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CRNA: certified registered nurse anesthetist

Becoming a CRNA is a doctoral, full-time route off the ICU floor, typically 36-48 months. Here is the honest path, then where to go next.

Last reviewed May 22, 2026How we rank

Reviewed May 22, 2026 by the ScrubScope editorial team.

CRNA is structurally different from every other NP route on this site: it is doctoral (DNP-level) by national mandate, full-time, and presumes one to three years of high-acuity ICU experience before you apply. The pages below split the decision into three parts — accredited programs and what they expect, the prerequisites and certification path, and the salary framing. If you have not finished a BSN or do not yet have ICU hours, the requirements page is where to start.

New to the abbreviations? See the nursing terms glossary.

Common questions

What does it take to become a CRNA?

A BSN and RN license, at least a year of critical-care RN experience, a competitive application, then a doctoral nurse-anesthesia program (36-48 months). Doctoral entry-to-practice; graduates sit the National Certification Examination administered by the NBCRNA. The pages below cover programs, requirements, and salary in detail.

All pages

Pick where to go next