Step into one of the most advanced and rewarding roles in nursing. As a Nurse Anesthetist, you’ll play a vital part in patient care by safely delivering anesthesia and monitoring patients during critical procedures. This high-responsibility career offers excellent pay, clinical autonomy, and the chance to make a life-saving impact every day. Explore how to become a Nurse Anesthetist and what it takes to thrive in this in-demand field.
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What Does a Nurse Anesthetist Do?
Thinking about becoming a Nurse Practitioner (NP)? Get the key details on training, certification, and what you can earn in this essential healthcare role.
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Career Guide
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists are highly respected professionals in the nursing world, and for good reason. CRNAs play a critical role in patient care by safely administering anesthesia during surgeries and procedures. Known for their high level of expertise and strong salaries, CRNAs enjoy both professional autonomy and the opportunity to directly impact lives in critical medical moments. For RNs looking to advance their careers, gain more independence, and increase their earning potential, becoming a CRNA is an exciting and rewarding path.
What Does a CRNA Do?
CRNAs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who specialize in delivering anesthesia and monitoring patients throughout surgical procedures. Their role begins before anesthesia is even administered and continues through recovery. These professionals must have extensive education and training, including a doctoral degree in nurse anesthesia, successful completion of the NBCRNA exam, and significant hands-on clinical experience.
Their scope of work includes both routine and emergency situations, which means they must be prepared to care for a diverse range of patients across many different medical environments.
Key Responsibilities
CRNAs handle a wide variety of complex duties, such as:
- Monitoring patients for reactions or adverse effects to anesthesia.
- Calculating and delivering precise dosages of anesthetic agents.
- Educating patients about what to expect before, during, and after anesthesia.
- Collaborating with anesthesiologists, surgeons, physicians, and other members of the surgical team.
- Remaining on-call for emergency cases and working outside traditional hours, including weekends and holidays.
In some states, CRNAs can practice independently. In others, they work under a supervising physician or as part of a team.
Salary & Job Outlook
CRNAs rank among the top earners in the nursing profession. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2021, nurse anesthetists made an average of $195,610 annually. This is a significant increase compared to the average registered nurse salary of $77,600.
Here are some of the highest-paying states for CRNAs:
Connecticut – $276,540
New Jersey – $263,850
Illinois – $250,280
West Virginia – $247,650
Alaska – Undisclosed
The demand for CRNAs continues to grow. Factors such as an aging population, a rise in insured patients, and a push for cost-effective care have all contributed to this increase. The BLS projects a 13% growth rate in CRNA employment from 2020 to 2030, which is much faster than average.
Where Do CRNAs Work?
CRNAs typically work in high-acuity areas like:
- Operating rooms
- Intensive Care Units (ICUs)
- Emergency departments
Other common settings include:
- Critical access hospitals
- Ambulatory surgery centers
- Outpatient clinics
- U.S. military medical facilities
- Dental and ophthalmology offices
- Plastic and pain management practices
Some CRNAs pursue leadership or administrative roles in hospitals or government agencies. These roles may include budgeting, staff development, quality assurance, and policy-making. Organizations such as the Department of Health and Human Services, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and state boards of nursing often seek experienced CRNAs for regulatory and advisory positions.
How to Become a CRNA
Here’s a step-by-step roadmap to becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist:
Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – A four-year undergraduate degree is your starting point.
Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam – This exam grants you licensure to practice as a Registered Nurse.
Gain ICU Experience – Most CRNA programs require at least 1–3 years of hands-on work in an intensive care setting.
Complete an Accredited CRNA Program – Enroll in a nurse anesthesia doctoral program, which typically takes 2–3 years.
Pass the National Certification Examination – This test, offered by the NBCRNA, certifies you to begin practicing as a CRNA.
