CRNA Schools by State 2025 - Complete Directory

Q: How do I become a CRNA?

Becoming a CRNA requires earning a BSN, gaining 1-2 years of ICU experience, completing a 2-3 year doctoral program (DNP or DNAP), and passing the National Certification Examination. The entire process takes 7-8 years.

Q: What is the salary for a CRNA?

CRNAs earn an average salary of $205,000-$220,000 annually. Starting salaries range from $150,000-$180,000, while experienced CRNAs can earn $230,000-$300,000+.

Q: Which CRNA programs have the highest acceptance rates?

Programs with the highest acceptance rates (25-30%) include Hawaii Pacific University, Mount Marty University, Wilmington University, and University of Wyoming.

About CRNA Programs

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice nurses who administer anesthesia. All programs now require a doctoral degree (DNP or DNAP).

Typical Requirements

BSN or MSN degree
Current RN license
1+ year ICU/critical care experience
Minimum 3.0 GPA
GRE scores (some programs)

Program Duration

Most programs take 2-3 years to complete and include both clinical rotations and didactic coursework.

Cost Range

Tuition varies from $40,000 to $200,000+ depending on the institution and residency status.

Career Outlook

CRNAs earn an average salary of $200,000+ with excellent job growth projected through 2030.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a CRNA?

Becoming a CRNA requires several years of education and clinical experience:

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse
Step 2: Gain at least 1-2 years of acute care experience in a critical care setting (ICU, CCU, ER, or PACU)
Step 3: Apply to an accredited nurse anesthesia program (Doctor of Nursing Practice or Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice)
Step 4: Complete 2-3 years of intensive doctoral education including didactic coursework and clinical rotations
Step 5: Pass the National Certification Examination (NCE) administered by the NBCRNA

The entire process typically takes 7-8 years from starting nursing school to becoming a certified CRNA. Most programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0, GRE scores, and strong letters of recommendation.

What is an Anesthesiologist Assistant?

An Anesthesiologist Assistant (AA) is a healthcare professional who works under the direction of a licensed anesthesiologist to deliver anesthesia care. While similar to CRNAs in some duties, there are key differences:

Key Differences from CRNAs:

Educational Background: AAs have a pre-med undergraduate degree and attend a Master's-level AA program (typically 2-3 years), while CRNAs are advanced practice nurses with a doctoral degree
Supervision: AAs must work under direct supervision of an anesthesiologist, while CRNAs can practice independently in many states
Licensing: AAs are only licensed in about 20 states, while CRNAs can practice in all 50 states
Scope of Practice: AAs have a more restricted scope and cannot practice autonomously

Both professions require passing a national certification exam and provide high-quality anesthesia care as part of the anesthesia care team.

What is the salary for a CRNA?

CRNAs are among the highest-paid nursing professionals in the United States:

2025 Salary Statistics:

Average Annual Salary: $205,000 - $220,000
Starting Salary: $150,000 - $180,000 for new graduates
Experienced CRNAs: $230,000 - $300,000+
Hourly Rate: $95 - $150 per hour

Factors affecting salary:

Geographic location (rural areas and certain states pay more)
Years of experience
Work setting (hospital, surgical center, private practice)
Call requirements and weekend shifts
Independent practice vs. anesthesia care team model

The highest-paying states include Wyoming, Montana, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, and Nevada, where average salaries can exceed $250,000.

What is the Kaiser Permanente CRNA program cost?

Kaiser Permanente does not operate its own CRNA program. However, Kaiser Permanente is one of the largest employers of CRNAs and offers several educational partnerships and benefits:

Kaiser CRNA Employment Benefits:

Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,000 - $10,000 per year for continuing education
Student Loan Repayment: Some Kaiser regions offer loan repayment assistance programs
Competitive Salary: Kaiser CRNAs typically earn $200,000 - $280,000+ depending on region and experience
Comprehensive Benefits: Excellent health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off

If you're interested in CRNA programs in Kaiser's regions (California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Oregon, Virginia, Washington), consider these programs:

California: Samuel Merritt University ($145,000), USC ($165,000), CSU Fullerton ($85,000)
Colorado: University of Colorado ($95,000), Regis University ($105,000)
Washington: Gonzaga University ($118,000)

Which CRNA programs have the most prestige?

The most prestigious CRNA programs are typically affiliated with top-tier universities and major medical centers. Here are the highly regarded programs:

Top-Tier Programs:

Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD) - Acceptance: 7% | Cost: $155,000
Columbia University (New York, NY) - Acceptance: 6% | Cost: $175,000
Duke University (Durham, NC) - Acceptance: 9% | Cost: $148,000
University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA) - Acceptance: 8% | Cost: $165,000
Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN) - Acceptance: 9% | Cost: $145,000
Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences (Rochester, MN) - Acceptance: 10% | Cost: $105,000

Other Highly Regarded Programs:

Emory University (Atlanta, GA)
Boston College (Chestnut Hill, MA)
Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, OH)
Rush University (Chicago, IL)
University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA)

These programs are known for excellent clinical training sites, high first-time pass rates (often 95-100%), strong alumni networks, and graduates who are highly sought after by employers.

Which CRNA programs have the highest acceptance rates?

If you're looking for programs with more favorable acceptance rates, consider these schools with acceptance rates above 25%:

Programs with Highest Acceptance Rates (25%+):

Hawaii Pacific University - 30% acceptance | $125,000
Mount Marty University (South Dakota) - 28% acceptance | $85,000
Wilmington University (Delaware) - 28% acceptance | $95,000
Roseman University (Nevada) - 27% acceptance | $128,000
University of Wyoming - 27% acceptance | $72,000
Montana State University - 26% acceptance | $72,000
Florida Gulf Coast University - 26% acceptance | $68,000
University of Southern Indiana - 25% acceptance | $72,000
University of North Dakota - 25% acceptance | $76,000

Important Note: Higher acceptance rates don't mean lower quality. Many of these programs are newer, in rural locations, or have smaller applicant pools. They still maintain rigorous standards and are fully accredited by the COA.

Factors that improve your acceptance chances at any program include strong ICU experience, high GPA (3.5+), good GRE scores, compelling personal statements, and strong recommendation letters from physicians or CRNAs.

CRNA vs Anesthesiologist - What's the difference?

Both CRNAs and anesthesiologists provide anesthesia care, but they differ in education, training, and practice models:

Education and Training:

CRNA: BSN → RN → 1-2 years ICU experience → 3 years doctoral program = ~7-8 years total
Anesthesiologist: Bachelor's → Medical school (4 years) → Anesthesiology residency (4 years) = ~12 years total

Scope of Practice:

CRNAs: Can practice independently in many states, provide all types of anesthesia, manage patients perioperatively. Often the sole anesthesia provider in rural and military settings
Anesthesiologists: Medical doctors (MDs/DOs) who specialize in anesthesia, typically supervise anesthesia care teams, handle complex cases, manage acute pain services

Salary Comparison:

CRNA: Average $205,000 - $220,000 annually
Anesthesiologist: Average $350,000 - $450,000 annually

Practice Models: Many healthcare facilities use a team-based approach where CRNAs and anesthesiologists work together. In other settings, particularly rural areas, CRNAs practice independently. Research shows both models provide safe, high-quality anesthesia care with comparable patient outcomes.