Become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): How Long Will It Take?
The current training programs to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) are from 24 to 36 months in length. These programs are full-time, and except for short breaks, they will be continuous. This time is divided between academic classes as well as clinical experience.
The length of the nurse anesthesia training program is only one factor in determining the time that it will take to become a CRNA. Most schools require you to complete the prerequisites and submit your completed application as much as one year before the class start date. Depending on which of the prerequisites you have completed all ready, they may require five or more years to complete.
The three basic requirements that need to be completed to apply to a nurse anesthesia education program include; becoming licensed as a registered nurse, completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN) or other accepted field, and completion of at least one year of experience working as an RN in an acute care setting. After completing these prerequisites, there a several requirements that are specific to the anesthesia program that you plan to apply to.
If you have not completed any of the listed prerequisites, I would suggest completing a BSN program. The BSN will meet two of the requirements simultaneously. It will complete the baccalaureate requirement accepted at all the CRNA programs as well as prepare you to become an RN. This is a four year program that will prepare you to become a registered nurse. Make sure that the program that you choose is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and meets the licensing requirements of state that you will want to become an RN.
Many of the universities currently have a large number of applicants for each of the available positions in their program, which may extend the time required for completion beyond four years. To improve your chances for selection to the nursing program, you will need to have an excellent high school GPA, especially in the sciences. Contact the university that you plan to attend, determine what other criteria that the selection committee looks for and complete as many as you can. Volunteering at your local hospital is also a way to show your interest in the nursing field.
Upon graduating from the nursing program, you will need to successfully complete the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). To obtain authorization to take the examination, you will need to apply to the board of nursing in the state that you will be working. The university that you are graduating from will provide assistance in this process. In most states, you will be allowed to work as a graduate nurse for a limited time while awaiting the results of your initial NCLEX-RN.
The next time consuming prerequisite is gaining experience working in an acute care setting as an RN. Due to the skills needed to work in this setting, many hospitals will require you to gain initial experience in a less acute setting. If possible, working one year in a surgical, medical or step down unit may provide the need experience to gain a position in a critical care unit. Many of the CRNA programs will require one year of full-time experience within a critical care unit. These can include surgical, medical, coronary care, neurological, and pediatric critical care units. Read more