How do you become a nurse anesthetist?
A certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) is an advanced practice nurse who gives anesthesia. You need a bachelor’s degree in nursing, an RN license, critical care experience and a doctoral-level nurse anesthesia program, then national certification. The median CRNA earned $236,590 in May 2025.
The steps
1. Earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing and an RN license.
2. Work as a nurse in a critical care setting such as an intensive care unit. Accreditor rules require at least one year, and many programs prefer more.
3. Complete an accredited nurse anesthesia program. Programs now award doctoral degrees and take about three years.
4. Pass the national certification exam from the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists, then get your state license.
Pay and demand
CRNAs are the highest-paid nursing role in the federal data. The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 51,840 in May 2025 at a median of $236,590, which is about 2.4 times the median registered nurse. The path is long and competitive, so compare the years and cost with the pay.
Pay and projections: Bureau of Labor Statistics. NCLEX figures: NCSBN. Enrollment: AACN. Sources and years are ondata sources.