Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) specializing in anesthesia administration and medication management.
CRNAs: Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs)
They oversee patients who are undergoing anesthesia and monitor their recovery. CRNAs must hold a doctoral degree in anesthesia, complete extensive clinical training, and pass a certification exam endorsed by the National Boards of Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).
CRNAs provide care to patients across a broad spectrum of situations, including scheduled surgeries and emergency procedures for trauma or other critical conditions.
Top CRNA Programs in the USA
University of Pennsylvania (Penn)
- Program: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Nurse Anesthesia
- Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Highly ranked program with extensive clinical placements and a focus on evidence-based practice.
- Application Deadlines
Summer 2026 Enrollment
Application Opens: November 2024
Deadline: March 1, 2025
Decision Notification: May 2025
*Dates subject to change without notice. - Total Estimated Cost (35.5 CUs starting in 2024): $265,978
- Requirements
- Minimum qualifications for the program
- BSN is required, and we recommend a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Prerequisites
- Introductory-level, undergraduate statistics course at an accredited university with a grade of B or higher.
- Experience
- You must have at least two years of ICU/critical care experience working with the most critically ill patients. All work experience should be calculated after your orientation period. Our most competitive applicants usually have more than two years. Neonatal ICU, Emergency Room, Recovery Room, Step Down Units, and Interventional Radiology will not be considered as ICU experience.
- Licensure
- Active RN license(s) is required. With progression into the clinical component, an active Pennsylvania Registered Nursing License, and as specified by individual programs in Delaware (compact state) and New Jersey.
- Minimum qualifications for the program
Duke University
- Program: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Nurse Anesthesia
- Location: Durham, North Carolina
- Strong clinical focus and one of the longest-standing CRNA programs in the country.
- Application Dates
- Open: June 1st
- Close: August 1st
- Supporting document deadline: August 1st
- Minimum Science GPA – 3.2 on a 4.0 scale
Johns Hopkins University
- Program: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Nurse Anesthesia
- Location: Baltimore, Maryland
- Renowned for its research and clinical training, with a focus on advanced anesthesia techniques.
- The Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing DNP Nurse Anesthesia Track is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA)
- Admission Requirements in Points
- Educational Background:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree or an entry-level nursing master’s degree from an ACEN or CCNE accredited college/university, or an equivalent degree from a comparable foreign institution.
- GPA Requirement:
- Minimum scholastic GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Nursing License:
- Submission of evidence of a current unencumbered nursing license.
- Clinical Experience:
- At least one year of full-time RN experience in an ICU or critical care setting at the time of application (2 years of ICU experience preferred).
- Shadowing Experience:
- Completed shadow log with a CRNA (recommended).
- Critical Care Certification:
- Certification as a critical care nurse (CCRN) at the time of application.
- Letters of Recommendation:
- Three letters of recommendation:
- One academic.
- Two professionals (one from a direct supervisor and one preferably from an anesthesia provider)
- Three letters of recommendation:
- Official Transcripts:
- Submission of official transcripts from all previous colleges/universities attended.
- Resume/CV:
- Submission of a current resume or CV
- Personal Statement:
- A written statement outlining advanced practice goals, including the reason for interest in Johns Hopkins.
- GRE Scores:
- GRE scores are accepted but not required.
- Interview:
- Interview with faculty if advanced by the admissions committee.
- English Proficiency:
- Educational Background:
University of Michigan
- Program: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Nurse Anesthesia
- Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Offers a comprehensive curriculum and robust clinical training opportunities.
- Requirements for International students:
- Submit non-US institution transcripts for internal credential review.
- Provide a certificate or diploma showing bachelor’s degree conferral.
- Degree details on transcripts make a separate diploma unnecessary.
- Demonstrate English proficiency if English is not your native language.
- Exempt countries do not require proof of English proficiency.
- International students must submit an affidavit of financial support.
- Proof of financial ability to cover one year’s expenses required.
- Financial documentation must show capability for educational costs.
- Affidavit must confirm funding for the entire academic year.
- Financial proof ensures ability to meet educational financial commitments.
