If you’re thinking about becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) as a career, the opportunity to work in nationwide hospitals as an anesthesia specialist in the nursing field is waiting. Deciding where to go to school and the area of field specialty as a nurse anesthetist has several considerations and prerequisites for gaining the experience and sharpening the skills required to become a CRNA.

CRNA Program Requirements

The CRNA program is structured to guide the first level of education and school prerequisites in obtaining a bachelor’s in nursing (BSN) in preparation for the CRNA program. The BSN is a 4 year study plan with the academic requirements of at least 3.0 GPA for all work related to the curriculum field matter and the student must consistently receive “C or better ” on all CRNA subjects tested coursework. The BSN study program includes theoretical and practical education, followed with an internship program related to CRNA medical principles.

On completion of the BSN study program, the graduate is required to pass the National Council Licensure Examination to receive a license to practice as a registered nurse (RN). It can take up to 6 months to schedule and prepare for the exam, in addition to waiting for the results. Once the license is issued it must be maintained in good standing at all times.

After passing the RN examination and getting the license to practice in the recognized state, 2 years of Critical Care (ICU) and Operating Room (OR) nursing experience is required. As a newly licensed nurse, typically this phase of experience starts in the emergency room or medical surgical areas before transitioning to ICU or the OR.

CRNA Training

CRNA program is a set of courses offered through colleges or universities, earning a master’s or doctorate degree on completion. Currently the program takes 24 to 36 months to complete as a full time graduate, dependent on the evaluation of the academics, experience and prerequisites. The coursework entails supplementary trainings along with internship programs associated with the degree