10 Easiest CRNA Schools To Get Into With Acceptance Rates

To become a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), you'll need to complete an accredited master's degree or doctoral program. Students looking for the best CRNA schools should keep in mind that they are very competitive and have selective admissions.

Our team reviewed dozens of CRNA programs to find options with higher acceptance rates. Keep reading to explore the easiest CRNA schools to get into that offer accredited, high-quality programs.

How Hard Is It To Get Into CRNA School?

CRNA programs are some of the most competitive programs. This is due to a high number of applicants to many programs, as well as stricter admissions requirements, including GPA and entrance exam scores.

Many of the most popular programs across the U.S. have acceptance rates between 5% and 15%, as nursing anesthesia programs usually have small cohort classes but may receive hundreds of program applications. However, there are still various CRNA programs that have more relaxed admissions standards and higher acceptance rates.

What Makes a CRNA School Easier To Get Into?

What makes a CRNA program easier to get into depends on your educational and professional background, as different schools have their own admissions requirements. Below are some of the key criteria that affect CRNA program acceptance.

• Lower median GRE scores: Schools that have lower GRE requirements, or no GRE criteria, are easier to get into than those with higher minimum score requirements.
• Lower GPA requirements: Many CRNA programs require a previous GPA of 3.5 or higher, but some programs accept lower GPAs on some or all previous coursework.
• Higher acceptance rates: Programs with higher acceptance rates have admitted a higher percentage of applicants, improving the chances of student admittance.
• Holistic admissions process: Some programs consider student experience overall, accepting one qualification as a substitute or supplement for another.

10 Easiest CRNA Schools To Get Into

Below, we'll discuss 10 of the easiest nursing programs to get into. Each are fully accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs and prepare students for CRNA licensure.

1. University of Alabama at Birmingham

The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) nurse anesthesia program that is open to registered nurses who have completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Admissions requirements include a valid registered nurse (RN) license, an undergraduate GPA of a 3.0 or higher, and 11 or more months of critical care nursing experience. The program can be completed in three years and includes courses in anesthesia pharmacology and evidence-based practice.

• Estimated tuition cost: $628 (in-state) or $1,550 (out-of-state) per credit
• Acceptance rate: 36%
• GRE required: Yes
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Texas Christian University

Texas Christian University offers a BSN-entry Doctor of Nursing Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) program that can be completed in three years. New students begin in January and can complete the first semester of coursework online.

Admission requirements include a minimum of one year of experience in critical care, an RN license, a BSN or related degree, and certain relevant certifications (such as Basic Life Support, or BLS).

• Estimated tuition cost: $2,210 per credit
• Acceptance rate: 34%
• GRE required: Yes
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. University of Southern California

The University of Southern California (USC) offers a DNAP that offers start dates every May. The 36-month program has a hybrid first semester and utilizes expert and experienced nurse anesthesia faculty members. Students should have a GPA of at least 3.0, a bachelor's degree, an RN license, and two years of clinical care experience.

• Estimated tuition cost: $2,467 per credit
• Acceptance rate: 28%
• GRE required: No
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

4. University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota offers a DNP with a nurse anesthesia specialization that has small class sizes and a diverse mix of clinical experience settings. Students attend on-campus classes one or two days a week, as well as one-week sessions each semester and clinical practicum hours near the campus. The three-year program is open to students with a bachelor's degree in nursing with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,172 per credit
• Acceptance rate: 23%
• GRE required: No
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

5. University of Texas - Houston

The DNP program at the University of Texas, Houston (UTH) is open to registered nurses who hold a BSN and at least one year of critical care nursing experience. Recent graduating classes have had a 100% pass rate on the nurse anesthetist exam, and new students are admitted to the three-year program every summer. DNP students can apply for in-house financial aid, including awards that are specifically available to nursing students.

• Estimated tuition cost: $549 (in-state) or $1,374 (out-of-state) per credit
• Acceptance rate: 22.5%
• GRE required: Yes
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. University of Miami

The University of Miami offers a three-year DNP program that accepts up to 40 students each year. The full-time curriculum includes classes in the evolution of nursing practice, diagnostic reasoning, translational science, and healthcare technologies.

New students must have a valid RN license, a bachelor's degree in nursing or a related science field, a 3.0 GPA, and certain healthcare certificates (including the BLS).

• Estimated tuition cost: $2,644 per credit
• Acceptance rate: 20%
• GRE required: No
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Samford University

Samford University has a nurse anesthesia DNP program that is open to registered nurses who have at least one year of critical care experience. The faith-based school emphasizes service learning and community experiences throughout its three-year doctoral program.

