Top Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Programs 2025

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are among the most in-demand Advanced Practice Nursing specialties, and they're also the highest-paid nurses, with the average CRNA salary at more than $200k per year. But in order to become a nurse anesthetist, you first need to attend a CRNA program.

As of 2022, all CRNA programs must be either DNP or DNAP programs, which are terminal degrees for RNs. To help you choose, we've rounded up the best CRNA schools for 2025.

Top 10 Best CRNA Programs for 2025

The demand for CRNAs is only continuing to grow. Nurses who attend the best schools have access to better opportunities upon graduation. While there are numerous programs throughout the country, these schools ranked at the top based on reputation, certification pass rate, cost, accreditation, and acceptance rates.

While rankings are important to consider when applying to a program, it is also important to determine which is the best fit for you. 

SCHOOL/PROGRAM	1ST TIME CERTIFICATION EXAM PASS RATE
Northeastern University	96%
Duke University	96%
University of Cincinnati	96%
Georgetown University*	95%
Baylor College of Medicine	91.6%
Columbia University	89%
Villanova University	87%
Rush University	86%
Virginia Commonwealth University	81.6%
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine & Science	81%

>> Related: CRNA vs Anesthesiologist: What’s the Difference?

 

 

 

 

 

>> Related: Top 10 Cheapest CRNA Schools

 

 

 

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What to Expect in a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Program

CRNA School Requirements

Regardless of which school you decide to enroll in, there are several things that CRNA programs require from their applicants. It is important to meet the requirements, or schools will reject the application. Specific requirements will vary based on the program, so it’s important to speak to an admission counselor prior to applying. These include:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Registered Nurse License (RN)
• Critical Care/ICU Experience
  • Cardiac Catheterization Lab, Long Term Acute Care Hospital, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Post Anesthesia Care Unit do NOT count towards ICU experience
• GPA of 3.0 or higher (Each school has a different minimum requirement, but 3.0 is the lowest accepted GPA)
• Life Support Certifications (BLS, ACLS, PALS)
• Resume
• A combined minimum GRE of 300 or better
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if applicable
• Shadow experience of a CRNA and an accompanying essay
• Nursing Certifications (CCRN, RNC)
• Personal Essay and Interview
• Application Fee

• Recommendations (personal and professional)

>> Show Me CRNA Programs

CRNA Program Classes

CRNA programs, regardless of whether an individual will earn a DNP or DNAP, are all extremely time-consuming. Students are highly discouraged from working as they expect to spend about 60 hours a week studying and preparing for class on top of time in class. During the practicum requirement, students have call time and work full-time hours while still taking classes. Some programs will offer a stipend to students. 

Students can expect to take courses such as:

• Applied Statistics for Evidence-Based Practice
• The Science of Health Care Delivery
• Introduction to Genetics and Molecular Therapeutics
• Advanced Pathophysiology
• Survey of Pharmacotherapeutics
• Pathophysiology of Abdominal Systems for Nurse Anesthesia
• Leadership and the CRNA Role 
• Ethics/Billing & Coding/Policy 
• Respiratory and Cellular Pathophysiology for Nurse Anesthesia
• Applied Theory for Nurse Anesthesia Practice
• Applied Clinical Learning in Nurse Anesthesia
• Clinical Integration Concepts 
• Professional Communication and Informatics
• Advanced Pharmacology
• Research for Evidence-Based Practice
• Quality, Safety, and Access in Anesthesia
• Pediatric and Obstetrical Anesthesia
• Anesthesia Management

Most CRNA programs offer only on-campus programs. There are a select few hybrid online CRNA programs that offer partial distance coursework. Programs such as Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Cincinnati offer a handful of classes online, but the remainder is completed in the classroom. Students should plan accordingly because despite some classes being online, they will still need to live near the campus for on-campus requirements. 

The entire CRNA program can never be completed solely online as extensive clinical practicums are required for graduation. Anesthesia students are required to complete a minimum of 2,000 hours, but most programs will have students complete roughly 2,500-3,000 hours of clinical time. This will be a combination of required clinicals and on-call time. 

