CRNA Education and Training

An overview of the expertise and knowledge required to become a CRNA.

Reviewed on March 18, 2026 by Lynn Reede, DNP, MBA, CRNA, FNAP

Article Summary

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) complete extensive education and clinical training to provide safe anesthesia care for patients of all ages. This article explains the steps required to become a CRNA, including nursing experience, graduate-level education, and hands-on training in anesthesia care. It also highlights the important role CRNAs play in helping keep patients safe and comfortable before, during, and after medical procedures.

The first step to becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), also called a nurse anesthesiologist, is earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing and becoming a registered nurse (RN).

There are two parts to becoming an RN: education and licensure.

Education: A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with a minimum GPA of 3.0
Licensure: Graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam in the state where they will practice

Did You Know?

Preparing to become a CRNA takes about 8–8.5 years of education and experience.

RNs who want to become a CRNA must have:

A BSN degree
A current, unrestricted nursing license
At least one year of experience working as a nurse in a critical care setting
Minimum 3.0 GPA
CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and advanced life support certifications

Additionally, an RN may decide to get their CCRN (critical care registered nurse certification) and shadow a CRNA. These are not required to become a CRNA, but are highly recommended.

These are the minimum requirements. Many CRNAs have several years of critical care nursing experience before starting a nurse anesthesia education program.

Nurse anesthesia program admissions are very competitive. Each year, about 3,000 RNs and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are accepted as nurse anesthesia students (residents).

These programs are 36 months long on average. During this time, nurse anesthesia students (residents) complete the coursework necessary to enter their clinical experiences to learn all aspects of anesthesia care.

All nurse anesthesia education programs in the United States award a professional doctorate degree.

Did You Know?

There are 152 accredited nurse anesthesia programs in the United States and Puerto Rico.

Each year, more than 2,400 nurse anesthesia students (residents) graduate from these programs. After graduating, they must pass the National Certification Examination (NCE) and apply for state recognition to practice as a CRNA.

Ongoing Certification

After becoming a CRNA, certification requirements must be completed every four years. This includes at least 100 hours of continuing education, along with other requirements.

Learn more about CRNA Frequently Asked Questions.

Did You Know?

CRNA graduates complete an average of 9,432 clinical hours.

Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or a recommendation for any specific anesthesia technique, drug, or treatment. Users should consult a qualified medical professional before making any decisions regarding anesthesia care. For complete terms, see our Terms of Use.