3 answers
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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3 answers
Martin Schoen
APRN
387
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Martin’s Answer
The hardest part is getting into the right program. You can earn your BSN and then move on to the CRNA program, but you might lack experiences that boost your application. Without clinical experience, even as an RN, this can be tough.
Charlotte Geiger
Public Health Science Student at the University of Maryland
150
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.
Christine R.
Registered Nurse
47
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Christine’s Answer
I would start with completing your BSN, and then look at various CRNA programs to get a better understanding of what the requirements are for admission. As I understand it those programs are pretty competitive. Most likely you will need to have some relevant work experience to bolster your application for consideration, so working in an ICU, ED, OR etc. would be areas that would more likely align and also ensuring you have your ACLS, and/or PALS since CRNA's are working with patients of different ages who are requiring sedation. Also make sure too as you look at graduate programs for nursing that you let your professors and academic advisors know of your long term goals as they might have other insights to share and also getting a recommendation for a graduate program especially to be CRNA is essential as well.