CRNA SCHOOL FAQ

CRNA school is challenging just like any other graduate level program. It is heavy in the sciences (organic chemistry, physics, electricity, anatomy, pathophysiology, pharmacology) and mathematics as those are the foundation of anesthesia.  While it is difficult to juggle studying, clinical and having a life outside of school, it is doable. However, you should be prepared to be spending a significant amount of time outside of the classroom studying.

I personally have studied anywhere from 10 to 40 hours a week. You have to find the proper balance for you and your schedule. Depending on the topic and number of classes I’m taking, I found myself studying more or less. There's no set number to the amount of hours. It varies from person to person and the coursework you're currently doing. Many schools have guidelines as to how many hours outside of class you should be studying depending on the credit hours of the course.

CRNA school is a huge commitment. It is important to understand your school’s policies concerning work and make sure it does not prevent you from studying or disrupting your class and clinical schedule. For most schools, grades below a B are considered failing and can result in dismissal from the program.

The number of hours and clinical cases will vary per student. You can contact the program directly if you are interested in the average caseload for previous cohorts. The COA (Council of Accreditation) requires a minimum of 600 cases and 2000 hours for graduation and to be eligible to sit for boards. Many graduates have well over 700 cases and 2500 clinical hours at the time of graduation. There are also minimum requirements for each type of case, patient population and skillset.

Didactic is classroom work.  This is different from clinical which is a residency where you are able to practice and essentially do the job of a CRNA along with a preceptor (CRNA or Anesthesiologist) that serves as your supervision and clinical guide.  Many schools allow junior and senior students to practice without direct (in the room the entire time) supervision from a preceptor. 

A front-loaded program is a curriculum structure where you take all (or a majority) of your didactic coursework up-front, in the beginning of your program.  So generally speaking, your entire first year will be spent in the classroom and or simulation lab. Some schools may integrate shadow days in the OR during this time.  After didactic is completed, you then begin clinical gradually or immediately full time. Depending on the school, there may be an overlap of didactic and clinical. 

An integrated program combines both didactic and clinical at the same time.  When you start class, you'll also be going to clinical. This can be anywhere between 1 to 4 clinical days/week in addition to class. 

It depends. I chose a front-loaded program because I wanted to work for the first year and preferred to learn all the basics and foundation before starting clinical.  Some integrated programs are well developed so that you'll be learning what you see in clinical, but that's not always the case. You may or may not be able to work during an integrated program depending on how many clinical hours you are scheduled for.  If you prefer to learn and practice what you’ve learned at the same time, an integrated program may be better for you. 

Depending on your program, you may have to travel (even to another state) for clinical.  The housing costs may or may not be included in your tuition. 

MSN = Master of Science in Nursing.  By 2025, all CRNAs will need a doctorate degree to enter the field of nurse anesthesia.   If accepted after January 1st, 2022, you must graduate with a Doctoral degree.  

The DNAP was developed because some nurse anesthesia programs were not located in a school of nursing.  However, many programs within a school of nursing offer the DNAP now. It was once thought that obtaining a DNAP and desiring to teach may affect tenure. Most doctorate programs require a research project, typically called a capstone that is required to graduate the program.  This can involve original research, development of a protocol or literature review. Some master's programs also may require a small research project or final paper.

Most doctorate programs require a research project, typically called a capstone that is required to graduate the program.  This can involve original research, development of a protocol or literature review. Some master's programs also may require a small research project or final paper.

There are many factors that go into choosing the right CRNA school.   Watch the following video about how to choose the best CRNA school. The CRNA School Comparison Checklist can be downloaded here, but will be updated soon!

The main things you should consider are the CRNA school’s location, cost and type of program.

Working as a Graduate Nurse Anesthetist is allowed in some facilities.  I would not recommend it. If you must, try to at least not work full time.  You’ll need to dedicate time to study for your examination.