Best Online CRNA Programs: Discover Top Schools
Looking to advance your nursing career as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)? Use this guide to learn about online CRNA programs, from admission requirements to curriculum details. Explore program lengths, clinical requirements, and how to balance your education with work commitments.
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Comparing Popular Online CRNA Programs
Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) programs are tailored for your needs as a working RN. By offering flexible course formats, these programs are ideal for students who need a bit of structure but also like to work at their own pace.
Online CRNA program formats include:
- Fully online: you can take all your classes through the school’s learning management system, where you will watch lectures, submit assignments, and communicate with professors and other students
- Hybrid: you get the benefits of both online and in-person learning; you’ll be expected to come to campus for certain activities, such as laboratory work
No matter which type of program you choose, in-person clinical training at a healthcare site is required. Just as you did when completing clinical work for your bachelor’s degree, when you choose a nursing specialty on the graduate level, you’ll augment online learning with hands-on training at a healthcare facility.
Get an idea of what to look for in a program by exploring these online CRNA programs with insights on admission requirements, coursework, costs, and program lengths.
Texas Christian University
Texas Christian University has a BSN to a Doctor of Nursing Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) program that is completed in two phases:
- Phase one: lasts 20 months; you’ll take a combination of online and classroom coursework to learn the principles that CRNAs need to know
- Phase two: last 16 months; you’ll complete special projects along with weekly classroom instruction
By the end of your studies, you will be eligible to take the National Certifying Examination (NCE). Thanks to the education Texas Christian University provides, the school has a 90% NCE pass rate for first attempts.
Duration: 36 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $186,615 (plus fees)
Admissions Requirements:
- Unencumbered RN license
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited school
- Prerequisite courses
- One year of critical care work experience
- GRE scores in Nursing CAS
- BLS and ACLS certification
- CCRN score sheet
- CCRN certificate or AACN letter of certification
- Resume
- Three of recommendation
- Kira Online Talent Assessment
Core Curriculum:
- Biostatistics
- Research
- Emerging sciences
- Informatics
- Physical science
- Pharmacology
- Anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology
- Heath assessments
- Anesthesia simulation
- Face-to-face anesthesia practice
- Residency
- Advanced project
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Samford University
Samford University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program in nurse anesthesia combines evidence-based nursing with a faith-based and service-minded philosophy. This holistic approach prepares students for the demands of a CRNA role, while emphasizing the importance of displaying cultural humility to patients in diverse communities.
Features:
- Small cohorts of just 32 students, maintaining a small student-to-faculty ratio
- Wellness program to help develop the necessary coping skills and emotional intelligence to handle the rigorous nature of CRNA practice
Duration: 3 years
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $102,663 (based on $11,407/term)
Admissions Requirements:
- Unencumbered RN license
- Nursing bachelor’s or graduate degree from an accredited school
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in prerequisite undergraduate courses
- One year of work experience in a critical care setting
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores of 153 (verbal), 144 (quantitative), 4 (writing)
- Letters of reference
- On-campus interview
Core Curriculum:
- Theoretical principles
- Concepts of advanced nursing practice
- Systems-based practice
- Population health
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
- Anatomy
- Role transition
- Physical assessments
- Seminars and clinicals
University of Iowa
The nurse anesthesia DNP program offered by the University of Iowa combines didactic learning and clinical experience to help students apply CRNA theory to real-world nursing practice.
Program offerings:
- Gain skills that allow you to use different techniques, equipment, and medications for administering anesthesia
- Complete clinical rotations at hospitals in rural areas to help address the state’s nursing shortage
Duration: 3 or 4 years
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $80,658
Admissions Requirements:
- Unencumbered RN license
- Bachelor’s or graduate degree from an accredited school
- One year of work experience in an intensive care unit
- Completion of prerequisite courses
- BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications
- Prerequisite courses
Core Curriculum:
- Epidemiology
- Quality and safety
- Physiology
- Leadership and management
- Population health
- Health policy, health systems, finance, economics
- Genetics
- Pathophysiology
- Primary care for various populations
- Projects and practicums
- Mental disorders
- Pharmacotherapeutics
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of CRNA programs?