>> Show Me CRNA Programs

CRNA Program Accreditation

The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Education (COA) is the main accrediting body for nurse anesthesia programs in the United States. The COA runs a comprehensive database of all accredited programs. These programs often change, and some programs do lose accreditation. 

Similar to BSN programs, accreditation is essential because an individual will not be able to sit for their national CRNA examination if they have not graduated from an accredited program. While the COA is the main accrediting body, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) are also often involved. 

There are two main reasons for accreditation: 

• Ensure quality assessment 
• Assist in quality improvement. 

The COA is an essential part of CRNA programs. They are responsible for all changes in curriculum and requirements. Understanding the purpose of the COA is essential for nurses interested in becoming a nurse anesthetist. 

>> Related: Top CRNA Schools in Every State

About the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Career

CRNA Roles & Responsibilities

According to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) identifies the following as responsibilities of nurse anesthetists:

• Administering anesthesia during surgical, therapeutic, diagnostic, and obstetric procedures
• Performing epidural, spinal, or nerve blocks
• Providing care before, during, and after anesthesia
• Examining patients’ medical histories for allergies or illnesses to ensure safe provision of pain management
• Managing a patient’s airway and pulmonary status
• Implementing acute and chronic pain management modalities. 
• Facilitating emergence and recovery from anesthesia by selecting, obtaining, ordering and administering medications, fluids, and ventilatory support. 
• Discharging the patient from a postanesthesia care area and providing postanesthesia follow-up evaluation and care. 
• Discussing any contraindications or side effects of anesthesia with patients
• Monitoring vital signs during medical procedures

>> Related: MSN vs DNP -- Which is Better?

Where Can CRNAs Work?

CRNAs typically work in healthcare settings that have operating rooms, emergency rooms, and intensive care units. These may include,

• Medical and surgical hospitals
• Critical access hospitals
• Mobile surgery centers
• Outpatient care centers
• Offices of plastic surgeons, dentists, ophthalmologists, pain management specialists, and other medical professionals
• U.S. military medical facilities

CRNA Certification

After graduating from an accredited nurse anesthetist program, individuals will be able to take their National Certification Exam (NCE) administered by the National Board Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).

The NCE is a computerized test consisting of between 100-170 test questions (includes 30 random, non-graded test questions). Preliminary exam results are delivered immediately following completion of the exam. Official results are mailed 2-4 weeks after the exam. The cost of the exam is $995.

According to the NBCRNA, from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022, 2,794 individuals took the exam with a first-time pass rate of 83.4%.

The certification exam will be changing starting on January 2nd, 2024. The new exam breakdown will be as follows, 

• Basic Sciences (20 percent)
• Equipment, Instrumentation, and Technology (20 percent)
• General Principles of Anesthesia (35 percent)
• Anesthesia for Surgical Procedures and Special Populations

After successfully passing the NCE, individuals must apply for an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license in the state they wish to practice. There is no additional examination for this, but there are fees and paperwork. CRNAs can hold multiple state licenses similar to an RN license. 

Fast Facts About CRNA Programs

• How long are CRNA programs? 

  • Programs are typically 36 months or 9 semesters full-time. Part-time is not an option for this program.

• What are the requirements to get into a CRNA program?

  • You need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN). A Registered Nurse License (RN) and 2-3 years of experience in Critical Care/ICU. You'll also need a GPA of 3.0 or higher, life support certifications (BLS, ACLS, PALS), and a combined minimum GRE score of 300 or better.

• WHAT IS THE AVERAGE CRNA SALARY?

  • According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, CRNAs earn $212,650 annually or $102.24 per hour.

• Can You Become a CRNA Online? 

  • No, not entirely. Some programs offer didactic coursework in an online format but all students must attend in-person skills fairs at a minimum. Furthermore, CRNA school requires clinical practicums that must be completed in person.

• What Classes Will I Take in CRNA School?

  • Classes are a mix of pharmacology, pathophysiology, leadership, research, and health assessment. 

• What Degrees Will I Earn After Graduation From CRNA School?

  • Graduates can earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice, or Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice.

 

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