To become a CRNA, a nurse must first obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a related field, followed by a license as a Registered Nurse (RN). After gaining at least one year of experience in an acute care setting, the nurse must complete a graduate program in nurse anesthesia, which usually takes about 2-3 years. Finally, they must pass a national certification exam administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).