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Claire
Student
Sartell, Minnesota
1
Question
Updated
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How do I return to college to become a nurse anesthetist?
How do I return to college to become a nurse anesthetist? I am looking to get my BSN and would like to go on to be a CRNA but the thought if getting work experience and then returning to university sounds daunting.
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1 answer
Charlotte Geiger
Public Health Science Student at the University of Maryland
151
Answers
Sykesville, Maryland
Updated
Charlotte’s Answer
Hi Claire,
It’s very possible — and you’re not alone in feeling daunted. Here's the simple path to becoming a CRNA:
First, you would need to earn your BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), either through a traditional program or an accelerated BSN if you already have a degree. Then, after becoming an RN, you must gain at least 1–2 years of full-time critical care experience (ICU, ER, or similar — ICU is the strongest). After that, you apply to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program for nurse anesthesia, which usually takes about 3 years to complete.
It feels overwhelming because the path is long, but many people take it step by step: First focus only on getting your BSN. Once you’re an RN and working in critical care, you’ll naturally build the experience, confidence, and financial base to move forward toward CRNA school. It’s totally normal to work for a few years before returning, and honestly, it often makes you a stronger applicant and a better anesthesia provider later.
If you break it into phases — BSN → ICU RN → CRNA school — it feels much more doable. You don’t have to tackle it all at once. You just have to keep moving forward one step at a time.
It’s very possible — and you’re not alone in feeling daunted. Here's the simple path to becoming a CRNA:
First, you would need to earn your BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), either through a traditional program or an accelerated BSN if you already have a degree. Then, after becoming an RN, you must gain at least 1–2 years of full-time critical care experience (ICU, ER, or similar — ICU is the strongest). After that, you apply to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program for nurse anesthesia, which usually takes about 3 years to complete.
It feels overwhelming because the path is long, but many people take it step by step: First focus only on getting your BSN. Once you’re an RN and working in critical care, you’ll naturally build the experience, confidence, and financial base to move forward toward CRNA school. It’s totally normal to work for a few years before returning, and honestly, it often makes you a stronger applicant and a better anesthesia provider later.
If you break it into phases — BSN → ICU RN → CRNA school — it feels much more doable. You don’t have to tackle it all at once. You just have to keep moving forward one step at a time.