10 Best CRNA Schools of 2025

A certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) administers anesthesia in preparation for medical procedures, sometimes working under the supervision of anesthesiologists.

Registered nurses (RNs) must currently complete CRNA master's programs to work as certified nurse anesthetists, but moving forward, a doctorate is required to practice, and many programs are available nationwide. Discover the best CRNA programs and information about this top career path in healthcare to find the ideal nursing education for you.

Featured CRNA Programs

This list features CRNA programs at accredited institutions delivered in a hybrid format, which is convenient for busy adult learners.

1. Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University offers a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA). This highly-ranking degree program by US News & World Report trains aspiring CRNAs in leadership and how to provide quality anesthesia services and patient care. Clinical experience and training begin in the fourth semester, focusing on applying science and research to anesthesia practice. It is nine semesters long and requires 93 credit hours.

2. Drexel University

Drexel University in Pennsylvania provides a COA-accredited Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in nurse anesthesia focusing on clinical practice. This Philadelphia-based institution has an acceptance rate of 80% and prepares for the certification exam for nurse anesthetists. For the first three quarters, students engage in coursework only through online programs, learning to deliver competent patient safety and anesthesia care. This full-time degree program requires 135 quarter credits, typically taking 39 months to finish.

3. Texas Wesleyan University

Texas Wesleyan University offers registered nurses the skills to become CRNAs and earn a doctorate through its DNAP program, which takes three years to complete. This COA-accredited graduate program includes hands-on simulation labs and covers topics like pharmacology and biomedical statistics. Their exam pass rate is 83% for the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) National Certification Exam (NCE).

4. University of Buffalo

The University of Buffalo in New York provides a nurse anesthetist program that teaches skills for providing competent patient care as a CRNA. Instruction for this full-time program is in a hybrid format and taught by nurse specialists and experienced CRNAs. It is accredited by the COA and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). According to US News & World Report, it is a top-ranking degree and takes three years to complete.

5. Baylor College of Medicine

The Baylor College of Medicine in Texas prepares RNs with bachelor's degrees to become CRNAs through its Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice track (BSN-DNP). It is in Houston and includes 18 months of didactic experience covering healthcare policies and clinical training for taking the NCE administered by the NBCRNA. Master's programs leading to a DNP are available for individuals with a Master of Science degree in advanced practice nursing.

6. Loma Linda University

Loma Linda University in California teaches evidence-based practices in anesthetics through its CRNA degree that prepares for the certification exam. Available through its School of Nursing, it is COA-accredited as a distance education program and delivered in a hybrid format. It is taught from a Christian perspective with courses in advanced pathophysiology and clinical anatomy and takes three years to finish.

7. Rush University

Rush University in Illinois offers a DNP through its College of Nursing, which ranks fourth nationwide by US News & World Report. Courses cover research for evidence-based practice and advanced pharmacology and must be completed within five years. The tuition is $1,344 per credit plus applicable fees for both in-state and out-of-state students, with financial aid available to those who qualify.

8. Augusta University

Augusta University in Georgia teaches students to administer high-quality healthcare to pediatric and adult patients through its accredited CRNA program. It boasts a 69% first-attempt pass rate on the certification exam, and all students are employed within six months of graduation. This hybrid degree requires 112 total credits to graduate and takes an average of three years for full-time students to finish.

9. Texas Christian University

Texas Christian University provides a three-year BSN-DNAP program that elevates the careers of healthcare professionals who aspire to become CRNAs. The curriculum provides expert instruction in advanced patient care, with its first phase consisting of online coursework. Students gain skills in the principles of anesthesia practice and can choose from clinical sites in various states, such as Texas and Oklahoma.

10. Rosalind Franklin University

Rosalind Franklin University in Illinois has a hybrid CRNA degree program developed for RNs with a BSN or MSN. It covers subjects like advanced pharmacology and pathophysiology, providing students with essential skills for collaborating effectively with healthcare professionals. This DNP degree program is COA-accredited and is offered through its College of Nursing, taking three years to graduate.

FAQs About Becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

A certified registered nurse anesthetist, like a nurse practitioner, shows high job growth per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Learn more about becoming a CRNA with these common questions.

Which Degree Is Best for CRNA?

The best degree for becoming a CRNA begins with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing to acquire the basic skills and nursing methodology. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is an option that accelerates the path toward becoming a CRNA, where you need a doctorate to practice in the field.

What Is the Top CRNA School in the US?

The top CRNA schools in the US deliver some of the most valuable nursing education in health sciences.

In addition to the above list, other providers of the best CRNA programs include:

• Duke University in Durham, North Carolina
• Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota
• University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania

These schools provide on-campus CRNA degrees but not hybrid or online programs.

Should I Get MSN Before CRNA?

Getting your MSN before enrollment in a CRNA program is an excellent choice for those looking to become certified registered nurse anesthetists. A master's degree in nursing accelerates the time it takes to complete a DNP degree program, such as an MSN-DNP program.

Should My CRNA Program Be Accredited?

Yes. Your CRNA program must be accredited by the field's main accrediting body, the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. Graduating from a COA-accredited program is required to take the CRNA certification exam.

How Long Does It Take to Complete a CRNA Master's Program?

How long it takes to complete CRNA master's programs depends on various factors and varies per school. For instance, the Master of Science in Nursing degree in nurse anesthesia at Drexel, which has transitioned into a DNP in Nurse Anesthesia, takes three years for full-time students to finish.

What Are the Admission Requirements for Top CRNA Master's Programs?

The admission requirements for top CRNA graduate programs include at least a bachelor's degree or a master's degree in nursing from an accredited degree program and an unrestricted RN license.

Other requirements include:

• A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
• Official transcripts
• CPR, ACLS, and PALS certification
• Critical care experience

GRE scores are only sometimes needed for enrollment; students must check with their programs for specific details.

Can I Complete My Nurse Anesthetist Program While Working Full-Time?

Juggling the responsibilities of completing your nurse anesthetist program while working full-time is generally discouraged, given its rigorous requirements. CRNA programs are typically for full-time students, not part-time, and are accessible in a hybrid or fully on-campus format. Many focus on coursework for the first few quarters before moving to clinical site work and practicum experience.

Discover the Best CRNA Degree Programs

Contact your college of choice for further details regarding the current requirements to find the best CRNA master's programs to fit your academic needs for becoming a certified registered nurse anesthetist.