CRNA Schools in Georgia

Looking to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) in Georgia? Read on to learn about all the CRNA schools in Georgia, as well as their admission requirements, tuition, and more. 

How to Become a CRNA in Georgia

The Georgia Association of Nurse Anesthetists (GANA) explains that to become a CRNA in Georgia, a student must first become a registered nurse with a bachelor’s or master’s degree. 

Next, they must work full-time as an RN for at least one year. Starting in 2025, all CRNAs will be required to complete a doctoral degree program. 

In total, the GANA tells students to expect between 7 and 8.5 years of education and experience to become a CRNA in Georgia.

Georgia CRNA Schools

There are two universities with accredited CRNA programs in Georgia. Both programs offer doctoral CRNA degrees only and are considered highly-ranked programs in the nation. These programs take at least three years of full-time coursework or 36 months of classes and clinical work. 

1. Augusta University

• Location: Augusta, GA
• Program Cost: $9,000 per semester
• Degree offered: DNP
• School Type: Private

Along with being accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Augusta University is known for integrating leading simulation into its CRNA program to help students learn with cutting-edge technology. 

Augusta University’s CRNA program is known as one of the best in the entire country. The program combines web-based, hybrid, and hands-on learning at a full-time pace and offers clinical sites in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and Tennessee. Each cohort admits 40 students, and 100% of its students are employed within six months after graduation. 

2. Emory University

• Location: Atlanta, GA
• Program Cost: $24,190/semester
• Degree offered: DNP
• School Type: Private

Emory University’s Doctoral CRNA program was founded in 2017 and boasts a 90-100% pass rate for students since its origin. The program lasts for nine semesters and offers in-patient and out-patient clinical sites at leading medical centers in and around Atlanta as well as more rural areas. Students are admitted on two deadlines each year: June 1st and September 1st. 

Admission Requirements for Georgia CRNA Programs

Program admission requirements vary by school, but generally, most programs require the following:

• Minimum of 2 years of critical care experience
• Minimum (undergraduate cumulative) GPA of 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.

About CRNA Schools in Georgia

How Hard is CRNA School in Georgia?

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 Georgia?

The CRNA programs in Georgia are both doctoral programs that last between 36 months (3 years) and nine semesters, which 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 Georgia 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 Georgia

CRNA Salary in Georgia

CRNAs earn a national average annual salary of $203,090 or $98.93 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Average Georgia CRNA salaries fall around the $190,800 mark annually, or $91.73 per hour, a little below the nation’s average.

Career Outlook

The BLS predicts a 38% growth in nurse anesthetist jobs over the next decade, faster than other occupations. Currently, there are 1,230 CRNAs employed in Georgia. From 2022 to 2023, there will be a need for 4,500 more nurse anesthetists nationwide.

CRNA Jobs in Georgia

Facilities with operating rooms, emergency rooms, and intensive care units need CRNAs. Some places nurse anesthetists can work in Georgia 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

Becoming a CRNA, regardless of the state, is a serious commitment. Programs in Georgia range from 36 months to nine semesters 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?

FAQs

• How many CRNA schools are in Georgia?

  • There are currently two accredited CRNA programs in Georgia.

• How much do CRNA schools in Georgia cost?

  • CRNA programs range in price from roughly $9,000 to $24,190 per semester, depending on the program.

• How long is CRNA school in Georgia?

  • CRNA school ranges from 36 months to nine semesters in Georgia for the two available doctoral programs.

• How many CRNAs are in Georgia?

  • Currently, there are 1,230 CRNAs employed in Georgia.

• How much do CRNAs in Georgia make?

  • Average Georgia CRNA salaries fall around the $190,800 mark annually, or $91.73 per hour, a little below the nation’s average of $203,090