater job security, experts say. "With that being said, there is also security in the fact the nurse anesthetists are being utilized and are finding roles in more areas within the perioperative setting than just the operation room, and this allows them to practice to the full scope of their education and training," says Code. "This also gives, I think, a great deal of security moving forward."

For newly minted CRNAs, one of the biggest decisions is to choose a position that fits your goals, says Gould. "What type of lifestyle do you want? A Level I trauma center provides lots of opportunities to work and make considerable overtime if you want to. Some people want a local hospital...where it is less stressful. Some CRNAs just work at surgery centers that are only open from 7 to 4, no on-call and no weekends. So it depends on what lifestyle you want once you graduate," she says.

The profession has the highest job satisfaction and highest compensation among advanced practice nurses, says Code.

"The opportunities are the greatest among advanced practice nurses. We can work in a team setting and we can work independently. Nurse practitioners cannot work independently. I currently practice still and I love the interaction, thought processes, and the problem solving. And the satisfaction that comes out of delivering a safe anesthetic and seeing the patients on the other side wake up. It's just a wonderful feeling that you've done a fine job."

More Nursing News

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Why You Should Consider Becoming a Nurse Anesthetist - Daily Nurse

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A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) ensures that patients survive surgery without pain or recollection. The critical performance of these advanced practice nurses places their position high on the hottest jobs lists. Nurse anesthetists, who work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, surgery centers, physicians' offices, dental centers, pain clinics, and military health ...

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What test do you have to take to become CRNA 

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What test do you have to take to become CRNA 

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The test you have to take is your RN certification. That test is available after getting your bachelors degree. The next is the CRNA exam, which is about 100-170 questions, and that is available for when you get done with the masters program in anesthesiology. Once you complete that you are good to go.

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Providing critical care at some of the most significant times in their patients' lives, a nurse anesthetist-or certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA)-is responsible for safely administering anesthesia prior to procedures and overseeing recovery once surgeries are over. With much of the comfort and safety of their patients at stake, a nurse anesthetist requires extensive education and experience in order to earn their license.

While becoming a nurse anesthetist takes time and dedication, the work you put in can most certainly pay off. Not only do CRNAs report the highest satisfaction of any advanced-level nurse but they also earn the most money overall. If you're interested in joining this rewarding and high-paying field, read on to learn the steps you need to take, as well as detailed information on job duties, certification requirements, and advancement.

What is a CRNA?

A CRNA is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who administers anesthesia to patients leading up to surgical, obstetrical, and trauma care procedures. Working long hours in settings such as hospitals, surgery centers, medical offices, and dental clinics, they oversee the delivery of general, local, and regional anesthesia. The methods for administering this medication might vary, but could include injections, inhalants, and oral anesthetics. CRNAs also monitor their patients throughout their surgery and during recovery, collaborating with doctors and other nurses to develop pain management programs.

How to Become a CRNA

You must be legally licensed in your state to work as a nurse anesthetist, which requires having at least a master's degree and earning national certification. But to enter into a master's program, you must first be a registered nurse (RN) with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). You'll also need to complete at least 1 year of experience in an acute care setting such as an ICU or ER, though you might need more depending on the acceptance requirements of your school.

School requirements

After earning your BSN and completing your acute care experience, you can then apply to master's programs for nurse anesthetists. Prior to doing so, some nurses choose to pursue specialty certification as a critical care registered nurse (CCRN), which could possibly increase the chance of getting accepted.

When applying to CRNA programs, make sure the schools you choose have been approved by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COACRNA). Graduation from an accredited program is a requirement for taking the certification test.

As for coursework, all accredited nurse anesthesia programs require studies in the following areas:

Anesthesia pharmacology

Chemistry, biochemistry, and physics

Anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology

Anesthesia equipment and technology

Pain management

Statistics and research

Professional and legal aspects of nurse anesthesia practice

In addition, your program will include supervised clinical practice that allows you to apply the theories and techniques you've learned in a hands-on way. You'll work at a university-based or large community hospital and gain experience in a wide variety of procedures, from childbirth to open-heart surgery.

How long does it take to get certified?
The necessary steps to becoming a CRNA take a minimum of 7 years to complete.

Bachelor's degree in nursing

Average 4 years

RN certification

Eligible upon graduation

Acute care experience

Minimum 1 year

Master's degree in nurse anesthesia

At least 2 years, sometimes as many as 4

CRNA certification

Eligible upon graduation

State licensing

Eligible upon passing the CRNA certification exam

Certification exam

Upon the successful completion of your master's program, you'll be eligible to sit for the certifying exam administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). Each candidate must answer at least 100 computerized questions, though you may be given up to 170 as the test determines with certainty whether you've passed.

You'll receive a preliminary pass/fail report when you check out of the testing center, and your official report will be sent soon after in the mail. If you pass, a verification of your certification will be sent to your state board of nursing, at which time you can complete any additional criteria required by your state.

