Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Salary Guide

RNs wanting to pursue graduate-level training and become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) can increase their earnings by training as a CRNA. Becoming a CRNA requires
completing graduate-level training in an accredited program and passing the National Certification Exam for Nurse Anesthetists. Including the preparation to become an RN, it takes a minimum of 7 to 8.5 years to earn CRNA certification. 

Most programs require a minimum of 1 year of experience in a critical or intensive care unit, but RNs entering a nurse anesthesia program typically have 4.5 years of experience. The average nurse anesthetist is 32 years old at the start of their career, according to the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).

The required education level of CRNAs is also increasing to better prepare nurses for this demanding role. Previously, you could choose to do a master’s level program, but all accredited programs have transitioned into a Doctor of Nursing (DNP). New students starting a nurse anesthesia program as of 2022 must enroll in a DNP, and students graduating as of 2025 must be awarded a DNP upon graduation.

Licensing Requirements for CRNAs

After passing the national certification exam, CRNAs must obtain a state license to practice as
nurse anesthetists. If you wish to work in another state, you must fulfill the requirements of that state to become state licensed. Because CRNAs are advanced practice nurses, they don’t qualify for a multi-state RN license. However, your national certification still applies in each state, making it easier to earn licensure by endorsement.

Specialty Credentials

The NBCRNA offers subspecialty certification in Nonsurgical Pain Management (NSPM). This credential designed specifically for nurse anesthetists who focus on managing acute and chronic pain outside of operating rooms, was introduced in 2014. As of December 31, 2021, 130 CRNAs have demonstrated their competencies and successfully passed the NSPM certification exam.

Depending on your interests, you can also concentrate your work in a certain area, such as pediatric, obstetric, cardiovascular, plastic or dental anesthesia. While the NSPM is the only subspecialty certification offered at this time, you can focus on gaining experience in the area you’re passionate about and stay up to date on developments in the field. For example, if you’re interested in working as a pediatric CRNA, you could work in various pediatric settings as a travel nurse anesthetist. This experience can help set you apart when applying for positions within this field.