CRNA programs offer multiple pathways depending on your educational background. These include:
- RN-to CRNA: type of nursing bridge program that caters to nurses with an associate degree in nursing; some programs require you to hold a bachelor’s degree in another field as well
- DNP programs: direct entry path to becoming a CRNA; typically need a bachelor’s degree in nursing to be admitted
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)-to-DNP: serves MSN-prepared nurses seeking specialization; takes one to two years to complete
- Post-master’s certificate: accommodates DNP graduates of other specialty programs (like nurse practitioners) who are pursuing CRNA certification
Whichever route you choose, you’ll need to obtain both a CRNA certificate and an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) license through your state board of nursing before you can practice.
Expert Insight
The DNP is the minimum degree required to become a CRNA. This is a recent change. Still, all other APRN roles only require an MSN. In 2025, accredited CRNA programs were required to make the shift from master’s level course offerings to DNP level curriculum. So, if you come across a school that still has yet to do that and is offering you an MSN, reconsider your options.
Is there financial aid available for CRNA programs?
Yes. Financial aid for nursing students primarily includes scholarships and grants, which don’t require repayment. Other funding sources include:
- Fellowships and assistantships: provide valuable experience plus stipends or tuition remission
- Federal work-study programs through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): can help offset costs
- Federal and private student loans: can fill remaining financial gaps, though it’s important to carefully compare terms
Should a CRNA program be accredited?
Yes. First and foremost, you need to pay attention to nursing school accreditation. When it comes to your CRNA education, both institutional and program accreditation are extremely important. These designations ensure that you are getting the quality education you deserve, and learning the advanced skills employers expect.
Failing to enroll in an accredited program and school can make it difficult or even impossible to transfer credits, seek certification, or even find work.
Is continuing education required for CRNAs?
Yes. Every state sets unique requirements around continuing education, making it important that you stay abreast of updates once you begin to practice. Other considerations:
- The healthcare profession and anesthesia field continue to evolve based on new research and findings.
- Many organizations and professional associations offer online and in-person continuing education opportunities.
- Find additional opportunities through the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA).
Are similar degrees available?
Yes, degrees similar to a CRNA are available and include:
- Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Anesthesiology—become an anesthesiologist by completing a medical degree followed by a multi-year residency
- Master of Science (MS) in anesthesia—become an anesthesiology assistant, working under the supervision of an anesthesiologist
- Associate of Science (AS) in anesthesia technology—for those who are interested in working in the discipline, but are just starting out; train to work under the supervision of CRNAs and anesthesiologists
Salary & Career Outlook for CRNAs
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $137,230 | $223,210 | $239,200+ |
| Alabama | $97,890 | $179,160 | $239,200+ |
| Alaska | $189,840 | $239,200+ | $239,200+ |
| Arizona | $218,420 | $228,690 | $239,200+ |
| Arkansas | $83,220 | $134,230 | $218,140 |
| California | $59,990 | $239,200+ | $239,200+ |
| Connecticut | $103,740 | $227,930 | $239,200+ |
| Delaware | $123,970 | $236,800 | $239,200+ |
| Florida | $128,970 | $197,940 | $239,200+ |
| Georgia | $184,040 | $221,190 | $239,200+ |