Certification renewal

To maintain your national certification, you'll need to pursue continuing education in alignment with the NBCRNA's Continued Professional Certification (CPC) Program. The NBCRNA evaluates nurse anesthetists on an 8-year cycle consisting of 2 4-year periods. Every 4 years, you must complete:

60 "Class A" credits in activities directly related to the delivery or improvement of anesthesia care

40 "Class B" credits that can cover anesthesia practice or a wide range of professional development topics such as patient safety, public education, or research

4 "Core Modules" that address airway management, applied clinical pharmacology, human physiology and pathophysiology, and anesthesia equipment and technology (requirement doesn't apply to those in their first 4-year cycle)

Every 2 years, you'll complete an online check-in to confirm your state license and that you've been continuing practice. At the end of each 8-year cycle, you'll be required to take the CPC Assessment test. This 150-question exam is used to test your knowledge of the 4 Core Modules of nurse anesthesia. The test isn't pass/fail, but for any area where you're deemed to not meet the performance standards, you'll need to complete additional continuing education in those areas to maintain your certification.

What's it Like to Be a Nurse Anesthetist?

More specific day-to-day job duties of nurse anesthetists include:

Requesting diagnostic studies and examining patient medical history

Developing an appropriate anesthetic plan

Discussing side effects and risks with patients and families

Preparing and administering anesthesia in a variety of forms

Performing spinal, epidural, or nerve blocks

Monitoring vital signs during and after surgery to prevent and manage complications

Responding to emergency situations with medication, airway management, or life support techniques

Many CRNAs also take on administrative duties such as ordering medications, managing finances, and training new staff. They might act as instructors for development courses, hold positions with state boards of nursing, or be involved in organizations that set standards for the medical field.

Nurse anesthetist vs anesthesiologist

Nurse anesthetists and anesthesiologists are both medical professionals who are trained to administer anesthesia in a safe and effective way. While their job duties are essentially the same, the primary difference between the roles is that the former is a nurse and the latter is a doctor. Anesthesiologists need more education than CRNAs, but they also earn higher salaries. While both roles work in a wide variety of settings, smaller offices tend to employ CRNAs over anesthesiologists. In some states, a CRNA is required by law to work under the supervision of a board-certified physician, so only anesthesiologists can practice independently.

Salary & Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average nurse anesthetist salary is listed at $169,450, with the top 10% percent earning more than $200,000 per year. Compare that to the average wages for other APRNs and it's clear that nurse anesthetists have by far the highest earning potential in the field.

What's more, CRNAs can expect to see above average job growth-a 16% increase through 2026, compared to the national average of 7% for all occupations.

How to Get Ahead in Your Career

There are several ways to move up or increase your earning potential as a CRNA. The first is to consider tailoring your education toward a particular patient population, condition, or surgical subfield. Specializing can open the door for greater opportunities, with popular concentrations including obstetrics, pediatrics, neurosurgery, cardiovascular, and dental surgery, among others. Professional organizations designed for these specialties can also be beneficial when it comes to networking and applying for jobs.

Another option for advancement is to find work in the settings that report the highest salaries for their CRNAs. Of the top employers, both general medical/surgical hospitals and outpatient care centers list salaries that are greater than the national average. The state where you work can affect what you make as well, with Montana, Wyoming, California, and Oregon all noting average annual wages of more than $200,000.

To advance even further, you might also consider earning your doctoral degree in anesthesia to become an anesthesiologist. Though these roles aren't as common as nurse anesthetists, they have the potential to earn significantly more money-in some cases, close to $300,000 a year. Holding your doctoral degree is also an excellent option if you wish to work in academia, either conducting research or teaching anesthesia students at the graduate level.

Ready to Get Started?

If you're ready to embark on a career in the fast-paced, in-demand, and fulfilling field of nurse anesthesia, your first step is getting the right education. For those just starting out, use the Find Schools button to explore bachelor's degree programs that can set you on the path to becoming a registered nurse. Already have your RN license? Research master's degree programs that will help you take that next big step in your career.

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How to Become a Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | All Nursing Schools

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Providing critical care at some of the most significant times in their patients' lives, a nurse anesthetist-or certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA)-is responsible for safely administering anesthesia prior to procedures and overseeing recovery once surgeries are over. With much of the comfort and safety of their patients at stake, a nurse anesthetist requires extensive education and experience in order to earn their license.

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What CRNA does in a day is kind of crazy. Somedays they're schedules are crazier than the surgeons. Cause at times they have many surgeries going on that day and they have to be at the beginning. What for? they have to do pre-op and post-op, also monitor them after to make sure there isn't much pain besides being sore. Also place central lines, to make sure in the case something goes wrong with the patient. Also before they have to monitor the drugs before given the anesthesia. To see how they react to it and make sure they can take it.

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January 21 through 27 is National CRNA Week, and we're celebrating by getting up-close and personal with the CRNAs who make the medical world go 'round! Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) safely administer about 43 million anesthetics each year, making surgeries and medical treatments safer. These professionals not only administer anesthesia, but also help ensure patient comfort and security.

