10 CRNA Schools That Don't Require GRE in 2025

If you're a nurse looking to advance your career, you may be thinking about becoming a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). You'd like to know more about some of the doctoral programs available to you; specifically, you're curious if there are any CRNA programs that do not require GRE scores.

Keep reading as we explore some top CRNA schools that don't require or consider GRE scores as a condition of admission. We'll also explore related questions you may be asking.

Do CRNA Schools Require the GRE?

Different nurse anesthesia programs have different requirements. Many of these programs require applicants to submit their GRE scores, but many do not.

It's important to check the specific admission guidelines at any school you're considering to find out whether the GRE is required or not. If you're trying to get into a specific school that requires the standardized test, you'll need to take it; otherwise, the GRE is likely to be an optional step as you prepare for your program.

What Are the Admission Requirements for CRNA Programs?

Every school of nursing is different, and not all of them have the exact same admission requirements. That said, many nurse anesthesiology programs require some of the same standards and application materials. Common requirements include:

• application and fee
• official transcripts demonstrating you meet minimum GPA requirements (often 3.0-3.5)
• current RN licensure and critical care registered nursing (CCRN) certification
• resume and relevant work experience
• letters of recommendation
• personal statement
• English proficiency (where applicable)

Is It Hard Getting Into CRNA School?

Most CRNA programs lead to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees, and they cover highly specialized and advanced topics. Due to the challenging nature of the degree programs, it can also be quite difficult to gain admission to them.

Most schools feature a long list of admission requirements and require specific levels of previous training and experience. You can help yourself stand out from the crowd by keeping your grades up and showing your nursing skills through your work experience and professional connections.

Top CRNA Programs That Don't Require GRE Scores

Many DNP programs don't require any form of standardized testing. Let's take a look at some of the nation's top graduate schools with no GRE requirements.

1. Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University is a private research school located in Baltimore, MD. It offers a top Doctor of Nursing Practice with a nurse anesthesia specialization that can be completed on campus within three years.

This full-time, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to DNP program is designed for RNs with at least two years of critical care or ICU experience. The GRE is accepted but not required; applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a log demonstrating job shadowing experience with an experienced CRNA.

• Estimated tuition cost: $64,730 per year
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

2. University of Arizona

The University of Arizona is a public school in Tucson, AZ. It offers a nurse anesthesia DNP with both full-time and part-time options, as well as options to complete some of the coursework online, though clinical experiences must be completed in person.

Students applying to the program must have at least a 3.0 GPA and at least a bachelor's degree in nursing. They must also submit three professional references, a resume or CV, official transcripts, and have a current, unencumbered RN license. GRE scores are not required.

• Estimated tuition cost: $14,738 per year
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. Rush University

Rush University is a private school in Chicago, IL, and is affiliated with Rush University Medical Center. It offers a DNP program for aspiring CRNAs with at least a BSN degree.

The school does not require GRE scores or specific undergraduate prerequisites. That said, in addition to other standard admission requirements, students are encouraged to hold CCRN certification and have at least one to two years of experience in intensive care.

• Estimated tuition cost: $38,755 per year
• Accreditation: HLC

4. Oregon Health and Science University

Oregon Health and Science University is a public medical school located in Portland, OR. Its high-quality DNP program provides 2,000 hours of clinical rotations, top-notch faculty, and state-of-the-art simulation labs.

Students applying to the program must hold a bachelor's degree in nursing, an Oregon RN license, at least one year of critical care experience, and a GPA of at least 3.0 across all previous coursework. GRE scores are not considered in admissions decisions.

• Estimated tuition cost: $21,786 per year
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

5. University at Buffalo

The University at Buffalo is a public school located in Buffalo, NY. It offers a post-master's DNP program for aspiring CRNAs that can be completed entirely online. A hybrid BSN to DNP option is also available.

These programs do not require GRE scores, but students must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA and a 3.25 GPA in nursing courses. Students should have at least one year of ICU experience, submit a personal statement and three references, and provide proof of any additional certifications they may have (e.g., CCRN, PALS, or ACLS).

