Best Online CRNA Programs
Many experienced registered nurses (RNs) choose to pursue careers as certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs). To become a CRNA, RNs with a bachelor’s degree in nursing first gain 1-3 years of experience in an intensive care unit. These nurses then complete a CRNA program.
Most CRNA programs require a bachelor’s degree in nursing, a license to practice, and a minimum GPA. Many programs also require work experience for at least a year in critical care units. CRNAs are considered advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and need state licensure to practice. They generally work with surgical teams in hospital settings and coordinate patient care. CRNAs also administer anesthesia and medications to patients.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nurse anesthetists earn a median annual salary of $115,800. The BLS projects jobs for these professionals to grow 45% between 2019-2029, significantly faster than all other occupations.
Top CRNA Programs
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,073
- Out-of-state$30,036
- In-State$10,079
- Out-of-state$29,026
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled31,240
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
Drexel University
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$52,146
- Out-of-state$52,146
- In-State$35,181
- Out-of-state$35,181
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled24,205
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment38%
- AccreditationYes
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Minneapolis, MN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$13,318
- Out-of-state$31,616
- In-State$17,580
- Out-of-state$27,204
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate57%
- Students Enrolled51,327
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment30%
- AccreditationYes
Columbia University in the City of New York
- New York, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$57,763
- Out-of-state$57,763
- In-State$47,600
- Out-of-state$47,600
- Retention Rate99%
- Acceptance Rate5%
- Students Enrolled31,456
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment6%
- AccreditationYes
Duke University
- Durham, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$55,880
- Out-of-state$55,880
- In-State$55,680
- Out-of-state$55,680
- Retention Rate98%
- Acceptance Rate8%
- Students Enrolled16,686
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment6%
- AccreditationYes
University of Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$51,156
- Out-of-state$51,156
- In-State$36,254
- Out-of-state$36,254
- Retention Rate98%
- Acceptance Rate8%
- Students Enrolled26,675
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment6%
- AccreditationYes
Wayne State University
- Detroit, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$13,024
- Out-of-state$29,894
- In-State$16,285
- Out-of-state$35,274
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate73%
- Students Enrolled26,824
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment34%
- AccreditationYes
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
- Cincinnati, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,476
- Out-of-state$24,810
- In-State$12,790
- Out-of-state$24,532
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled39,263
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment49%
- AccreditationYes
University of Southern California
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$57,256
- Out-of-state$57,256
- In-State$46,272
- Out-of-state$46,272
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate11%
- Students Enrolled48,321
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment17%
- AccreditationYes
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
- Pittsburgh, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$18,628
- Out-of-state$32,656
- In-State$23,530
- Out-of-state$39,898
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate57%
- Students Enrolled32,686
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment4%
- AccreditationYes
Case Western Reserve University
- Cleveland, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$50,450
- Out-of-state$50,450
- In-State$46,524
- Out-of-state$46,524
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate27%
- Students Enrolled11,874
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment8%
- AccreditationYes
Emory University
- Atlanta, GA
- 4 year
- Campus
- In-State$53,070
- Out-of-state$53,070
- In-State$42,800
- Out-of-state$42,800
- Retention Rate95%
- Acceptance Rate16%
- Students Enrolled14,415
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment10%
- AccreditationYes
University at Buffalo
- Buffalo, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,070
- Out-of-state$24,740
- In-State$11,310
- Out-of-state$23,100
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate61%
- Students Enrolled31,923
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment25%
- AccreditationYes
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
- New Brunswick, NJ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$12,230
- Out-of-state$29,012
- In-State$17,736
- Out-of-state$30,144
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate61%
- Students Enrolled50,173
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment24%
- AccreditationYes
University of Kansas
- Lawrence, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,092
- Out-of-state$26,960
- In-State$9,989
- Out-of-state$23,951
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate93%
- Students Enrolled27,552
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment29%
- AccreditationYes
Barry University
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$29,700
- Out-of-state$29,700
- In-State$17,820
- Out-of-state$17,820
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance Rate51%
- Students Enrolled7,401
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment16%
- AccreditationYes
Loma Linda University
- Loma Linda, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$31,680
- Out-of-state$31,680
- In-State$26,880
- Out-of-state$26,880
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled4,462
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment27%
- AccreditationYes
Oakland University
- Rochester Hills, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$14,520
- Out-of-state$24,735
- In-State$18,546
- Out-of-state$24,648
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled19,013
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment26%
- AccreditationYes
University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Birmingham, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,568
- Out-of-state$20,400
- In-State$8,100
- Out-of-state$19,188
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate74%
- Students Enrolled22,080
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
University of Detroit Mercy
- Detroit, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$28,840
- Out-of-state$28,840
- In-State$29,268
- Out-of-state$29,268
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled5,080
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment20%
- AccreditationYes
FAQs on CRNA Programs
How long does it take to become a CRNA?