CRNAs come from all walks of life and work in a wide range of communities. Interestingly, the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) reports that CRNAs are the sole providers in nearly 100% of rural hospitals in some states as well as within the U.S. Armed Forces. Make sure to thank your favorite CRNA during CRNA week and surprise them with something special to say thanks! We love the idea of gifting them a personalized stethoscope with custom engraving as an awesome way to pay tribute.

What Does a CRNA Do Every Day?

What's life like as a CRNA? Let's take a closer look. Every day, nurse anesthetists monitor patients during surgery. This requires preparing and administering drugs before anesthesia, managing patients' airways, and pulmonary status during surgery and closely observing their physical reaction to drugs. They may also perform pre-anesthesia screenings to determine a patient's risk and administer epidurals in maternity wards.

But there are many other things that CRNAs are responsible for each day, according to Lincoln Memorial University Clinical Coordinator and CRNA Joy Lewis. "We do pre-op and post-op rounds, consults for pain management, place central lines, respond to codes, place and manage labor epidurals, upon consultation implement respiratory and ventilatory management including establish emergency airways," says Lewis.

Dan Lovinaria, a CRNA with Veterans Affairs at Minneapolis Medical Center, says there's an emotional aspect to the job, too.

"Being a VA CRNA comes with a tremendous responsibility and a great deal of accountability," he says. "Patients are often anxious and nervous about their surgical procedures. It is my duty and responsibility to set the tone and make an immediate connection with my patients upon their arrival in the preoperative phase. Something as simple as providing warm blankets to my patients goes a long way. The little things make a significant impact."

What's the Schedule Like?

Surgeons have notoriously demanding schedules, whether they're responding to emergencies or running on a tight, pre-determined schedule. Since CRNAs are required to be present for many of those surgeries, their schedules may be even busier than a surgeon's.

"Oftentimes our schedules are busier than the surgeons if we work at a hospital with [obstetrics]. Once you place an epidural you may not be able to leave, and they will still want the operation to start on time," Lewis says.

Lovinaria says he and his team work various shifts, including 8-hour, 10-hour, 12-hour, and overnight shifts.

Who's Their Boss?

But there's good news, too. CRNAs operate on a more autonomous schedule-they're not required to be supervised by an anesthesiologist in any of the 50 states-so their shifts and schedules vary compared with traditional registered nurses. CRNAs may work as part of an anesthesia care team or as individual providers.

Robert J. Gauvin, a CRNA who's also the president of Anesthesia Professionals, Inc. in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, says owning an anesthesia care business means more work but even more autonomy.

"Because of my unique position as a business owner and practicing CRNA, a typical day involves the 30-plus CRNAs in my group taking care of one to 45 patients in multiple facilities, followed by two to three hours of administrative duties," Gauvin says. "On a weekly basis, I try to build in dedicated office days that allow me to focus on developing the business side of my practice."

What About the Education Factor?

Because CRNAs have a much more specialized skill set than traditional RNs, they're required to have extra education. Most CRNAs start out as RNs and are then required to complete a master's degree in nursing (MSN), which typically takes about two years. CRNAs must then pass the National Certification Exam (NCE), which covers the knowledge, skills and abilities needed by entry-level CRNAs.

"Pursuing my studies as a CRNA demanded my efforts and abilities in many ways: mentally, physically, emotionally, financially, and so on," says Mary Nguyen, a CRNA at Lourdes Hospital in Paducah, Kentucky. "My whole world was completely changed. With that being said, I'd do it all over again to have the privilege to work in my position as a CRNA."

Nguyen also emphasized the importance of the CRNA certification exam. "The best advice that I can give to others is: 'Respect the Test!' The National Certification Exam (NCE) requires a level of thinking and comprehension of anesthesia that is only attained after rigorous clinical experiences paired with thorough reading and studies," she says.

And then, of course, CRNAs must put a significant amount of time and money into continued education in order to keep their certification active. According to CRNA Bruce Schoneboom, the Senior Director of Education and Professional Development with the AANA, CRNAs must regularly become re-certified.

"The National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists' new recertification program is called the Continued Professional Certification (CPC) Program and consists of eight-year periods. Each period is comprised of two four-year cycles. Every two years CRNAs will check in through a simple, online process known as the 'two-year check-in,'" Schoneboom says. CRNAs must complete 100 additional education credits in an eight-year period.

Is It as Rewarding as They Say?

Talk to any nurse, and he or she will tell you that there's a certain pride in putting on a pair of scrubs every morning. But is being a CRNA just as fulfilling as the traditional RN track? Yes, say CRNAs. And the proof is in the pudding: CRNA is a career with one of the highest job satisfaction ratings within nursing.

"There are so many rewarding moments being a CRNA. The one-to-one patient/CRNA interaction is a very valuable experience, and so is engaging the vets' caregivers or significant others about the anesthesia plan of care," says Lovinaria, adding that it's the critical thinking component of the job and its dynamic changes that keep him on his toes.

