How to Become a Nurse Anesthetist

Nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) require an RN, a bachelor's degree and a graduate program in nurse anesthesia. Nurse anesthetists also need to pass a national certification exam before being licensed to practice. Read on to learn how to become a nurse anesthetist.

How to Become a Nurse Anesthetist

This video discusses the education and training to become a nurse anesthetist, which is an "advanced practice" type of nursing who provides services to patients similar to that provided by an anesthesiologist. When you have completed a bachelor's degree, earned an RN certificate, worked as a nurse for a year, obtained your master's degree in nurse anesthesia, passed your certification exams and become licensed to practice, you can begin working with surgical teams delivering anesthesia.

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Introduction

Nurse anesthetists administer approximately 65% of the anesthesia provided to patients in the United States annually.http://www.allnursingschools.com/faqs/crna.php They work under the supervision of a staff anesthesiologist, but generally work independently, conducting assessments with patients before surgery, administering anesthesia and monitoring the patient during surgery and recovery. In order to become a nurse anesthetist, you'll need to become an RN, have a bachelor's degree, work as a nurse for a year, graduate from a master's program in nurse anesthesia, and become certified.
Step 1: Become a Registered Nurse
- While you can become a registered nurse with an Associate's degree, you'll need to have a bachelor's degree in order to be accepted to a nurse anesthesia master's degree program. So you have three possible educational paths before entering the nurse anesthesia professional degree program.
1. Become an RN with an associates degree, and the continue on for a BSN, or complete a BS in an unrelated major.
2. Receive your RN through a BSN program.
3. Attend college, graduating with a BS or BA, then receive your RN through a Master's program.
Step 2: Complete a Master's Degree in Nurse Anesthesia

In order to become one of the 28,000 practicing nurse anesthetists in the United States, you need to complete an accredited master's degree program in nurse anesthesia. The program, which generally takes 24-36 months to complete, includes course work in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics and pharmacology. It also includes clinical work in various anesthesia techniques and procedures.http://www.allnursingschools.com/faqs/crna.php
Most programs require you to have at least one year's experience before entering the program.
Step 3: Become Certified as a Nurse Anesthetist

After completing the master's program, you need to pass a national certifying exam, which will confer the designation of CRNA- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. As a CRNA, you will be entitled to practice anywhere in the United States.
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