Transitioning from an RN to a CRNA

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October 24, 2024

What is a CRNA, and Why are They Important?

Did you know that nurses were the first healthcare professionals to provide anesthesia care in World War I?  Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, or CRNAs, also referred to as nurse anesthesiologists, have been providing anesthesia and analgesia to patients for more than 150 years.1  As healthcare costs continue to increase, CRNAs continue to provide safe and essential care to tens of thousands of communities, particularly in rural, underserved areas, and with active and retired military.1-3  CRNAs are also the most cost-effective anesthesia provider, costing patients and healthcare systems 30-33% less than an anesthesiologist.1,4  With nurses being the most trusted profession for years combined with their skills and clinical knowledge in patient education, safety, and advocacy, the future of CRNAs in providing safe and effective anesthesia care is bright.5,6

Educational and Clinical Requirements

On average, CRNAs require at least 7-8.5 calendar years of education and experience. Here’s what you need to get started in this field:1

  • Your BSN, or higher, or another appropriate major. Note that most nurse anesthesia programs require a minimum of a BSN to apply.
  • An unencumbered licensed as a registered professional nurse and/or APRN in the United States or its territories.
  • At least one year of full-time work experience (or its part-time equivalent) as an RN in a critical care setting (if your critical care experience is in the NICU, check with the nurse anesthesia program to see if that will be accepted. Most programs prefer adult experience).

There are currently 130 accredited nurse anesthesia educational programs in the country with varying tuition rate and similar application processes.  Nurse anesthesia school is highly competitive, so it is crucial to be prepared when applying.  On average, you can expect to need at least a 3.0 GPA from your most recent degree, an updated curriculum vitae, an interview with program administrators/instructors (which can be done virtually or in person), and to complete a writing test.1

Job Outlook and Opportunities

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of CRNAs is expected to grow 10% through 2033, with approximately 5,200 job openings each year.7 Certain areas of the country will have the highest location quotient (LQ) of CRNAs, or the ratio of the area concentration compared to the national average (e.g., an LQ of 1.0 means that the region and the nation are equally specialist. An LQ of 1.8 means that the region has a higher concentration than the nation). These include:8

  • Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Florida: 3.76
  • Nashville/Davidson/Murfreesboro/Franklin, Tennessee: 2.84
  • Minneapolis/St. Paul/Bloomington, Minnesota-Wisconsin: 2.46
  • Metro Cincinnati, Ohio-Indiana-Kentucky: 2.41
  • Houston/The Woodlands/Sugar Land, Texas: 1.76
  • Dallas/Fort Worth/Arlington, Texas: 1.58

CRNAs are the highest-paid APRN and can expect an average salary of $214,000 per year.9  However, each state will pay a bit differently. The top highest-paying states pay on average:10

  • New Jersey: $291,508
  • North Dakota: $281,272
  • California: $276,002
  • Maine: $269,571
  • Montana: $265,856
  • Louisiana: $261,954

Where Can CRNAs Work?

CRNAs work in all practice settings that provide anesthesia or analgesia for patients of all ages. Please note that specific CRNA privileges must be consistent with the AANA Scope of Nurse Anesthesia Practice and their education and experience as well as local, state, and federal law and organizational policy. CRNAs can work either in the clinical setting, the nonclinical setting, or a combination of both. See below for examples.

 

Clinical CRNAs

The scope of clinical CRNAs includes preanesthesia, intraoperative, and postanesthesia, among others. Areas where these CRNAs can work include:11

  • Hospital operating rooms, including obstetrics,12 neurosurgery, orthopedic surgeries, general surgery, and more.
  • Outpatient care centers, such as ambulatory surgery centers and offices,13 including gastrointestinal, ophthalmology, and dental centers.
  • Rural and underserved areas.
  • Pain management clinics.
  • Military and veteran affairs.
  • Independent practice.

 

Nonclinical CRNAs

CRNAs can also work in numerous nonclinical and leadership roles, such as:11

  • Chief Executive Officer, Chief CRNA, Director of Anesthesia Services, etc.
  • Educational settings such as clinical and didactic teaching of skills for both nurse anesthesia students and non-nurse anesthesia students and professionals.
  • Medical staff officer.
  • Quality assessment and improvement.
  • Interdepartmental liaison.
  • Clinical and/or administrative oversight of departments or service units.

Conclusion

Transitioning from an RN to a CRNA offers a rewarding career choice to not only advance your career but to make a significant impact in patient care. Though the nurse anesthesia educational programs may be competitive and rigorous, the reward includes a diverse work environment and financial stability. As the demand for CRNAs continues to grow, this career path will continue to expand opportunities in your career development. To be the leading expert in patient safety and uphold a commitment to excellence, becoming a CRNA is the next step toward your impactful future in healthcare.

References

  1. American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology. Become a CRNA. Accessed September 11, 2024, https://www.aana.com/about-us/about-crnas/become-a-crna/
  2. Moore RD. Why Are CRNAs So Valuable? Accessed September 18, 2024, https://dailynurse.com/why-are-crnas-so-valuable/
  3. American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology. House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Highlights Role of CRNAs in Improving Access to Healthcare for Veterans. 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/house-committee-on-veterans-affairs-highlights-role-of-crnas-in-improving-access-to-healthcare-for-veterans-302033916.html
  4. Hogan PF, Seifert RF, Moore CS, Simonson BE. Cost-effectiveness analysis of anesthesia providers. Nurs Econ. May-Jun 2010;28(3):159-69.
  5. Brenan M, Jones JM. Ethics Ratings of Nearly All Professions Down in U.S. Gallup. https://news.gallup.com/poll/608903/ethics-ratings-nearly-professions-down.aspx
  6. American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology. Professional Attributes of the Nurse Anesthetist: Practice Considerations. 2023. https://issuu.com/aanapublishing/docs/13_-_professional_attributes_of_the_nurse_anesthet?fr=sYTgxYzU2NDAxMjU
  7. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners: Job Outlook. (2024).
  8. American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology. The Pros and Cons of Working in Key Markets. Accessed September 19, 2024, https://www.aana.com/motion-crna-career-platform/the-pros-and-cons-of-working-in-key-markets/
  9. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 29-1151 Nurse Anesthetists. Accessed September 11, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291151.htm
  10. American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology. 2023 CRNA Compensation & Benefits Survey. 2023. https://store.aana.com/Products/ProductDetails/S-ANA-041/2023-CRNA-Compensation-!26-Benefits-Survey
  11. American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology. Clinical Privileges and Other Responsibilities of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists: Policy Considerations. Rosemont, IL: American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology; 2019.
  12. Analgesia and Anesthesia for the Obstetric Patient, Practice Guidelines. Rosemont, IL: American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology; 2022.
  13. Office Based Anesthesia, Position Statement. Rosemont, IL: American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology; 2019.

 

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