Nguyen agrees: "I can honestly and wholeheartedly share that even on my worst day, doing what I love is better and more rewarding than a single day doing something else. I would choose this profession over any other option available," she says.

Make sure to give your favorite CRNA plenty of props during CRNA Week this year!

More Nursing News

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Career Spotlight: A Day in the Life of a CRNA - Minority Nurse

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January 21 through 27 is National CRNA Week, and we're celebrating by getting up-close and personal with the CRNAs who make the medical world go 'round! Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) safely administer about 43 million anesthetics each year, making surgeries and medical treatments safer.

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The income for coming out and finding a job is the start around 157,000. But the range is 105,000 and 242,000. During the time when you are getting experience after you get your bachelors, it is 68,000.

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Medically reviewed by:

If you're a registered nurse (RN) looking for more autonomy working with patients in an operating room, intensive care unit, or surgical facility, then becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) might be the perfect job for you.

CRNAs are highly respected for their work and, according to U.S. News & World Report, Nurses Anesthetists rank #10 in Best Health Care Job in 2023. They are also the highest-paid nurses of 2023 (the average CRNA salary is $195,610!) Read on to find out how to become a CRNA, what they do, and more.

Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who administer anesthesia and other medications.

They monitor patients who are receiving and recovering from anesthesia. CRNAs have acquired a minimum of a doctorate degree focusing on anesthesia, have completed extensive clinical training, and have passed a certification exam approved by the National Boards of Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists ( NBCRNA).

CRNAs care for patients from all walks of life. Some patients are scheduled for surgery, while others come in for emergency surgeries related to trauma or other potentially life-threatening events.
Related: CRNA vs Anesthesiologist: What's the Difference?
It takes about 7-10 years to become a nurse anesthetist. In order to become a CRNA, you'll need to meet CRNA school requirements, complete an accredited program, and earn your certification. You can complete these requirements using the following steps:

1. Shadow a CRNA

2. Earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing - 4 years

3. Gain ICU experience - 1-3 years

4. GRE & Certifications

5. Recommendations and Essay

6. Interview Prep

7. Complete Your CRNA program - 2-3 years

8. Take and pass the National Certification Examination for Nurse Anesthetists - Eligible Upon Graduation

Let's take a closer look at what each step entails, including tips from Dr. Charnelle Lewis, DNP, CRNA. You can see her full explanation of how to become a nurse anesthetist in the video below.

According to Dr. Charnelle Lewis, "Becoming a CRNA is not for everyone." She recommends shadowing as your first step to make sure it's something you enjoy.

You will need your bachelor's of nursing or related bachelor's degree as well as an RN license in order to be eligible for a CRNA program.

Most CRNA programs have a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0, and acceptance is becoming increasingly competitive. Don't let the G.P.A requirement scare you away - here are 7 Tips To Getting Into CRNA School, Even With a Low G.P.A.

Nurse anesthesia programs prefer candidates who have worked in the intensive critical care unit (ICU) with adult patients. You should have a minimum of 1 year of experience working in an ICU unit, but Dr. Lewis says, "the average incoming class has approximately 2.5 years of ICU experience."

Examples of ICUs you can work in are: CVICU/CTICU, MICU, SICU, BTICU, Neuro ICU, PICU.

Dr. Lewis adds that "some schools accept ER, CCU, and NICU, but it is best to check with the school to be sure."

4. GRE and Certifications

According to Dr. Lewis, there are some schools that don't require the GRE, but you'll need a high GPA in order to be a competitive applicant for those schools.

The CCRN or critical care certification is generally not listed as a requirement but is preferred and will help give you an edge over other applicants.

5. Recommendations and Essay

Dr. Lewis says that your recommendations are a crucial step in the application process. She recommends making sure you are "networking, making connections, and staying involved in your unit because you will need people to speak about your abilities and skills."

She also suggests keeping track of your accomplishments and shadow experiences. "Your personal essay is key to showing the admissions committee who you are and why you are right for the program!"

While you're waiting to find out if you've been accepted, Dr. Lewis recommends using this time to prepare for your interview, "Grab a copy of Duke's Anesthesia Secrets and review your CCRN materials for the clinical portion."

Earning your degree will take between two and three years and will provide both high-level classroom work and clinical practice. Most CRNA schools are fully in-person, but a few universities offer hybrid online CRNA programs for increased flexibility. Students in these programs enjoy some online coursework alongside their in-person requirements.
>> Related: Accredited CRNA Schools by State
All nurse anesthetists must pass the CRNA exam prior to beginning to practice. The National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nursing Anesthetists ( NBCRNA) outlines eligibility, registration processes, exam details, and renewal procedures in its Examination Candidate Handbook.

Once you pass the exam and have become a CRNA, you must maintain certification, which involves recertifying every four years and taking a new test every eight years.

