How to Become a Nurse Anesthetist?

If you're thinking about a career as a nurse anesthetist, you're likely someone who values direct patient care, responsibility, and making a difference in high-pressure environments. Nurse anesthetists, officially known as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), play a vital role in the delivery of anesthesia in hospitals and surgical settings. They are advanced practice nurses who provide care before, during, and after procedures that require anesthesia.

At CRNA MENTOR, we guide aspiring CRNAs through every stage of this journey. Here's a clear, step-by-step look at how to become a nurse anesthetist.

1: Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The first step to becoming a nurse anesthetist is becoming a registered nurse. Most CRNA programs require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). If you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field, you may be able to enroll in an accelerated BSN program, which typically takes about 12 to 18 months.

A traditional BSN program takes about four years and includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.

2: Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

After earning your BSN, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a licensed registered nurse. This exam tests your knowledge of nursing practice, and passing it allows you to begin working as an RN.

3: Gain Experience in a Critical Care Setting

Most CRNA programs require at least one year of full-time experience as a registered nurse in a critical care setting. This typically means working in an intensive care unit (ICU), although some programs may also accept experience in emergency rooms or other high-acuity areas.

Many successful applicants have 2 to 3 years of ICU experience before applying. This time allows you to build your skills in patient monitoring, managing complex cases, and responding quickly to emergencies—skills that are essential for a future nurse anesthetist.

4: Meet Additional Admission Requirements

CRNA schools have other requirements you’ll need to meet before applying. These may include:

• A minimum undergraduate GPA (often 3.0 or higher)

• Completion of specific prerequisite courses (such as organic chemistry or statistics)

• A current, unencumbered RN license

• Letters of recommendation (usually from supervisors, professors, or CRNAs)

• A resume or CV detailing your experience

• A personal statement or essay

• Some programs may require GRE scores, though this is becoming less common

Each program sets its own criteria, so it’s important to check the requirements of the schools you're interested in.

5: Apply to a Doctoral-Level Nurse Anesthesia Program

CRNA education is now offered exclusively at the doctoral level. The most common degrees are:

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

• Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP)

These programs typically last about three years and are full-time. The curriculum includes advanced coursework in physiology, pharmacology, pathophysiology, anesthesia practice, and leadership. You’ll also complete thousands of clinical hours where you'll work directly with patients under supervision.

Admission is competitive, so it's important to apply to several programs and present a strong application.

6: Complete the CRNA Program and Graduate

Nurse anesthesia programs are intense and require full commitment. You’ll spend your time in lectures, labs, and clinical rotations. Clinical experience is a major part of your training and may include rotations in general surgery, obstetrics, pediatrics, cardiac surgery, and more.

You’ll be closely supervised by CRNAs and anesthesiologists as you learn to manage anesthesia for patients in a variety of settings.

7: Pass the National Certification Exam (NCE)

After you graduate from your CRNA program, the next step is to pass the National Certification Exam (NCE) administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). This exam tests your knowledge of anesthesia and your readiness to practice as a CRNA.

Once you pass, you are officially a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

8: Obtain State Licensure and Start Practicing

You must be licensed in the state where you plan to work. Each state has its own process for recognizing CRNAs, but most follow national guidelines. Once licensed, you can begin working in hospitals, surgery centers, pain clinics, and other healthcare settings.

Some CRNAs choose to specialize in areas like obstetrics or cardiac anesthesia, while others may work independently in rural areas or join anesthesia care teams in larger hospitals.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a nurse anesthetist takes time and effort. The process usually takes between 7 and 10 years from the beginning of nursing school to becoming certified. It requires dedication, but the end result is a rewarding career with the opportunity to provide life-saving care.

At CRNA MENTOR, we help guide you through each step—choosing the right schools, preparing for applications, understanding clinical expectations, and staying focused on your goals. If you’re serious about becoming a nurse anesthetist, we’re here to support you.

Your journey starts with a plan. Take it one step at a time.