About CRNAs

10 Things You Should Know About CRNAs/Nurse Anesthesiologists

For more than 150 years, nurse anesthetists/nurse anesthesiologists have enjoyed rewarding careers providing anesthesia care to patients nationwide. These advanced-practice registered nurses have a well-deserved reputation for providing safe, effective, efficient, and compassionate care.

CRNAs/Nurse anesthesiologists safely administer more than 50 million anesthetics to patients each year in the United States. As advanced practice registered nurses, CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists are among the nation’s most trusted professions according to Gallup. Nurses have topped Gallup’s Honesty and Ethics list for 20 consecutive years and are ranked in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Health Care Jobs” report.

Did You Know?

1. The CRNA credential originated in 1956, nearly 100 years into the profession’s history
2. CRNAs practice in every setting anesthesia is delivered, including operating rooms and obstetrical delivery rooms; the offices of dentists, podiatrists, ophthalmologists, plastic surgeons; and pain management specialists; and in the U.S. military
3. CRNAs are the only anesthesia professionals with critical care experience before beginning formal anesthesia education
4. CRNAs represent more than 80% of the anesthesia providers in rural U.S. counties
5. Today, CRNAs have full practice authority in every branch of the military and are the primary providers of anesthesia care to U.S. military personnel on the front lines, navy ships, and aircraft evacuation teams around the globe
6. Currently, CRNAs may practice in 22 U.S. states and Guam without physician supervision
7. CRNA preparation requires 7­–8.5 years of education and experience
8. All residents entering an accredited CRNA program must be enrolled in a doctoral program
9. Graduates of nurse anesthesia programs have an average of 9,369 hours of clinical experience, including 733 hours during their baccalaureate nursing program, 6,032 hours as a critical care registered nurse, and 2,604 hours during their nurse anesthesia program
10. CRNAs must recertify every 8 years in the Continued Professional Certification Program, which requires continuing education throughout two four-year cycles