Recertification requires the completion of 100 units of continuing education in a variety of areas, including pathophysiology and anesthesia technologies.
>> Related: CRNA vs Anesthesiologist: What's the Difference?
In many states, CRNAs work with complete autonomy. In other team models, they work with anesthesiologists, surgeons, dentists, and other physicians in serving patients who are to receive anesthesia.

CRNAs usually work in hospital operating rooms (ORs), emergency rooms (ERs), intensive care units (ICUs), cardiac care units (CCUs), or outpatient surgical clinics.

CRNAs work with surgical teams, with most surgical procedures occurring from early morning (6 am) to late afternoons/evenings (6-7 pm), Monday through Friday. However, emergency surgery and unplanned cases can occur at any moment, thus, it is not unusual to see CRNAs working evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

CRNAs have specific duties, which include but are not limited to:

Assessing patient response to anesthesia

Identifying possible risks to the anesthetized patient, including allergies and overdose

Administering precise dosages

Educating patients before and after receiving anesthesia

Show Me CRNA Programs

Nurse Anesthetist salaries are some of the highest in the field. Depending on the work setting and state where they are employed, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ( BLS) reports that the median average nurse anesthetist salary is $195,610 as of their most recent survey in 2021.

In comparison, the median average annual salary for an RN in 2022 is $77,600, less than half the earning potential of a CRNA. Note that conditions in your area may vary.

The top 5 states with the highest mean annual average salaries for nurse anesthetists are:

Connecticut
$276,540

New Jersey
$263,850

Illinois
$250,280

West Virginia
$247,650

Source: BLS
The top 5 cities with the highest mean annual average salaries for nurse anesthetists are:

Springfield, IL

$298,890

Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA

$283,550

Ann Arbor, MI

$276,810

Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT

$273,060

Source: BLS
Here's a map of all the United States and the average CRNA salary for each per the BLS.

High salaries may often be accompanied by high costs of living. Below is a comprehensive listing of median average Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist salaries by state along with the cost of living percentage for each one:

State

Avg Annual

Avg Hourly

Cost of Living

Source BLS, Date extracted: May 26, 2022. Cost of Living reflects percentage above or below the national average cost of living.
CRNAs typically work in healthcare settings that have operating rooms, emergency rooms, and intensive care units.

1. Medical and surgical hospitals

2. Critical access hospitals

3. Mobile surgery centers

4. Outpatient care centers

5. Nursing research facilities

6. Offices of plastic surgeons, dentists, ophthalmologists, pain management specialists, and other medical professionals

7. U.S. military medical facilities

While most CRNAs choose to practice at the bedside, there are also numerous administrative jobs available for Nurse Anesthetists. Individuals can work in a managerial role that includes personnel and resource management, financial management, quality assurance, risk management, department meetings, continuing education, and staff development.

Furthermore, CRNAs may hold positions within state and federal government agencies, including the state boards of nursing, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and for professional testing organizations such as the American Society for Testing and Materials.

There are numerous CRNA programs in the US; our panel of nurses ranked them based on reputation, certification pass rate, cost, accreditation, and acceptance rates and determined these are some of the best options out there. See the full list of the best nurse anesthetist programs!

We asked leaders in the nurse anesthesia field for their best advice for nurses who want to become nurse anesthetists.

Second, get used to constant advocacy. CRNAs only exist because we've battled, for over 100 years, just for the right to do our job and take care of our patients.

Third, you must properly - and frequently - articulate your practice to others who likely know nothing about your practice. Few people (even surgeons, physicians, and nurses) understand the knowledge, background, and capabilities of CRNAs, and fewer will know that you have a deep understanding of perioperative anesthetic management.

Last, surgery and anesthesia are all about teamwork, not egos - the only measurement that ever matters - is the safety of our patients.

I also think that a nurse working in critical care will develop skills that are crucial to our profession. Understanding laboratory results, ventilator settings, & EKG interpretation are just the tip of the iceberg for us. A successful CRNA understands all of those things, plus the pathophysiology behind it. Working in an ICU or other critical care areas will also help an RN develop critical thinking skills that are absolutely essential to a CRNA. This is something that is learned over time, not just in a year. I truly believe that applying for school when one is ready, not just after the minimum requirement, is important.

Shawn Seifert, MS, CRNA, President-Elect of the Maryland Association of Nurse Anesthetists

That is, seek opportunities outside of the purely clinical and be involved politically, socially, or even artistically.

These experiences will allow you to evolve into the advanced role of nursing leadership that Nurse Anesthesia demands as well as makes your application for school more impactful and likely to lead to an interview.

After you've made the decision and have gotten a minimum of two years of solid ICU, minimize your lifestyle and expenses for the short term while in school. This is to minimize debt. You will have time to decompress during school. But international vacations at this time are an unnecessary luxury (in my humble opinion and experience). You will have time and money after boards!

