A Doctor of Nursing Practice, or DNP, degree is the highest level of education a nurse can receive. This degree takes three to four years when full-time hours can be committed to study, but nurses with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree can graduate with a DNP faster.
Doctor of Nursing Anesthesia Practice
A Doctor of Nursing Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) is offered by universities that don’t have a nursing program, but instead have medical or allied health programs. A DNAP degree typically takes 36 months and may involve more clinical hours.
Pros
- Can be completed more quickly than a DNP
May offer a lower cost option
Cons
- May require more clinical hours
*Varies depending on institution
Sources: Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, University of Cincinnati, Webster University
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Licensing and Credentials
Before CRNAs can get a job and begin their work, they must earn their certification and credentials. The requirements for certification are identical in all states, but the licensing process may differ depending on location. Graduates of either a DNP or a DNAP program must pass the National Certification Exam (NCE) offered by the NBCRNA, which includes a fee of $1,045.
Once they complete the NCE successfully, they may apply for a license through their state nursing board. Many states also require CRNAs to keep RN and NP licenses current. CRNAs must recertify with the NBCRNA every four years to keep their credentials and continue to practice.
Where Do CRNAs Work?
Most nurse anesthetists work in hospital operating rooms (ORs). They educate and prepare patients for anesthesia, give and maintain anesthesia in the OR, and follow patients during anesthesia recovery. However, CRNAs have options, and may also work in:
- Doctor’s offices
- Outpatient surgical clinics
- Military healthcare
- Emergency rooms
- Critical care units
- Pain management clinics
- Dental offices
- Plastic surgery clinics
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for certified registered nurse anesthetists rests at 38%, much higher than average. In 2022, the BLS reported the U.S. employed 323,900 APRNs in this specialty group, and they predict 123,600 jobs will be added to this number by 2032. CRNAs also earn the highest pay of any nursing specialty, with a national average of $259,707.
FAQs: How to Become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
1. What education is needed to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist?
Anyone who wants to become a CRNA must graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and pass their state licensing board: the NCLEX-RN. After this, they must gain experience in critical care, and then apply to a doctorate program: a DNP or DNAP.
2. How can I become a certified registered nurse anesthetist the fastest?
If a candidate already has a nursing degree, whether a bachelor’s or a master’s, they can complete their Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Doctor of Anesthesia Nursing Practice (DNAP) in three to four years. For those starting with no college education, it can take up to 10 years to become a CRNA.
3. How well are certified registered nurse anesthetists paid?
Certified registered nurse anesthetists earn the highest salary in nursing, at a national average of $259,707. Salary varies based on location and experience.
