How to Become a CRNA: Step-by-Step Guide for Students

Apply to Colleges and Universities

The first hurdle to becoming a CRNA being admitted to a top college nursing program. Since schools usually require that students gain general admission before applying to a nursing bachelor’s degree program, this is the time to think about what you need to do to fulfill the requirements of the nursing schools you’re interested in.

Build a Strong Academic Record

You’ll spend the first years of your undergraduate education taking relevant coursework designed to prepare you for admission into nursing school. However, it’s also important to perform well in classes that aren’t prerequisites for nursing school admission to earn the overall grade point average departments expect. This can vary from one school to the next, but generally you will be expected to have at least a 3.0 grade point average to be admitted into nursing school.

Complete Prerequisites

Every nursing school will require certain prerequisite courses, as well as minimum average grades in these courses to be admitted into their BSN program. These standards may differ. For example, the University of Iowa expects students to earn a minimum GPA of 2.0 in natural science prerequisite classes, including nutrition, human anatomy, and chemistry. Similarly, Texas State University requires prerequisite classes in mathematics, anatomy and physiology, and functional biology. Students are expected to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 GPA in these courses.

Apply to Nursing School

If you’ve spent your first two years in college wisely, then you’re well-aware of what nursing schools expect and have worked to meet those requirements. If you’re applying to multiple schools, keep in mind that though the admission standards are generally the same, each school will have its own specific standards.

For example, if you’ve already earned a nursing degree and want to enroll in a bridge program, The Ohio State University has an RN to BSN program that requires applicants to have an associate degree or diploma in nursing, a minimum GPA of 2.0, and an active RN license.

On the other hand, if you don’t have previous nursing education or experience, a school will look at what you’ve accomplished by the time you put in your application. For example, the University of Kansas looks at how students have performed in their coursework, particularly the nursing prerequisites. The school also considers students’ extracurricular activities, references, and level of interest in nursing.

Pass Your Nursing Courses

The prerequisites to enter nursing school laid the foundation for you to take the classes required in your BSN program. This curriculum can be rigorous, and includes coursework that covers the foundations of nursing practice, pharmacology, mental health nursing, and reproductive health, among other core subjects. You may also have the opportunity to take classes that prepare you for the nursing licensure examination.

Participate in Clinical Rotations

Clinical rotations are where your nursing education comes to life. Hands-on experience allows you to apply what you’ve learned in classes to a real-world setting. The specific program you enroll in will dictate what you can expect during your nursing clinicals, but most include performing duties like taking patients’ vital signs, administering medication, and helping a medical team during procedures.

Prepare for and Pass the NCLEX-RN

After completing your training inside and outside of the classroom, your next step toward becoming a nurse anesthetist is passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to obtain your nursing license. To prepare, you may be able to take classes at your school or work through test plans on your own. Administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, the NCLEX is a computerized test made up of multiple choice, fill in the blank, and drag-and-drop questions.

Apply for State Licensure

Once you’ve passed the NCLEX, it’s time to apply for a license in your state. Different states have different application procedures, so contact your state board of nursing to find out exactly how it works.

Gain Critical Care Experience

Being on the frontlines of the nursing profession means being comfortable in challenging environments. As such, preparing to become a CRNA means you have to gain critical care experience by working in medical surgical units, emergency centers, or intensive care units, among other settings. In fact, CRNA programs expect applicants to have this experience prior to being admitted. To get the most out of this work, the University at Buffalo suggests that you find an environment that will give you the broadest experience working with critically-ill patients.

Graduate From an Advanced Nurse Anesthesia Program

Although you can currently become a CRNA by earning a master’s degree, as more and more employers expect nurse anesthetists to earn a terminal degree, a doctorate is increasingly becoming every aspiring CRNA’s best bet. Explore different programs that interest you to find the one that aligns most with your needs.

Pass the National Certification Examination

Whether you earn a master’s or doctoral degree, you will be required to pass the National Certification Examination (NCE) to practice nurse anesthesiology. This three-hour test includes content designed to measure your understanding of basic sciences; equipment, instrumentation, and technologies; general principles of anesthesia; and anesthesia for surgical procedures and special populations.

Prepare for the Job Market

Just as you would with any other nursing specialty, when looking for a CRNA position, you want to make sure you understand what employers want so you put your best foot forward. Study the job market and the organizations that are hiring to ensure you’re presenting yourself to employers in the best way.

Network and Job Search

In addition to applying directly to jobs posted by healthcare facilities, it’s a good idea to connect with other professionals who may be aware of or have the power to fill job openings at their place of work. One of the best ways to connect with other professionals is to join associations like the American Nurses Association and the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology and attend.

Interview and Accept a Job Offer

Your credentials will speak for themselves, but only to a point. To land your dream job, you will have to go through the interview process. To position yourself for a job offer you’ll want to accept, prepare for and understand the purpose of frequently asked interview questions, which may cover anything from your understanding of nurse anesthetist procedures, to your experience in the specialty, to your goals for the future.

Consider Specializations and Advanced Roles

Do you want to work primarily in a specific setting? As a CRNA, you can choose to work in places like cardiac care centers or children’s hospitals, among many others. You can also specialize in a specific patient population, from obstetric to geriatric, or even pediatric patients.

Engage in Continuous Learning and Recertification

Part of being a nurse is learning continuously; in fact, keeping your license up to date depends on it. The number of continuing education credits you need will depend on the state you live in, but regardless of where you live, you can take continuing education classes provided by the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology.

Responsibilities

Nurse anesthetists work with patients before, during, and after a surgical procedure. Before surgery, CRNAs perform physical assessments; educate patients on how their procedure is performed and their anesthesia administered; and obtain consent for treatment. During the procedure, CRNAs work with their team to ensure patients receive the correct anesthetic in the correct amount. After surgery, CRNAs monitor patients to ensure they remain in stable condition and set them on the road to recovery.

Specialties and Areas of Practice

There are several avenues you can take if you’re interested in pursuing a CRNA specialization. CRNAs work in trauma, obstetric, dental, orthopedic, and gastrointestinal specialties. You may also choose to specialize by working primarily in a specific setting, like a rural hospital or critical care center.

Work Environments

CRNAs work in a variety of environments. After completing the necessary education, certification, and training, you’ll be qualified to seek employment at surgical clinics, hospitals, doctors’ offices, and outpatient care centers.