After becoming an RN, you will need to obtain at least one year of experience working in an intensive care setting. My recommendation: Work for 2-3 years at a minimum before applying for nurse anesthesia school. Absorb advice and information like a sponge and become the best intensive care nurse you can be.

Find a CRNA and ask if you can shadow him/her in the OR for a day. This will give you a total picture of what the career entails. Also, get your CCRN certification. Obtaining the certification shows that you are able to learn and retain new concepts and shows that you have the motivation to learn while working.

Also, if you had a science course and your grades were not outstanding, take another science course before applying to show you are capable of the science courses in anesthesia school. This will position you well for the next stage of your career...as a CRNA! Good luck in your future career.

In addition, it is very important to gain as much clinical exposure as possible while working as an RN and applying to anesthesia programs. I also feel it is helpful to find a CRNA mentor and shadow that person for enough time to really establish if this profession is for you. Becoming a CRNA is very rewarding and challenging. I have never regretted my decision to become a CRNA. Good luck to you!

Our peers will have high expectations of us, and we have to know how to deliver. Don't think that just because you have "CRNA" behind your name, that immediate 'carte blanche' is granted to you. It is, in fact just the opposite! We have to prove ourselves every single day! There is no doubt that in your CRNA career, you will need their helping hands and their moral support, and they will give it you almost 100% if they see that you did not shoot way too far into the stratosphere when you became a CRNA.

Show Me CRNA Programs

The job prospects for CRNAs are excellent. Healthcare legislation, increased emphasis on preventative care, an increasing number of insured patients, and an aging patient population have led to more patients seeking medical care.

The BLS estimates that the projected job growth for CRNAs between 2021 and 2031 will be 40%, much faster than the expected job growth for RNs. As noted above, many rural areas are already using high numbers of CRNAs when they are available, and this is expected to increase significantly. Many organizations are utilizing them in place of anesthesiologists due to availability and costs.

The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists ( AANA) is an excellent resource for those interested in more information about this career path. AANA offers information about continuing education, advocacy, and upcoming annual meetings.

Additionally, Nurse.org is an invaluable resource for everything you need to know about a career as a CRNA and about CRNA programs. You'll find the answers to all of your questions in these articles:

1. Top 10 CRNA Programs

2. CRNA Schools by State

3. Top RN to CRNA Programs

4. CRNA Salary Guide

5. Tips To Get Into CRNA School

6. DNP vs DNAP

7. How to Get Into CRNA School

Becoming a Nurse Anesthetist is a lot of work, but with that title comes a rewarding and lucrative career. If your goal is to take your RN career to the next level, look into becoming a CRNA.
*Indicates an affiliate link. At no additional cost to you, Nurse.org may earn a commission if you click through and use this service. *Indicates an affiliate link. At no additional cost to you, Nurse.org will earn a commission if you click through and use this service.$100,000+CRNA Doctorate Bedside

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certified registered nurse anesthetist career

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certified registered nurse anesthetist education

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certified registered nurse anesthetist salary

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How to Become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

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If you're a Registered Nurse (RN) looking for more autonomy working with patients in an operating room, intensive care unit, or surgical facility, then becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) might be the perfect job for you.

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What is the difference between a CRNA and a anesthesiologist

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What is the difference between a CRNA and a anesthesiologist

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The biggest difference between is the education background. CRNA's are advanced practice registered nurse. As anesthesiologist's they are doctors who complete medical school, clinical rotations, internship and a residency. In other words these 2 jobs overlap each other one really monitors the patient and the more doctor gives them the anesthesia.

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Anesthesia is the medicine used to relieve pain, numb a part of the body or put a patient to sleep so that health care professionals can perform medical procedures. Administering anesthesia is a challenging job that requires precision. Giving a patient too little anesthesia can result in the patient feeling extreme pain or waking up during a surgery, while giving too much of these medications could potentially be fatal.
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Because it is so important to administer just the right amount of anesthesia, the health care professionals who do this work need advanced education and training. Both nurse anesthetists and anesthesiologists administer anesthesia, but they follow different education and career paths.

Nursing vs. Medical Field

The biggest difference between nurse anesthetists and anesthesiologists is simply that of a nursing background compared to a physician's educational background. The full title for nurse anesthetists is Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). CNRAs are a type of advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). Anesthesiologists are doctors who complete medical school, clinical rotations, internship and a residency.

The job duties of anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists overlap a great deal, as these highly trained health care professionals provide many of the same services. Both work directly with surgeons and patients, administering anesthesia, monitoring the patient while under anesthesia and adjusting the medication as necessary. Much of the difference between nurse anesthetists and anesthesiologists is the difference in philosophy between the fields of nursing and medicine.
Nurses have been administering anesthesia for more than 150 years, with the CRNA credential first appearing in 1956, according to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists.
Generally speaking, the medical model of treating patients is more focused on diagnosing and treating diseases, while the nursing model puts more emphasis on patient care. Physicians are usually the leaders and primary decision-makers of health care teams and are the most accountable for patient outcomes, but nurses typically have more direct contact with the patient. However, these differences may be less pronounced when it comes to nurse anesthetists and anesthesiologists compared to other roles in nursing and medicine.

