CRNA Schools in Virginia
Discover all of your CRNA school options in Virginia, as well as how to become a CRNA in Virginia, salary expectations, and job outlook. Currently, there are four accredited CRNA schools in Virginia:
- Old Dominion University
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- Georgetown University
- Mary Baldwin University
Popular Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs
CCNE
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.
RNs with an associate degree: Advance your nursing career with a supportive online RN to BSN program for women. Simmons University has been empowering nursing leaders for more than 100 years and offering innovative online degree programs since 2013. Up to 96 transfer credits accepted. Request information now.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
How to Become a CRNA in Virginia
Like all other states, Virginia requires incoming CRNA students to enroll in a Doctoral CRNA program (DNAP). To become a CRNA with a DNAP, applicants must be registered nurses with an advanced degree.
Typically, most students go from a BSN to a DNAP, but RNs with a master’s degree may also apply to some programs. Applicants must be RNs with either a BSN or an MS and have at least one year of acute care experience before applying to their CRNA program. However, some specific schools may require more extensive experience.
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CRNA Schools in Virginia
There are four accredited CRNA DNAP programs in Virginia. One of the schools, Virginia Commonwealth University, has even been ranked the #1 CRNA program in the entire country by U.S. News & World Report.
1. Old Dominion University
- Location: Virginia Beach, VA
- Program cost: $559 per credit, or $55,900
- Degree offered: DNP
- School type: Public
One of the most diverse campuses in Virginia, ODU offers an idyllic waterfront setting and a convenient hybrid CRNA program. The 36-month program is full-time and starts in May of each year (students must apply by the previous year) for a total of 100 credits upon graduation.
Students do a mixture of on-campus and online classes and complete a scholarly project at the end of the program as well. Here are the clinical sites where students will perform CRNA cases:
- Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
- Sentara Leigh Hospital
- Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital
- Sentara Careplex Hospital
- Sentara Princess Anne Hospital
2. Virginia Commonwealth University
- Location: Richmond, VA
- Program cost: $8,871/semester, or $79,839
- Degree offered: DNP
- School type: Public
Virginia Commonwealth University allows working students to continue their employment during the first two semesters of the program, thanks to a flexible hybrid course option. Keep in mind that many CRNA programs do not allow any outside employment.
This specific program has been ranked #1 by U.S. News & World Reports for 15 consecutive years. It features a 3,00-square-foot simulation lab as well as extensive clinical sites. The program is also unique because it offers a DNAP program for previous master' s-prepared CRNAs who wish to complete their doctoral degree.
Popular Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs
CCNE
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.
RNs with an associate degree: Advance your nursing career with a supportive online RN to BSN program for women. Simmons University has been empowering nursing leaders for more than 100 years and offering innovative online degree programs since 2013. Up to 96 transfer credits accepted. Request information now.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
3. Georgetown University
- Location: Georgetown, VA
- Program cost: $2,358/credit (summer) and $2,452/credit (spring and fall)
- Degree offered: DNP
- School type: Private
As one of the most prestigious universities in the country, Georgetown’s CRNA program is also one of the most expensive. Students can expect a total cost of over $300,000 for the entire program, although financial aid programs are available. Prospective students must apply to the program by October 15 of the year before they wish to start, with a program start time in the summer.
The program is full-time only for three years. It consists of two phases: classroom and clinical simulation work with an anatomy/cadaver lab, followed by a clinical and research project phase, which consists of 50-60 hours plus on-call clinical work.
4. Mary Baldwin University
- Location: Staunton, VA
- Program cost: $16,500/semester, or $148,500
- Degree offered: DNP
- School type: Private
Mary Baldwin University is a small school, averaging only around 1,300 enrolled students, so the DNP CRNA program offers a personalized educational experience. Prospective students must take a Casper situational judgment test (Acuity Insights) before applying and have at least two years of acute or critical care experience as an RN. The program is hybrid, and interested applicants can attend one of many offered virtual informational sessions to see if the school may be a fit for them.
Admissions Requirements for Virginia CRNA Programs
Program admission requirements vary by school, but the majority of programs often require the following:
- Minimum of 2 years of critical care experience
- Minimum (undergraduate cumulative) GPA 3.0
- Official transcripts from ALL postsecondary schools
- Official GRE transcripts
- CRNA or anesthesiologist shadow experience
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of intent
- Official school application
- Official CV/resume
- Current RN license
Read our guide to CRNA school requirements to learn more about what it takes to get into a CRNA program.
How Hard is CRNA School in Virginia?
CRNA school is challenging, time-consuming, and stressful regardless of which program you attend. Completing a CRNA program requires a higher level of learning and processing than a BSN degree.
How Long is CRNA School in Virginia?
CRNA programs in Virginia are 36 months (3 years) long and include full-time didactic and clinical coursework. Because students must complete classes according to a specific progression, CRNA students follow a strict educational pathway.
CRNA programs in Virginia offer didactic coursework in both online and in-person formats. However, students complete clinicals and simulations in person.
What to Expect Working as a Nurse Anesthetist in Virginia
CRNA Salary in Virginia
CRNAs in Virginia earn an average annual salary of $246,510 or $118.52 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Virginia CRNA salaries exceed the national average of $205,770 annually or $98.93 per hour.
Career Outlook
The BLS predicts a 9% growth in nurse anesthetist jobs over the next decade, faster than all other occupations. Currently, there are 2,000 CRNAs employed in Virginia. From 2022 to 2023, there will be a need for 4,500 more nurse anesthetists nationwide.
Where Can You Work? CRNA Jobs in Virginia
Facilities with operating rooms, emergency rooms, and intensive care units need CRNAs. Some places nurse anesthetists can work in Virginia include the following:
- Medical and surgical hospitals
- Critical access hospitals
- Mobile surgery centers
- Pain clinics
- Outpatient care centers
- Offices of plastic surgeons, dentists, ophthalmologists, pain management specialists, and other medical professionals
- U.S. military medical facilities
Next Steps for Becoming a CRNA in Virginia
Becoming a CRNA, regardless of the state, is a serious commitment. Programs in Virginia are 36 months long with few breaks, which can be emotionally and physically stressful.
If you want to become a CRNA, consider speaking to an admissions counselor and shadowing a current CRNA. This will give you first-hand experience of the day-to-day responsibilities.
For more information on what it takes to be a nurse anesthetist, check out these helpful guides:
- CRNA Schools by State
- Top RN to CRNA Programs
- CRNA vs Anesthesiologist
- What Does a Nurse Anesthetist Do?
Popular Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs
CCNE
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.
RNs with an associate degree: Advance your nursing career with a supportive online RN to BSN program for women. Simmons University has been empowering nursing leaders for more than 100 years and offering innovative online degree programs since 2013. Up to 96 transfer credits accepted. Request information now.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
FAQs
- How many CRNA schools are in Virginia?
- There are currently four accredited CRNA programs in Virginia.
- How much do CRNA schools in Virginia cost?
- CRNA programs range in price from roughly $55,000 to over $300,000, depending on the program.
- How long is CRNA school in Virginia?
- CRNA school is 36 months in Virginia.
- How many CRNAs are in Virginia?
- Currently, there are 2,000 CRNAs employed in Virginia.
- How much do CRNAs in Virginia make?
- CRNAs in Virginia earn an average annual salary of $246,510, or $118.52 per hour, which exceeds the national average of $205,770 annually, or $98.93 per hour.
