Top CRNA Schools in Texas | 2024
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who administer anesthesia and other medications. According to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, there are 130 accredited programs in the US and Puerto Rico, with over 2,300 available active clinical sites. Deciding where to go for CRNA school can be overwhelming, but Texas offers some of the best in the country. There are currently seven accredited CRNA programs in Texas.
This guide will discuss the top CRNA programs available in Texas, including location and tuition, as well as how to become a CRNA, estimated salary, and job outlook.
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How to Become a CRNA in Texas
Becoming a CRNA in Texas is similar to other states in the country. First, you will need to attend an accredited CRNA program and pass the required national board. After applying for state licensure via the Texas State Board of Nursing, you will be able to apply for positions.
The Texas State Board of Nursing requires the following to apply for licensure:
- $100 fee or $150 if applying for licensure with prescriptive authority
- Texas RN license or an RN license from a Compact State
- Completion of an accredited CRNA program
- National certification
- Completion of a minimum of 400 hours of practice within the last 24 calendar months or completion of a CRNA program within the last 24 calendar months
- Completion of a minimum of 20 contact hours of continuing nursing education within the last 24 calendar months or completion of a CRNA program in the last 24 calendar months.
Top 5 CRNA Schools in Texas
The Baylor College of Medicine Doctor of Nursing Practice Program- Nurse Anesthesia is one of the best in the state, which boasts a 93% pass rate on the national certification exam on the first try. In fact, 100% of Baylor’s most recent graduates had employment upon graduation. Baylor offers students a $1,000 stipend for each month that the student is on clinical rotation at Ben Taub Hospital (eight months total) to help offset the costs since students are not able to work throughout the program.
Additionally, If students already hold an MSN degree, they will receive advanced standing in the program and the remainder of their coursework will be completed in 24 months.
- Program Cost:
- BSN to DNP: $122,527
- MSN to DNP: $43,358
- Application Deadline: June 1st
- School Type: Private
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (713) 798–8650
- Email Address: crna@bcm.edu
The DNAP program at Texas Christian University (TCU) is a 36-month program that has three phases, including clinical rotations. TCU’s first-time pass rate was 96% for the 2022 graduating class, well above the national average. For the class of 2023, 100% of graduates were employed upon graduation. According to U.S. News & World Report, the CRNA program at TCU is ranked in the top 10 of all programs in the country.
- School Type: Private
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (817) 257-7887
- Email Address: crna@tcu.edu
Currently the largest nurse anesthesia program in the country, students at Texas Wesleyan University are required to attend the first half of the program at the Fort Worth campus and then clinicals at one of the assigned clinical sites in nine different states. Unlike some programs, students at Texas Wesleyan complete in-person coursework first and then do four months of strictly online coursework, while some other programs complete in reverse.
- Application Deadline: November 1st
- School Type: Private
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (817) 531-4930
- Email Address: graduate@txwes.edu
The DNP anesthesia program offered by the Cizik School of Nursing is one of the most affordable in the state. There is an exceptional pass rate for BSN - DNP graduates of the program, over 99.12% in the last five years.
- Application Deadline: July 1st
- School Type: Public
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: 713-500-2025
- Email Address: soninfo@uth.tmc.edu
The CRNA program at utmb Health is nine semesters long, and DNP students earn 36 credits. The program has partnerships with numerous healthcare systems in the Galveston area. Students must attend an in-person orientation at the start of the program and then complete a majority of the didactic coursework online.
- Application Deadline: January 15th
- School Type: Public
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (409) 772-8328
- Email Address: sondnpcrna@utmb.edu
Admission Requirements for Texas CRNA Programs
Requirements do vary depending on the program, but all Texas CRNA programs require the following:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree (BSN) from an accredited program
- Active and unencumbered Texas RN licensure or from a Compact State
- Critical care experience (applicable areas include the emergency room, CVICU, SICU, CCU, MICU, NICU (Level IV only), and PICU
- Current Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Certification (ACLS) Certification
- Current Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification (PALS) Certification
- CCRN required
- CRNA or Anesthesiology Shadow Experience
- Minimum required GPA
- Application fee
- Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) taken within the last five years
- Curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé
- Official transcripts
- Letters of reference (professional)
- Personal statement
- Interview
How Hard is CRNA School in Texas?
CRNA school is difficult regardless of what program you are enrolled in. These programs specifically are exceptionally hard because, as a CRNA student, you will be responsible for a higher level of understanding of each field of anesthesia.
Additionally, CRNA school is fast-paced and very rigorous, with a lot of information to learn and master. Students are highly discouraged from working during the programs. Some programs even require students to sign a waiver that they will not work throughout the program. This can add to the emotional, mental, and financial stress.
How Long is CRNA School in Texas?
CRNA programs are 36 months long and broken into two or three phases.
Traditionally, CRNA programs were in-person; however, now most of the didactic coursework is completed online at the start of the program. Some programs will require in-person attendance for orientation and simulations. Clinicals must be completed in-person at specific clinical sites as designated by the program.
The final, and perhaps most important, is the clinical component. This can be the most rigorous aspect of the program, as clinical days are long, and students are also required to have on-call shifts.
What to Expect Working as a Nurse Anesthetist in Texas
CRNA Salary in Texas
CRNAs in Texas earn an average annual salary of $216,280 annually or $103.98 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This is slightly more than the national average of $214,200 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 Texas
CRNAs can work in a variety of locations, specifically ones 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
Next Steps for Becoming a CRNA in Texas
Becoming a CRNA in Texas requires a significant time and monetary commitment. Before applying, ensure you have all of the requirements because if not, your application will not be considered. Also, be prepared for the possibility of having to travel to Texas for an in-person interview if required by the program.