Education and Training

A big difference between nurse anesthetists and anesthesiologists is how they prepare for their roles. Nurse anesthetists begin their careers as registered nurses (RNs), typically by earning an associate's degree in nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. They must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and attain their RN license. Typically, a registered nurse needs to spend at least one year working full-time in the field of nursing before beginning an advanced nursing education program. Currently, most APRN, including nurse anesthetists, complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, that may change very soon. By the year 2025, new nurse anesthetists will be required to hold a doctoral degree, according to U.S. News & World Report, and other APRNs will be "strongly encouraged" to get one, as well.
All told, your education after high school will take at least seven years if you become a CNRA, and at least 12 years if you become an anesthesiologist.
MSN and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree programs for nurse anesthetists include introductory, intermediate and advanced coursework in the principles of anesthesia as well as the physics and chemistry of how anesthesia works and how it is given. To become a CNRA, you will need to administer anesthesia in a clinical setting, under the supervision of anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists, a minimum of 600 times and will gain thousands of hours of hands-on clinical experience.

Anesthesiologists are specialized physicians, and as such, they need a doctor's education. This begins with a bachelor's degree, often in a major such as biology, chemistry or pre-medical studies. Students must be accepted into medical school, which is highly competitive. Once aspiring doctors get into medical school, they must complete two years of classroom and laboratory studies and an additional two years of clinical rotations in a number of specialties in order to attain their Doctor of Medicine (MD) or the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree, according to the BLS.

After finishing medical school, prospective anesthesiologists must complete a yearlong internship in general medical, surgical or pediatric training and three years of residency experience in clinical anesthesiology, the American Society of Anesthesiology reported. Though not required, a yearlong fellowship is valuable if you wish to work in a subspecialty of anesthesiology such as critical care medicine, cardiac anesthesiology, neuro-anesthesiology, obstetric anesthesiology, pediatric anesthesiology or pain management. Once your residency is complete, you will probably want to join the nearly 75 percent of anesthesiologists who attain certification from the American Board of Anesthesiology.

Earning Potential and Cost of Education
The tuition for a DNP program typically costs tens of thousands of dollars - while the price tag for medical school may be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Other than the philosophical differences between nursing and medical models, why would someone choose to spend 12 years studying to become an anesthesiologist rather than becoming a nurse anesthetist in seven years? For one thing, there is a considerable difference in earning potential. Both of these careers offer lucrative salaries, due to the high level of responsibility and the intense educational demands.

Nurse anesthetists are among the most highly paid nurses out there, with a median wage of $165,120. Anesthesiologists are also the top earners among doctors - but their median salary is $453,687 per year, the BLS reported.

However, there's more to consider than just annual salaries. How much income is a prospective anesthesiologist missing out on during those five extra years of school? How much does it cost to train for a career as a nurse anesthetist or an anesthesiologist? Ultimately, when choosing between a nurse anesthetist and an anesthesiologist career, you need to look at all of the factors, including the education and training needed for these careers as well as earning potential.

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What Is the Difference Between a Nurse Anesthetist and an Anesthesiologist?

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Anesthesia is the medicine used to relieve pain, numb a part of the body or put a patient to sleep so that health care professionals can perform medical procedures. Administering anesthesia is a challenging job that requires precision.

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You need to earn a bachelor's degree at a university, in science of nursing. Once you get that you will need to obtain a state licensure. Following that you will need to get some experience. You will need some critical care nursing experience to enroll. Most master programs need you to see at least 2 years of experience. Once completing that you will need to successfully complete the program needing to get your CRNA.

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A Certified registered nurse anesthetists is someone that plays a crucial role in success of a variety of medical procedures. What they do is work with all the surgeons, anesthesiologist's, and podiatrists and the other professionals to ensure the safe use and administration of anesthesia. Another thing they do is provide pain management, assisting with stabilization services and overseeing patient recovery.

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Becoming a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) can be rewarding for a number of reasons, including personal satisfaction, benefits to society, and relatively generous compensation. CRNAs perform similar work to anesthesiologists including giving local and general anesthetics; performing epidural, spinal and nerve blocks; providing twilight sedation; and facilitating pain management for patients. Currently, hundreds of self-reporting nurse anesthetists have given their profession a perfect score in job satisfaction in a Payscale (2017) report. It is easy to see why working as a nurse anesthetist can be a competitive and highly desirable line of work.

So how does someone become a nurse anesthetist? According to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA), it generally takes a minimum of seven years postsecondary education and experience to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). An average student will complete approximately 2,500 clinical hours and administer 850 anesthetics before obtaining his or her certification. The general requirements and more detailed steps to becoming a nurse anesthetist are presented below.

