What Education and Training are Required to Become a CRNA?
To become a CRNA, one must first obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and become a licensed Registered Nurse (RN). After gaining at least one year of critical care experience, aspiring CRNAs must complete a graduate-level nurse anesthesia program, which typically lasts between 24 to 36 months. These programs include both didactic and clinical education, covering advanced physiology, pharmacology, and anesthesia principles. Upon graduation, candidates must pass the National Certification Examination to become certified.