Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

What is a CRNA?

A certified registered nurse anesthetist, or CRNA, is a trained specialist with the education, expertise, and clinical skills required to administer anesthesia and help manage patients’ pain before, during, and after surgical procedures.

What does a CRNA do?

CRNAs play a critical role in patient safety and comfort before, during, and after medical procedures. Their responsibilities include evaluating patients and preparing anesthesia plans, administering anesthesia, and continuously monitoring vital signs to ensure patient stability throughout the procedure.

Is a nurse anesthetist the same as a CRNA?

Yes — a nurse anesthetist is the same as a CRNA. Both terms are used interchangeably.

Nurse anesthetist core functions

The scope of a CRNA’s duties falls into four major categories.

Pre-anesthesia evaluation and preparation

CRNAs evaluate patients’ medical histories, explain the process of anesthetization, and provide comfort to help ease the anxiety their patients may feel before surgery.

They also help prepare the medications and equipment required for the procedure.

Anesthesia induction

CRNAs carefully administer anesthesia, ensuring patients receive appropriate doses of general, regional, or local anesthetics.

Patient monitoring

Throughout a patient’s procedure, CRNAs must continuously monitor vitals to ensure their overall safety. They may also administer fluids, blood products, and manage the patient’s airways.

Post-anesthesia care

As a patient emerges from anesthesia, nurse anesthetists monitor their condition and help them transition to recovery.

CRNA education and training

Because nurse anesthetists are responsible for caring for patients in their most vulnerable moments, becoming a CRNA requires extensive clinical education and training.

The process of earning certification as a nurse anesthetist typically includes the following steps:

1. Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN licensing exam and become a registered nurse (RN).
3. Gain at least one year of full-time, hands-on experience in a critical care setting.
4. Enroll in an accredited CRNA program and earn a doctoral degree, such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP).
5. Pass the National Certification Examination (NCE) administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).

In total, completing this process takes 7-10 years, depending on your educational and professional background. At UB, you can jumpstart your path as a CRNA with our ADN, BSN, or ABSN programs.