Steps to Becoming a Nurse Anesthetist

Nurse anesthetists require several years of experience and schooling prior to becoming certified. The AANA provides one possible path to become to becoming a CRNA:
Step 1: Pursue a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or a similar degree - 4 years
The road to becoming a certified nurse anesthetist typically begins as an undergraduate. Students take courses such as physiology, anatomy, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment. Although a BSN is not required for becoming a RN, students who complete these undergraduate programs may have an edge in the highly competitive application process to accredited nurse anesthetist programs. Students are also required to complete clinical rotations in major health departments such as women's health, surgery, and pediatrics. While pursuing a BSN or other qualifying degrees, it is advisable to get good grades. The accredited nurse anesthetist programs often require applicants to have maintained a GPA of 3.0 or higher, particularly in science courses. This criteria and the application prerequisites are covered in more detail below.
Step 2: Obtain a license as a registered nurse (RN) - less than 1 year
After completing an undergraduate program, registered nurses must become licensed. These requirements may vary by state, but they generally involve passing an approved training program and the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). These exams are given by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), and cover topics such as health assessment, physiological integrity, and infection control. Since requirements and licensure may vary by state, it is important to check with local NCBSN Member Boards prior to registering for the exam.
Step 3: Get experience as an RN in an acute care setting - 1-3 years
Prior to applying to an accredited nurse anesthesia program, candidates typically complete at least one year of work in a clinical setting such as an intensive care unit (ICU), cardiac care unit (CCU), or emergency room (ER). At this phase, some RNs choose to pursue a Critical Care Registered Nurse Certification (CCRN), a specialization that may improve one's chances of getting acceptance to a nurse anesthetist program. Eligibility for a CCRN includes having a valid RN license, passing an exam, and completing at least 1,750 hours of direct critical care within the previous two years. Other prospective CRNAs choose to shadow a practicing nurse anesthetist, an experience that some programs advise prior to applying for admission.
Step 4: Gain admittance to an accredited nurse anesthesia program - less than 1 year
The AANA estimates that as of August 2018, there were 121 accredited nurse anesthesia programs and more than 1,799 active clinical sites. Admission to these programs can be highly competitive. For example, the nurse anesthetist program at Kansas University has the following requirements for applicants:

Two years of experience as an RN

One year of full-time ICU experience

Proof of valid RN license

Bachelor's degree in an appropriate discipline

Completion of prerequisites: chemistry (2 courses), human anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and statistics

3.0 overall GPA in college coursework

3.0 GPA in 5 science prerequisites

Graduate-level writing abilities

Shadow experience with a CRNA or an anesthesiologist

Three references

College transcripts

ACLS/BLS/PALS certifications

Resume

Goal statement (personal essay)

Background check (after admission)

Prior to applying to nurse anesthetist programs, review the admission requirements carefully. The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Programs (COA) has the most up-to-date list of accredited programs for nurse anesthetists.
Step 5: Graduate from the accredited nurse anesthesia program - 2-3 years
All nurse anesthetists must complete an accredited program which generally takes 24-36 months. While these students graduate with a minimum of a master's degree, a growing number of the 115 programs across the U.S. award a doctoral degree. All nurse anesthesia programs have courses such as:

Anesthesia pharmacology

Geriatric anesthesia

Obstetric anesthesia

Pain management

Anesthesia biology

Anesthesia pathophysiology

Additionally, nurse anesthesia programs include clinical practice in university-based or large community hospitals where students are exposed to a range of procedures requiring anesthesia such as pediatric, plastic, and open-heart surgeries.
Step 6: Pass the National Certification Examination through the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) - less than 1 year
Upon completion of an accredited program, nurse anesthetists must pass the National Certification Examination (NCE) to become a CRNA. This computer exam typically takes three hours. Each student must answer between 100 and 170 questions. The responsive design of the exam adjusts the tested material depending on the test-taker's answers to previous questions. For the complete information about the exam, visit the NBCRNA Exam Handbook.
Step 7: Get a job as a CRNA
After certified nurse anesthetists graduate from an accredited program and pass the exam, they are eligible for entry-level employment. Some employers seek individuals who can work among several major departments, whereas others seek CRNAs with more specialized qualifications and experience to work in specific departments such as obstetrics, pediatrics, or endoscopy.
Step 8: Maintain certification - recertify every 4 years, retest every 8 years
Finally, as mentioned above, CRNAs who certified or recertified in 2016 are now a part of the NBCRNA's Continued Professional Certification (CPC) program, comprising two four-year cycles. To maintain their certification, CRNAs must complete 100 units of continuing education every four years in several areas: airway management techniques, applied pharmacology, human physiology and pathophysiology, and anesthesia technologies. Additionally, they must pass a comprehensive examination every eight years.

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What is a Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) and What Do They Do?

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Becoming a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) can be rewarding for a number of reasons, including personal satisfaction, benefits to society, and relatively generous compensation. CRNAs perform similar work to anesthesiologists including giving local and general anesthetics; performing epidural, spinal and nerve blocks; providing twilight sedation; and facilitating pain management for patients.