| Illinois | $113,380 | $239,200+ | $239,200+ |
| Indiana | $167,530 | $233,200 | $239,200+ |
| Iowa | $204,630 | $229,950 | $239,200+ |
| Kansas | $148,420 | $182,770 | $236,790 |
| Kentucky | $181,360 | $212,430 | $239,200+ |
| Louisiana | $196,200 | $225,440 | $239,200+ |
| Maine | $215,240 | $229,900 | $239,200+ |
| Maryland | $52,940 | $167,740 | $237,250 |
| Massachusetts | $228,800 | $239,200+ | $239,200+ |
| Michigan | $187,110 | $234,520 | $239,200+ |
| Minnesota | $214,190 | $239,200+ | $239,200+ |
| Mississippi | $163,330 | $197,490 | $239,200+ |
| Missouri | $166,660 | $221,550 | $239,200+ |
| Montana | $239,200+ | $239,200+ | $239,200+ |
| Nebraska | $165,860 | $231,020 | $239,200+ |
| New Hampshire | $214,250 | $239,200+ | $239,200+ |
| New Jersey | $198,160 | $239,200+ | $239,200+ |
| New Mexico | $103,710 | $214,810 | $239,200+ |
| New York | $174,120 | $239,200+ | $239,200+ |
| North Carolina | $95,590 | $226,460 | $239,200+ |
| North Dakota | $210,250 | $232,420 | $239,200+ |
| Ohio | $116,800 | $216,350 | $239,200+ |
| Oklahoma | $151,470 | $151,470 | $239,200+ |
| Oregon | $159,770 | $239,200+ | $239,200+ |
| Pennsylvania | $183,060 | $217,670 | $239,200+ |
| Rhode Island | $65,740 | $131,390 | $239,200+ |
| South Carolina | $183,040 | $225,800 | $239,200+ |
| South Dakota | $186,800 | $223,650 | $239,200+ |
| Tennessee | $137,240 | $203,400 | $229,510 |
| Texas | $178,330 | $227,580 | $239,200+ |
| Utah | $89,990 | $122,040 | $201,520 |
| Vermont | $214,290 | $239,200+ | $239,200+ |
| Virginia | $114,880 | $199,960 | $239,200+ |
| Washington | $211,170 | $239,200+ | $239,200+ |
| West Virginia | $197,680 | $239,200+ | $239,200+ |
| Wisconsin | $209,550 | $239,200+ | $239,200+ |
| Wyoming | $177,090 | $181,470 | $239,200+ |
Source: Nurse Anesthetists, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 49,400 | 53,800 | 4,400 | 8.90% | 2,500 |
| Alabama | 1,390 | 1,590 | 200 | 14.40% | 80 |
| Alaska | 80 | 90 | 10 | 12.50% | 10 |
| Arizona | 340 | 420 | 80 | 23.50% | 20 |
| Arkansas | 400 | 450 | 50 | 12.50% | 20 |
| California | 2,700 | 3,500 | 800 | 29.60% | 210 |
| Colorado | 450 | 530 | 80 | 17.80% | 30 |
| Connecticut | 580 | 590 | 10 | 1.70% | 20 |
| Delaware | 80 | 90 | 10 | 12.50% | 10 |
| Florida | 4,200 | 4,770 | 570 | 13.60% | 230 |
| Georgia | 1,370 | 1,640 | 270 | 19.70% | 90 |
| Idaho | 830 | 1,000 | 170 | 20.50% | 50 |
| Illinois | 2,040 | 2,190 | 150 | 7.40% | 100 |
| Indiana | 730 | 790 | 60 | 8.20% | 40 |
| Iowa | 380 | 440 | 60 | 15.80% | 20 |
| Kansas | 560 | 610 | 50 | 8.90% | 30 |
| Kentucky | 320 | 360 | 40 | 12.50% | 20 |
| Louisiana | 950 | 1,090 | 140 | 14.70% | 50 |
| Maine | 410 | 430 | 20 | 4.90% | 20 |
| Maryland | 600 | 660 | 60 | 10.00% | 30 |
| Massachusetts | 230 | 260 | 30 | 13.00% | 10 |
| Michigan | 3,750 | 4,070 | 320 | 8.50% | 190 |
| Minnesota | 2,510 | 2,720 | 210 | 8.40% | 120 |
| Mississippi | 420 | 450 | 30 | 7.10% | 20 |
| Missouri | 880 | 1,040 | 160 | 18.20% | 50 |
| Montana | 70 | 80 | 10 | 14.30% | – |
| Nebraska | 460 | 500 | 40 | 8.70% | 20 |
| New Hampshire | 570 | 610 | 40 | 7.00% | 30 |
| New Mexico | 290 | 370 | 80 | 27.60% | 20 |
| New York | 2,350 | 2,980 | 630 | 26.80% | 60 |
| North Carolina | 2,500 | 3,120 | 620 | 24.80% | 170 |
| North Dakota | 160 | 180 | 20 | 12.50% | 10 |
| Ohio | 3,710 | 3,790 | 80 | 2.20% | 150 |
| Oregon | 380 | 470 | 90 | 23.70% | 30 |
| Pennsylvania | 3,110 | 3,310 | 200 | 6.40% | 150 |
| South Carolina | 1,000 | 1,150 | 150 | 15.00% | 60 |
| South Dakota | 360 | 460 | 100 | 27.80% | 30 |
| Tennessee | 2,980 | 3,360 | 380 | 12.80% | 160 |
| Texas | 3,030 | 3,620 | 590 | 19.50% | 190 |
| Vermont | 70 | 80 | 10 | 14.30% | – |
| Virginia | 550 | 610 | 60 | 10.90% | 30 |
| Washington | 760 | 860 | 100 | 13.20% | 50 |
| West Virginia | 370 | 400 | 30 | 8.10% | 20 |
| Wisconsin | 820 | 940 | 120 | 14.60% | 50 |
| Wyoming | 50 | 60 | 10 | 20.00% | – |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
