Becoming a CRNA: Requirements and Certification Process

The National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) offers the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) credential. To become a CRNA, you must:

1. Complete a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) from an accredited college or university.

2. Pass the NCLEX-RN exam and become licensed as a registered nurse (RN).

3. Complete a nurse anesthesia program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA). These programs typically take 24 to 36 months to complete.

4. Pass the CRNA certification exam administered by the NBCRNA.

Once you have become certified as a CRNA, you must maintain your certification by completing continuing education requirements every two years.

For more information on how to register as a CRNA, please visit the websites of the NBCRNA and the COA.