Most learners need 7-10 years to become a CRNA. This time frame includes the career’s required education track and professional experience.
What does CRNA stand for?
CRNA stands for certified registered nurse anesthetist. CRNAs are generally considered APRNs.
What GPA do you need for CRNA school?
GPA requirements for admission to a CRNA program vary by school. Many programs require at least a 3.0 GPA while others ask for a higher GPA.
Can you go from nurse practitioner (NP) to CRNA?
Yes. NPs who want to work as CRNAs can choose this path by earning a CRNA degree.
What Are the Goals of a CRNA Degree?
Prospective CRNAs need at least a master of science in nursing. However, many aspiring CRNAs choose to pursue a doctorate. Doctoral programs for CRNAs include doctor of nursing practice (DNP) and doctor of nurse anesthesia practice (DNAP). Courses in these programs often include advanced pharmacology, fundamentals of nurse anesthesia practice, and evidence-based practice.
CRNAs work in various medical settings, including operating rooms, emergency rooms, and pain management units. They can also specialize in a particular area, such as pediatrics, obstetrics, and neurosurgical anesthesia.
Why Get a CRNA Degree?
Earning a CRNA degree offers many personal and professional benefits. See below for some of the top benefits to earning this degree.
- 1
Independence
CRNAs typically work with high levels of responsibility and autonomy. In rural settings, patients receive their anesthesia only from CRNAs. Patients in larger cities also receive most of their anesthesia care from CRNAs.
- 2
High Earning Potential
Earning a CRNA degree allows nurses to make more money. According to the BLS, CRNAs earn significantly more than RNs, who earn a median annual salary of $73,300.
- 3
Diverse Range of Specializations
CRNAs can work in any setting where anesthesia is administered, including hospitals, dental offices, and surgical clinics.
- 4
Professional Advancement
The education and experience required to become a CRNA helps RNs advance in their careers. Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals look to CRNAs for information based on their expertise.
- 5
Ability to Help Others
CRNAs know how to administer anesthesia and help patients manage pain. They ensure patients feel as comfortable as possible before, during, and after surgery.
What Are the Requirements for a CRNA Degree?
While specific admission requirements vary by school, most CRNA programs require applicants to hold at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Applicants also typically need RN work experience and a state license to practice nursing. Additionally, applicants need experience working in intensive care units.
CRNA programs usually require prospective students to submit transcripts from previous college programs. Many CRNA programs also ask applicants to submit recommendation letters.
CRNA students must often complete a project or dissertation to graduate. Enrollees also typically complete a clinical practicum, which gives them hands-on experience prior to entering the field.
Professional Organizations for CRNA Students
By joining professional organizations, CRNA students can learn more about the field and connect with others in their profession. Membership often includes access to educational resources, networking opportunities, and discounts to conferences. See below for some professional organizations available to CRNAs and CRNA students.
Scholarships for CRNA Students
Scholarships help students pay for tuition, fees, and other expenses associated with their education. Many CRNA students apply for scholarships to help fund their degree. Students often apply for multiple scholarships based on their academic interests, work experience, and financial need. The following list includes scholarships available to CRNA students.
Good Samaritan Foundation Scholarships
Who Can Apply: The Good Samaritan Foundation sponsors these awards to help alleviate the nation’s nursing shortage. Applicants must be currently working or planning to work in the healthcare field. The Foundation accepts applications three times each year.
Amount: Varies
Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Undergraduate and graduate student members of the Society of Health and Physical Educators may apply. Candidates must major in the field of dance, recreation, physical recreation, or health, including nursing and other medical sciences. Applicants need a minimum 3.5 GPA and must provide three recommendation letters, transcripts from previous schools, and a letter from their school’s dean indicating full-time status.
Amount: $1,250-$1,750
AISES A.T. Anderson Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a STEM degree, including nursing and other medical sciences, may apply. Applicants need a 3.0 GPA or higher and must submit recommendation letters and three essays. The scholarship application includes possible essay prompts.
Amount: $1,000-$2,000
