Top CRNA Schools in Oregon

Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who administer anesthesia, pain medication, and other medications. They often perform these duties during surgery and the immediate post-operative phase. Currently, there is only one accredited CRNA school in Oregon: Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU).

This guide will discuss the CRNA program in Oregon, including its location, tuition, and admission requirements. Read on to learn more about how to become a CRNA in Oregon, salary expectations, and job outlook.

How to Become a CRNA in Oregon

Becoming a nurse anesthetist in Oregon is similar to other states. First, you will attend an accredited CRNA program and pass the required national board. You can complete a CRNA program in another state and still earn your Oregon CRNA certification.

The Oregon Association of Nurse Anesthetists requires the following to apply for CRNA licensure:

• A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or relevant bachelor’s-level degree
• A current and unrestricted registered nurse (RN) license
• At least one year of experience as an RN working in an acute care environment
• Graduation from an accredited CRNA program with a Master’s or Doctorate
• Pass a national CRNA certification exam following graduation
• Clinical training at university or large community hospitals during CRNA education

CRNA Schools in Oregon

Oregon Health and Science University

OHSU is currently the only accredited CRNA program in Oregon. Students in this program can earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree in 36 months. The school offers an online learning option, allowing students in other states to complete part of the program before relocating.

The program boasts a 100% national certification pass rate and employment within six months of graduation. Students can select from over a dozen diverse clinical sites, including top children’s hospitals. Because of the location and hospital availability, some clinical sites are in Washington and Idaho.

• Location: Portland, OR
• Program Cost:
  • Resident: $10,505.67 per term
  • Non-resident: $10,829.67 per term
• Degree Offered: DNP
• School Type: Public
• Online Options Available? Didactic – online or hybrid | Clinical – in person

Admission Requirements for Oregon CRNA Schools

If you're searching for a CRNA school near you in Oregon, OHSU is your only option. Its program requirements include:

• Cumulative GPA & Science GPA of 3.0 or higher
• 3 Letters of recommendation
• Work history: a minimum of 1 year of ICU experience
• Essay responses
• Interview
• Upon application, you must be eligible for a registered nurse license in Oregon, Washington, or Idaho.
• Must be licensed in the state of Oregon before matriculation.

Check out our comprehensive guide to learn more about standard CRNA school requirements.

How Hard is the OHSU CRNA Program?

CRNA school is challenging, time-consuming, and stressful regardless of what program you attend. CRNA schools are more difficult than BSN programs because they require a higher level of learning and processing.

Some consider OHSU more difficult because it is the only accredited program in Oregon. Therefore, entrance to OHSU's CRNA program is highly competitive, especially for out-of-state applicants.

How Long is CRNA School in Oregon?

Didactic classwork and a clinical component comprise the 36-month CRNA program at OHSU. Students complete their clinical rotations in person at various locations in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Depending on their preferences, they may do the didactic coursework entirely online or in a hybrid format. 

The school's website provides no information about switching between online and in-person learning. You'll need to speak with an advisor to learn whether you can change formats at OHSU.

What to Expect Working as a Nurse Anesthetist in Oregon

CRNA Salary in Oregon

CRNAs in Oregon earn between $215,260 annually or $103.49 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Oregon CRNA salaries are comparable to the national average of $214,200 annually or $102.98 per hour.

Career Outlook

According to the BLS, the career outlook for nurse anesthetists is good, with an expected 9% growth rate from 2022-2032. There will be a need for an additional 4,500 nurse anesthetists.

Where Can You Work? CRNA Jobs in Oregon

CRNAs can work in various locations, specifically ones with operating rooms, emergency rooms, and intensive care units. These may include:

• 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 Oregon

Before becoming a CRNA in Oregon, you should be sure you're ready to commit mentally and physically to the program. Becoming a CRNA is no small feat and requires hard work and dedication.

CRNAs work directly with patients but also with other healthcare providers. Oregon's OHSU offers an excellent program that will prepare you to become a successful CRNA.

Interested in learning more about becoming a CRNA? Check out some of our other helpful articles:

• CRNA Schools by State
• Top RN to CRNA Programs
• CRNA vs Anesthesiologist
• What Does a Nurse Anesthetist Do?

FAQs

• How Many CRNA Schools Does Oregon Have?

  • Currently, there is only one accredited CRNA school in Oregon: Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU).

• How Do I Become a CRNA in Oregon?

  • You must first attend an accredited CRNA program and then pass the national certification exam before applying for state licensure. 

• How Many CRNAs are in Oregon?

  • According to the BLS, there are 340 CRNAs in Oregon. 

• Is Oregon an Opt-Out State for CRNA?

  • Oregon opted out of federal physician supervision requirements for CRNAs in 2003