Nursing students need an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher and a bachelor's degree in nursing, and can apply for 85% loan forgiveness through the Nurse Faculty Loan Program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,116 per credit
• Acceptance rate: 18%
• GRE required: Yes
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Rutgers University

Rutgers University offers a nursing anesthesia DNP program at its Newark campus that consists of three years of full-time study. Students complete didactic coursework online and on-campus in year one, then progress to a mix of coursework and clinical experiences for years two and three.

The application deadline is in August of each year and students must have a bachelor's in nursing with a GPA of 3.2 or higher.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,082 (in-state) or $1,584 (out-of-state) per credit
• Acceptance rate: 18%
• GRE required: No
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

9. Wake Forest University

The nurse anesthesia DNP program at Wake Forest University prepares students for certification as CRNAs through three years of in-person and online learning experiences. Admissions requirements include a bachelor's degree in nursing with a 3.0 GPA in relevant coursework, as well as one year of intensive care nursing experience.

Students can complete practicum requirements across dozens of partner facilities and take courses such as pharmacology, ethics, and coexisting conditions.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,434 per credit
• Acceptance rate: 17%
• GRE required: Yes
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Loma Linda University

Loma Linda University has a DNP program with a nurse anesthesia specialization that can be completed in 39 months. Through a combination of online and in-person components, the DNP covers concepts such as nursing research, healthcare leadership, advanced nursing practice, and pathophysiology.

Admission requirements include a bachelor's or master's degree in nursing with a minimum GPA of 3.0, as well as an RN license and one year of experience in critical care.

• Estimated tuition cost: $850 per credit
• Acceptance rate: 15%
• GRE required: No
• Accreditation: WASC

Admissions Requirements for CRNA Programs

Admission requirements vary by school, but students typically need to meet the following criteria:

• hold a bachelor's degree in nursing or a closely related field
• have a GPA of 3.0 or higher on undergraduate work
• meet CRNA math requirements
• meet specific science coursework requirements
• hold a valid RN license
• have one or more years of experience in critical care nursing

In addition, many programs require nurses to hold the BLS certification, the advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certification, and/or the critical care registered nurse (CCRN) certification.

Tips To Boost Your Chances of CRNA Admission

Because CRNA programs are so competitive, there are a few things that you can do to increase your chances of being accepted. For example, improving your GPA and making sure you meet the CRNA educational requirements can improve your odds.

Gain Additional ICU Experience

Every CRNA program that we reviewed required students to have at least one to two years of work experience in intensive care (or critical care). Gaining more experience in these settings improves your eligibility. In addition, some programs have a preference for nurses with a CCRN certification.

Shadow a CRNA

Shadowing a CRNA enables you to gain experience and learn more about the role. Many schools have a preference or requirement for applicants who have shadowed existing CRNAs. The experience also gives you a foundation for what you study in the CRNA program.

Take Graduate-Level Science Courses To Improve Your GPA

Many schools look at your GPA across all undergraduate programs, and some primarily consider your GPA on science and nursing coursework. Taking relevant undergraduate courses gives you an opportunity to raise your GPA and improve your admissibility.

Write a Strong Personal Statement

Schools typically ask for a personal statement, which typically includes a description of your work history and desired career path/goals. Because programs are competitive, writing a personal statement that stands out is a great way to appeal to the admissions team.

Apply Early

Admissions deadlines and application windows vary by school, but the more competitive programs review applications months before their programs begin. Check the application dates for your desired programs and submit your application(s) early.

FAQs About the Easiest CRNA Schools To Get Into

Although CRNA programs vary, there are general characteristics that are common among many of them. The top FAQs about CRNA schools are answered below, providing a more comprehensive picture of what you can expect from your program.

What School Has the Shortest CRNA Program?

Full-time CRNA programs typically take around three years, but that timeframe is based on a bachelor's degree as the starting point. Choosing a program that grants transfer credits for prior graduate coursework or relevant work experience can reduce the time it takes to earn your degree.

What Is the Lowest GPA To Get Into CRNA School?

The most competitive CRNA programs tend to have a GPA requirement of around 3.5, but there are many programs with a 3.0 GPA preference. However, you may find a school with an overall GPA requirement of around 2.8, and some programs only require a 3.0 for the nursing and related science courses.

What Is the Shortest Path To Become a CRNA?

The shortest path to becoming a CRNA is through choosing a school that gives you the most credit for your experience and prior coursework. For example, a NICU nurse has a greater chance of acceptance and faster completion at CRNA schools that accept NICU experience.

Explore CRNA Programs

Discover the top CRNA and other advanced nursing programs on Learn.org and contact schools of interest to find out more.