To become a CRNA (certified registered nurse anesthetist), you need a bachelor's or graduate degree in nursing or an appropriate major, an RN licence, at least 1 year of full-time critical care nursing experience, and then a doctoral nurse anesthesia program that runs 36 to 51 months. After that, you pass the National Certification Examination.
It's the longest and most competitive of the advanced nursing routes, and the best paid. Expect most of a decade from the start of nursing school.
Facts come from the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) and the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), both read on 26 October 2026. This is a careers guide, not clinical advice.
CRNA facts at a glance
| Measure | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay, nurse anesthetists (May 2025) | $236,590 a year | BLS |
| Critical care experience required before applying | At least 1 year full time, or part-time equivalent | AANA |
| Program length | 36 to 51 months | AANA |
| Accredited programs | 155 in the US and Puerto Rico | AANA |
| Average clinical hours at graduation | 9,432 | AANA |
| Degree awarded for entry into practice | Doctoral | AANA |
The pay figure is as of October 2026. BLS's median for nurse anesthetists is the highest of the three advanced practice nursing roles it tracks, well above nurse practitioners ($132,300) and nurse midwives ($134,040).
The CRNA route, step by step
- Earn a bachelor's or graduate degree in nursing or an appropriate major.
- Get an unencumbered RN licence (or APRN licence) in the US.
- Work at least 1 year full time as an RN in a critical care setting. BLS and AANA both name this as a prerequisite for admission.
- Prepare a strong application. AANA lists common requirements such as a GPA of 3.0 or higher, a GRE score of approximately 300, a CV showing career achievements, and an interview.
- Complete an accredited doctoral nurse anesthesia program, which runs 36 to 51 months depending on the university.
- Pass the National Certification Examination, then meet your state's APRN licensing rules.
The detail older guides get wrong
Plenty of articles still talk about a master's degree route. AANA now says all nurse anesthesia programs are approved to award doctoral degrees for entry into practice. So if you're planning today, plan for a doctorate, and for the 36 to 51 months that comes with it, not a two-year master's.
The other thing people underestimate is the clinical load. AANA says graduates finish with an average of 9,432 hours of clinical experience. That's why these programs are so demanding, so plan your finances and family time around them before you start.
Why critical care experience matters so much
The 1-year minimum is exactly that: a minimum. Programs are competitive, and AANA's list of common requirements mentions one year of acute-care nursing experience alongside GPA and GRE expectations. Use your critical care years to build the skills and the track record that make your application stand out, rather than treating them as a box to tick.
If you're still an RN deciding on direction, it helps to compare all the advanced roles. Our guides to options for registered nurses and how nursing credentials stack up are useful background reading.
How long it really takes
| Stage | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Nursing degree | Depends on your route; a bachelor's in nursing or an appropriate major |
| RN critical care experience | At least 1 year full time |
| Doctoral nurse anesthesia program | 36 to 51 months |
| Certification exam | After graduation |
Put together, most people are looking at seven years or more from the start of a nursing degree. AANA says more than 3,200 resident registered nurse anesthetists pass the national exam to become CRNAs, so the route is well trodden, just long.
Where CRNAs fit among advanced nurses
BLS groups nurse anesthetists with nurse midwives and nurse practitioners as advanced practice registered nurses. All three need an RN licence, graduate education, national certification and a state licence. What sets the CRNA route apart is the critical care prerequisite, the doctoral requirement and the length of the program. Some APRNs in critical care roles also need to be on call, BLS notes, which is worth factoring into your plans.
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Applying: what programs look for
AANA says the accredited programs have similar but distinct application processes, so read each one's requirements rather than assuming they match. Beyond GPA, the GRE and your critical care year, expect to submit a CV that shows significant career achievements and to sit an interview, which may be in person, virtual or by phone. Starting that CV early, and keeping a record of the critical care skills you build, makes the application far easier when the time comes.
Skills the role demands
- Composure under pressure, since anesthesia decisions affect patients' safety directly.
- Precision and attention to detail.
- Stamina for long programs and demanding clinical placements.
- Strong science foundations, which BLS says help anyone heading into advanced practice.
My verdict
Becoming a CRNA is the hardest advanced nursing route, and the best paid, with a BLS median of $236,590 for nurse anesthetists. Plan for a doctorate, not a master's, and for 36 to 51 months of full-on study after at least a year in critical care. If you're an RN who loves the intensity of critical care and can commit to the long haul, it's a very strong career. If you're not sure yet, spend your critical care year finding out.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a CRNA?
Usually seven years or more: a nursing degree, at least 1 year of full-time critical care RN experience, and a doctoral nurse anesthesia program that AANA says runs 36 to 51 months.
Do you need a doctorate to be a CRNA?
AANA says all nurse anesthesia programs are approved to award doctoral degrees for entry into practice, so new CRNAs graduate with a doctorate.
What experience do you need to apply to CRNA school?
At least 1 year of full-time critical care experience as a registered nurse, or its part-time equivalent, according to AANA.
How much do CRNAs make?
BLS reports a median of $236,590 a year for nurse anesthetists in May 2025, as of October 2026.
How many CRNA programs are there?
AANA lists 155 accredited nurse anesthesia programs in the United States and Puerto Rico.
What GPA do you need for CRNA school?
AANA lists a GPA of 3.0 or higher as a common prerequisite, alongside a GRE score of approximately 300 and acute-care nursing experience.
