Nursing offers excellent career opportunities in healthcare. Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), for instance, are in constant demand. They expertly manage patient anesthesia and medication during surgeries and other critical procedures. And if you’re drawn to a challenging yet fulfilling career that directly saves lives, becoming a CRNA might be your calling.
Here’s a roadmap to help you get started. Read on!
Get a Nursing Degree
The first step is entering nursing school. CRNAs must complete a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree or a two-year Associate in Nursing degree. Either option will lead you to licensure as a registered nurse. Just ensure you enroll in an accredited program.
You can also pursue an international internship while still studying for your bachelor’s degree. A nurse anesthetist internship from a recognized organization, for instance, provides opportunities for hands-on experience abroad. You’ll interact with and learn from expert mentors and CRNAs while helping people in underserved communities.
Obtain Your License as a Registered Nurse
You need an RN license to be a nurse practitioner. That said, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing facilitates the exam. It features multiple-choice questions that test your nursing knowledge and critical thinking skills. Note that you have to request an application and authorization from your state’s Board of Nursing to take this exam.
Finding NCLEX prep resources and creating an NCLEX study plan benefits you, too. This helps you master the material while also building your confidence and test-taking skills.
Build Critical Care Experience
To qualify for a CRNA program, you need at least a year of clinical experience in a critical care setting, though most schools prefer two to three years of full-time critical care experience.
Working in environments like intensive care units, cardiac care units, and emergency departments exposes you to high-stakes situations. It teaches you critical skills like advanced medication management and airway support. This hands-on experience then prepares you for the advanced responsibilities you’ll have as a CRNA.
Another way to strengthen your application is to earn a Critical Care Registered Nurse Certification (CCRN). It’s not required, but it could boost your resume once you apply to CRNA school.
Enroll in a DNP or DNAP Program
For all aspiring CRNAs, graduating from an accredited doctoral-level nurse anesthesia program is now a requirement. This means obtaining either a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP). These programs establish the minimum educational standard for initial CRNA certification and professional practice.
Nurses can typically complete these doctoral programs in three years. They’ll have additional clinical training, hands-on practice, and advanced coursework.
Most CRNA programs require applicants to have a BSN. So, if you took an undergraduate degree unrelated to nursing, apply for an entry-level master’s program in nursing to transition into the field.
Pass the National Certification Examination
Finally, you must pass the National Certification Examination (NCE), regulated by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). State licensure requirements vary by state, but they usually include an RN license, proof of national certification, and a background check.
The NCE has 100 to 170 questions. It typically takes around three hours to finish. Topics include anesthesia principles, equipment and technology, and science. Passing this exam is what officially qualifies you to practice as a CRNA.
Ongoing Certification and Education
Once you have your credentials, ensure you maintain them. CRNAs renew their licenses every four years through the Continued Professional Certification (CPC) program. You must complete 100 hours of continuing education over each four-year cycle, including 60 Class A credits, 40 Class B credits, and completion of 4 Core Modules per cycle.
Aside from recertification, CRNAs must also take a CPC Assessment (CPCA) every eight years to identify areas for improvement.
Explore Your Career Options
CRNAs have excellent job prospects across different healthcare settings. Hospitals, physician offices, surgery centers, and pain clinics, for instance, all have high demand for qualified nurse anesthetists.
Career options also include private practice, government facilities, and military healthcare. Many CRNAs also work as independent contractors, offering flexibility while serving multiple healthcare providers.
Being a CRNA is just as challenging as any role in healthcare. That said, make time for yourself to avoid severe burnout.
Final Thoughts
The path to becoming a CRNA can be easier once you know the steps involved. First is getting a degree and a license in nursing. Once you’ve gained enough experience, you can get your master’s and doctoral degrees. You can then take the certification exam afterward.
This journey takes time and patience. Challenges will come up, but stay committed. With hard work and persistence, you’ll reach your goal.
