To become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), follow these key steps:

1. Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree
   Complete a BSN program from an accredited institution, which typically takes about four years. If you have an associate degree or a non-nursing bachelor's degree, accelerated programs are available to shorten this time

2. Obtain RN Licensure
   Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX- RN) to become a licensed registered nurse (RN) in your state

3. Gain Critical Care Experience
   Work as a full-time RN in an acute care setting, such as an intensive care unit (ICU) or emergency department, for at least one year (two years preferred). This experience is crucial for admission to nurse anesthesia programs and to develop relevant skills

4. Earn a Doctoral Degree in Nurse Anesthesia
   As of 2025, a doctoral degree-Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP)-is required to enter the CRNA profession. These programs typically take 3 years to complete and include advanced coursework and clinical training

5. Pass the National Certification Examination
   After completing the doctoral program, pass the National Certification Examination administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) to become certified as a CRNA

6. Maintain Certification
   CRNAs must recertify every two years by completing continuing education requirements to maintain their license and certification

Timeline:
The entire process generally takes about 7 to 10 years, including education and critical care experience

. Summary Table

Step| Description| Typical Duration
---|---|---
BSN Degree| Bachelor of Science in Nursing| 3-4 years (accelerated options available)
RN Licensure| Pass NCLEX-RN exam| Few months after BSN
Critical Care Experience| Work in ICU or acute care setting| 1-2 years
Doctoral Nurse Anesthesia Program| DNP or DNAP degree with clinical training| ~3 years
Certification Exam| Pass NBCRNA National Certification Exam| Exam duration ~3 hours
Recertification| Continuing education every 2 years| Ongoing

This pathway ensures you have the education, clinical expertise, and certification needed to practice safely and effectively as a CRNA