- Total Estimated Expenses: $33,701
University of Iowa
- Program: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Nurse Anesthesia
- Location: Iowa City, Iowa
- FALL SESSION (all DNP programs except Anesthesia Nursing)
- *Priority Deadline: January 10
- Final Deadline: February 1
- (for session beginning the following fall)
- SUMMER SESSION (Anesthesia Nursing)
- Deadline: June 1 of each year for a session beginning in summer of the following year
- Admission to all DNP programs—except the Anesthesia Nursing program—is offered only for the fall semester. The DNP in Anesthesia Nursing program offers only summer session admission.
- Notification of Admission: Applicants will be notified regarding admission by mid-March
Lourdes University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice Nurse Anesthesia Program (DNP)
The application deadline for the 2025 cohort has passed. The application deadline for Lourdes University 2026 cohort will be March 2025.
- To complete the Lourdes DNP Nurse Anesthesia program, students attend full-time for 36 months of continuous coursework, including didactic and clinical practicum. The program comprises nine semesters, including summer, with an additional week for final exams.
- Students are also assigned clinical practicum experience during scheduled University breaks and afforded the maximum opportunity to meet the case requirements required by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA).
- Academic Requirements for Lourdes University
- Educational Background:
- Graduation from a nationally accredited nursing program with a bachelor’s degree in nursing or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.
- GPA Requirement:
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher is required.
- Course Prerequisites:
- Completion of Anatomy and Physiology, and Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, with a grade of 3.0 or better in each course.
- Recommender Information:
- Provide the names, organizations, titles, relationships, phone numbers, and email addresses of three recommenders:
- A peer who works with you.
- An immediate supervisor who can evaluate your work performance.
- A physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant you have worked closely with in a critical care setting.
- Provide the names, organizations, titles, relationships, phone numbers, and email addresses of three recommenders:
- Proof of Certifications and Licensure:
- Upload copies of current documents, licenses, and certifications into your application, including:
- ACLS
- BLS
- CCRN with scores
- PALS
- Unrestricted Nursing License(s) if applicable
- Upload copies of current documents, licenses, and certifications into your application, including:
- Resume or CV:
- Submit your most recent resume or CV.
- Critical Care Work Experience:
- Provide documentation of your critical care work experience using the specified form. Acceptable critical care areas include SICU, MICU, CICU, NICU, PICU, Neuro ICU, and ER. ER nursing experience may be considered based on the acuity and intensity of the work.
- Shadowing Experience:
- Complete a minimum of 1-2 days (8-16 hours) of shadowing with a CRNA or anesthesiologist. Record your shadowing experience using the provided form.
- Application Fee:
- Pay the $50 application fee electronically via the NAP Application Fee Payment Form.
- Application Review:
- The review process takes several weeks. Invitations for interviews will be sent via email. Applicants not selected for an interview will also be notified via email.
- Educational Background:
- Nurse Anesthesia Program – Lourdes University
DNP Nurse Anesthesia • Penn Nursing (upenn.edu)
Nurse Anesthesia Admission | Duke University School of Nursing
DNP: Nurse Anesthesia – Johns Hopkins School of Nursing (jhu.edu)
Anesthesia (DNAP) | University of Michigan-Flint Graduate Programs (umflint.edu)
Nurse Anesthesia – About the Program | College of Nursing – The University of Iowa (uiowa.edu)
BEST CRNA SCHOOLS IN SOUTH CAROLINA
1. Medical University of South Carolina – Charleston
Anesthesia for Nurses | Health Professions | MUSC
2. University of South Carolina – Columbia
Anesthesia for Nurses | Health Professions | MUSC
Nurse Anesthesia, D.N.A.P. | University of South Carolina (sc.edu)
What are the Total Number of Accredited CRNA Schools in South Carolina?
As per the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA), currently there are 2 accredited CRNA schools in South Carolina that offer a total of 4 Nurse Anesthesia programs.
Considerations When Choosing a Program:
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by the relevant bodies (e.g., Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) in the USA).
- Clinical Rotations: Look for programs with extensive clinical training opportunities.
- Faculty Expertise: Research the qualifications and experience of the faculty.
- Program Length and Flexibility: Consider the program’s duration and whether it offers part-time or full-time options.
- Location and Facilities: Assess the location and facilities of the program, including hospitals and clinical sites.
These programs are well-regarded and offer strong training for those pursuing a career as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).
CGFNS- Comprehensive Guide for International Nurses 2024 (brandednurses.com)