Best Hybrid Online CRNA Programs | 2024
While many CRNA schools have online components, there are currently no fully online CRNA programs. However, hybrid online CRNA programs are providing more flexible options for nurses to advance their careers and become CRNAs. Read on to see the top 10 hybrid online CRNA programs.
Becoming a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) is a solid choice for those searching for a lucrative healthcare career. CRNA programs require graduate-level coursework that can be challenging for busy healthcare professionals. Luckily, hybrid online CRNA programs help students manage the responsibilities of work, school, and home.
Although no CRNA program is entirely online, many offer extensive online coursework for increased flexibility and convenience. Regardless of the CRNA program, you can expect to complete clinicals in person.
This guide offers an overview of the top hybrid online CRNA schools available and what you can expect in an online CRNA program.
Popular Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs
GCU 's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals. GCU offers a full spectrum of nursing degrees, from a pre-licensure BSN degree to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
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
What Can Be Completed Online in a CRNA Program?
Because there are multiple pathways toward CRNA certification, the courses you can complete online vary by program and degree type. Some available options for CRNA certification include:
- MSN-CRNA bridge programs
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) tracks
- Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) tracks
- Post-Master's CRNA graduate certificates
Philadelphia's Drexel University offers a DNP nurse anesthesia program where students complete the CRNA program online for the first three quarters, followed by 30 months of on-site work at Drexel's campus. Similarly, the University of Arizona's hybrid DNP program blends online coursework with campus-based intensives and clinical placements.
While nurse anesthetist programs vary, you can anticipate that theoretical classes may be offered online while clinical training is completed in person—either on campus or at approved clinical sites. Some standard online courses include:
- General principles of DNP anesthesia
- Principles of population health
- Intro to biostatistics
- Clinical ethics
- Health law
Top Hybrid Online CRNA Programs
1. Drexel University - DNP Nurse Anesthesia
Philadelphia's Drexel University is no stranger to online programs. The school offers a hybrid doctor of nursing practice in nurse anesthesia. During the first nine months of this program, students tackle a full-time schedule, completing all their coursework for CRNA school online.
Students complete the last 30 months of this program on campus. The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Education Programs accredits Drexel's DNP in nurse anesthesia program.
- Accreditation: Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA)
- Application Deadline: March 31st
- Tuition: $1,138 per credit hour
- Length of program: 39 months
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (215) 895-2400
- Email Address: enroll@drexel.edu
Popular Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs
GCU 's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals. GCU offers a full spectrum of nursing degrees, from a pre-licensure BSN degree to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
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
2. University of Arizona - DNP Nurse Anesthesia
The University of Arizona is a Tucson-based public institution that offers a hybrid DNP program with a nurse anesthesia specialization. DNP students can anticipate a mix of online and in-person requirements and must complete a 2,000-hour clinical residency before graduation.
Additionally, hybrid learners must attend in-person orientations and training sessions. Core classes include methods for scholarly inquiry, nurse anesthesia pharmacology, and health policy and economics.
- Accreditation: COA
- Application Deadline: September 15th
- Tuition: $1296 per credit hour
- Length of program: 36 months
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (520) 621-0898
- Email Address: onlineadmissions@email.arizona.edu
3. University of Tennessee - DNP Nurse Anesthesia
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is Tennesee's leading public institution. UTK offers a hybrid online CRNA program that culminates in a DNP degree.
This 123-credit program blends teaching formats, including synchronous and asynchronous online classes and in-person intensives that take place twice per semester. Alongside extensive clinical work, students tackle core classes such as general principles of DNP anesthesia, evidence-based practice improvement, and principles of population health.
- Accreditation: COA
- Application Deadline: October 1st
- Tuition:
- In-state: $810 per credit hour
- Out-of-state: $885 per credit hour
- Length of program: 123 credit hours
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (865) 974-1000
- Email Address: volsonline@utk.edu
4. Wake Forest University - DNP Nurse Anesthesia
Established in 1824, North Carolina's Wake Forest University is an elite private research institution that offers a hybrid DNP program. Students complete the first year of this three-year CRNA program online.
Upon completing first-year coursework, students dedicate the final two years to on-site instruction and 2,500 hours of clinical work. Online classes include basic principles of nurse anesthesia practice, translating research into practice, and healthcare management.
- Accreditation: COA
- Application Deadline:
- Spring Interviews: March 31st
- Summer Interviews: May 30th
- Fall Interviews: September 1st
- Tuition: $25,650 per year
- Length of program: 36 months
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (336) 716-1411
- Email Address: napinfo@wakehealth.edu
5. Virginia Commonwealth University - DNAP Nurse Anesthesia
Based in Richmond and established in 1838, Virginia Commonwealth University is a public research institution that's home to a DNP nurse anesthesia degree students can complete in 3 years.
