bestcrnaprogramsSubscribe
Guide7–10 years total

How to Become a CRNA

Becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist is one of nursing's most rewarding — and most competitive — paths. Here's the route, start to finish, with realistic timelines.

1
Step 1

Earn a BSN and become an RN

Complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and pass the NCLEX-RN. If you have an ADN, most applicants bridge to a BSN before applying.
2
Step 2

Gain critical-care (ICU) experience

Programs typically require at least one year of full-time high-acuity adult ICU experience (many competitive applicants have 2–3). This is where you build hemodynamic and vasoactive-drip fluency.
3
Step 3

Earn your CCRN and strengthen your profile

The CCRN signals critical-care competency. Alongside it, applicants shadow CRNAs, take any required GRE, and shore up science GPA.
4
Step 4

Apply to an accredited doctoral program

All entry-level nurse anesthesia programs are now doctoral (DNP or DNAP). Applications go through NursingCAS or directly to the program. Admission is competitive and interview-based.
5
Step 5

Complete the program (~36 months)

Doctoral nurse anesthesia programs run about three years, combining graduate coursework with thousands of hours of supervised clinical anesthesia.
6
Step 6

Pass the National Certification Exam

After graduating, you sit for the NCE administered by the NBCRNA. Pass it and you're a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to become a CRNA?

Plan on roughly 7–10 years total: about 4 years for a BSN, at least 1–2 years of full-time ICU experience, then a ~3-year (36-month) doctoral nurse anesthesia program (DNP or DNAP), followed by the National Certification Exam.

Do you need a BSN to become a CRNA?

Yes — you must be a licensed RN, and virtually all programs require a BSN. If you hold an ADN, most applicants complete an RN-to-BSN bridge before applying.

How much do CRNAs make?

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists are among the highest-paid nursing roles, with U.S. earnings commonly around $200,000+ per year depending on region, setting, and experience.

How many CRNA programs are there in the U.S.?

There are roughly 130 COA-accredited nurse anesthesia programs across the United States. This directory lists every accredited program, searchable by state.

Is it hard to get into CRNA school?

Admission is competitive. Strong applicants typically bring a solid GPA, at least a year of high-acuity ICU experience, the CCRN certification, shadowing, and strong interviews. A balanced program list (likely, target, and reach) improves your odds.

What's the difference between a CRNA and a CAA?

Both administer anesthesia on the care team, but CRNAs are advanced-practice nurses (RN + doctoral nurse anesthesia degree) who can practice in all states, while Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAAs) come from a master's pathway open to any bachelor's degree and practice in a more limited set of states.

Next steps

Browse all accredited CRNA programs →How to choose the best program for you →Find CRNA programs in your state →
Boost CRNA

Turn your research into a plan

Build your school shortlist, track deadlines, and get honest fit scoring against every program — free in the Boost CRNA app, built by CRNAs.

Open Boost CRNA