• Estimated tuition cost: $11,310 per year
• Accreditation: MSCHE

6. Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University is a public school in Richmond, VA. It offers a hybrid Doctor of Nursing Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) program with tracks available for both post-bachelor's and post-master's students.

Students must hold either a bachelor's or master's degree, depending on the track they are applying to. They must also have at least a 3.0 GPA; be a registered nurse with acute care work experience and/or professional certifications, and submit professional references and personal statements.

• Estimated tuition cost: $13,766 per year
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

7. Loma Linda University

Loma Linda University is a private school in Loma Linda, CA. Its DNP program offers a nurse anesthesia concentration to students with either a bachelor's or master's degree in nursing (MSN).

Though GRE scores are not required, other requirements must be met during the application process. In addition to standard requirements, students must complete a program essay and questionnaire and maintain BLS, PALS, and ACLS certifications. It is highly recommended that they also hold CCRN certification and have at least eight hours of CRNA job shadowing.

• Estimated tuition cost: $30,000 per year
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

8. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is a multi-campus Catholic college in Minnesota. It offers a highly rated DNP in nurse anesthesia program that is completed on campus within three years.

This program features some of the most relaxed standards of any program of its kind, requiring a cumulative GPA of 2.75, a valid RN license, a nursing-related bachelor's degree, and proof of required immunizations. Students must also submit two references, a personal statement, and a resume detailing work experience. GRE scores are not required.

• Estimated tuition cost: $12,474 per year
• Accreditation: HLC

9. Murray State University

Murray State University is a public school in Murray, KY. Students at this school can pursue a hybrid DNP in nurse anesthesia in which the first two semesters of the program are completed exclusively online.

Students must have a 3.0 GPA and a BSN degree, along with current PALS, BLS, and ACLS certifications; CCRN or NIC certifications are also recommended. They must also have an unencumbered RN license and a year of critical care experience. GRE scores are not necessary for admissions.

• Estimated tuition cost: $9,711 per year
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. University of Kansas

The University of Kansas is headquartered in Lawrence, KS. Its DNP in nurse anesthesia program is available through the University of Kansas Medical Center, located in Kansas City, KS.

Students must be licensed RNs with intensive care experience and the ability to earn licensure in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Iowa for the duration of the program. They must complete prerequisite courses with a 3.0 GPA, hold a bachelor's degree, and meet other standard application requirements. The GRE is not considered for admissions decisions at this school.

• Estimated tuition cost: $10,855
• Accreditation: HLC

FAQs About CRNA Programs That Don't Require the GRE

If you still have questions about pursuing enrollment in a non-GRE CRNA program, keep reading. Below, we'll provide answers to some frequently asked questions.

What Is the Shortest CRNA Program in the U.S.?

The vast majority of CRNA programs take about three years to complete. A few schools offer post-master's options that can be completed in two years or less. One of the shortest available CRNA degrees is found at Virginia Commonwealth University, which offers a post-master's program that students can complete in as little as one year.

What Is the Easiest CRNA School To Get Into?

Schools generally considered to be easy to get into have high acceptance rates and relaxed admissions requirements. Though no CRNA programs can be considered truly easy to get into, one of the easiest options is available at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. It has an overall acceptance rate of 89% and requires only a 2.75 cumulative GPA (along with other standard requirements) to get into the CRNA program.

What Are the Math Requirements for CRNA Programs?

CRNA programs may require students to take additional math courses over and above what they have already completed. Common CRNA math requirements include college algebra and statistics, though some programs may also require clinical math or dosage calculation courses. Chemistry with mathematical applications may also be required, depending on your program.

How Much Does CRNA School Cost?

Tuition costs and fees for CRNA programs can vary widely. Generally speaking, public schools cost less (for in-state students) than private schools, but each school sets its own rates, and these are subject to change at any time. Among the schools featured in this article, estimated tuition costs range from just under $7,000 to nearly $65,000 per year for graduate students.

Explore CRNA Programs

If you're ready to take your healthcare career to the next level, explore the CRNA programs available at the schools here on Learn.org. Contact any of these schools to learn more about the admission process and to find the right program for you.