Throughout this program, students complete coursework both online and at one of three Virginia locations: Richmond, Abington, and Roanoke. Core classes include topics such as leadership in nurse anesthesia education, patient safety, and healthcare ethics.
- Accreditation: COA
- Application Deadline: March 1st
- Tuition:
- In-state: $5,674 per semester
- Out-of-state: $12,110 per semester
- Length of program: 36 months
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (804) 828-9808
- Email Address: nrsa@vcu.edu
6. Duke University - DNP Nurse Anesthesia
Duke University is home to a long list of standout degrees, including a nurse anesthesia DNP program. This COA and CCNE-accredited hybrid program challenges nurses to become healthcare leaders and offers the flexibility that working students need.
Throughout this three-year program, students complete a blend of online and on-campus CRNA classes, in-person clinical work, and a multi-semester DNP project.
- Accreditation: COA
- Application Deadline: August 1st
- Tuition: $95,304 total cost
- Length of program: 36 months
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (919) 684-3786
- Email Address: chris.v.simmons@duke.edu
7. Baylor College of Medicine - DNP Nurse Anesthesia
Operating within the world's largest medical center, the Baylor College of Medicine is a Houston-based research and teaching institution. Alongside other standout healthcare programs is the school's DNP nurse anesthesia program that's available to those holding both bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing. Masters-prepared CRNA students with advanced standing can complete this program in two years.
This program leans heavily on distance learning, with students making few campus visits. Online classes include topics like advanced health assessment, biostatistics, and evidence-based anesthesia practice.
- Accreditation: COA
- Application Deadline: June 1st
- Tuition: $242, 857 (BSN to DNP program)
- Program Length: 36 months
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (713) 798–8650
- Email Address: crna@bcm.edu
8. University of Pittsburgh - DNP Nurse Anesthesia
U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of Pittsburgh's nurse anesthesia programs as one of the top CRNA programs in the country. Their programs include an entry-to-practice BSN to DNP and, for the practicing nurse anesthetist, an MSN to DNP.
- Accreditation: COA
- Application Deadline: June 1st
- Tuition: $242, 857 (BSN to DNP program)
- Program Length: 36 months
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (412) 624-4586
- Email Address: sao50@pitt.edu
9. Ohio State University - DNP Nurse Anesthesia
The CRNA program at OSU is online, but requires students to travel to campus for intermittent skills weeks during their first year and intermittent simulation days for clinical courses each semester in years 2 and 3.
The program at OSU is highly competitive, and only 15 students are admitted to each cohort.
- Accreditation: COA
- Application Deadline: October 15th
- Tuition: $1,002.38 per credit hour
- Program Length: 36 months
- Contact Information:
- Email Address: osuonline@osu.edu
10. Johns Hopkins University - DNP Nurse Anesthesia
The anesthesia program at Johns Hopkins is one of the top programs in the country, according to The U.S. News & World Report. The BSN to DNP or post-BSN to DNP program is designed for RNs with at least 1 year of full-time ICU or critical care experience.
- Accreditation: COA
- Application Deadline: September 3rd
- Tuition: $2,293 per credit hour
- Program Length: 36 months
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (410) 955-4766
Popular Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs
GCU 's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals. GCU offers a full spectrum of nursing degrees, from a pre-licensure BSN degree to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
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
In-Person CRNA Requirements
Just as CRNA online program requirements differ, in-person requirements also vary depending on the specific program and the institution. Still, you should expect to show up in person for certain components. Some in-person requirements students may encounter when completing their hybrid CRNA programs include:
On-Campus Orientation
It's quite common for programs to make in-person orientations mandatory. New students can expect to meet faculty and staff, learn valuable information about the program, and tour the facilities. It’s also a great opportunity to meet your classmates and form study groups!
Hands-On Training
Because CRNA training is clinical, which means training is hands-on, hybrid programs must require in-person clinical rotations where you gain necessary practical experience. Clinical work typically takes place at affiliated healthcare facilities or approved clinical sites.
On-Campus Intensives
It's also common for hybrid programs to hold campus-based intensives, which are usually multi-day sessions that include focused instruction in specific areas of anesthesia practice. Although it varies, some programs require these once per semester.
In-Person Exams
While it depends entirely on the program, CRNA students may be required to complete semester-ending exams in person.
Meetings With Faculty and Advisors
Throughout your CRNA program, you may be required to meet with academic advisors and faculty in person to discuss progress, coursework, and career goals.
Understanding hybrid online CRNA programs' in-person commitments is important because they may impact which school you choose to attend.
Choosing a CRNA Program with Online Options
Deciding which CRNA program to attend will depend on various factors. First, you must consider your learning preferences. Online learning can present a variety of challenges and have limited face-to-face options during the didactic portion of the program.
After determining if an online program is viable, you must make sure you can apply based on your state of residence. You will also need to consider the actual location of the program. This is important because, despite part of the program being online, all CRNA programs require in-person coursework, intensives, and clinicals.
