2 answers
Zh'Ryia
Student
Hopewell, Virginia
6
Questions
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How much education is needed to become a CRNA?
I'm a freshman in high school and I want to become a CRN
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2 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Zh’Ryia,
To become a CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist), you’re not just signing up for school, you’re signing up for serious excellence. But if you’re asking this as a high school freshman? You’re already ahead.
1. Finish High School and keep those grades strong, especially in science classes, bio, chem, and anatomy. CRNAs are like the Jedi of nursing, so start sharpening your lightsaber.
2. Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN). That’s 4 years in a nursing school or university. You'll become a registered nurse (RN) by the end of this. This is your core foundation.
3. Get ICU Experience. After becoming a nurse, you must work at least 1 year (most people do 2–3)** in a critical care setting like the ICU. They want you to have real, high-pressure experience with critically ill patients. It’s intense—but it's also where you grow your wings.
4. Apply and Get into a CRNA Program. As of 2025, CRNA programs are Doctorate-level (DNP or DNAP) and take about 3 years full-time. These programs are competitive. You’ll need good grades, strong references, and a sharp mind for both nursing and science.
5. Graduate, Pass Boards. Once you finish your program, pass your certification exam and you’re officially a CRNA. High pay. High respect. High responsibility.
Now, remember Zh'Ryia, you will study like you’ve never studied before. You will be humbled. You will cry sometimes. But if you stay grounded in why you want it, you’ll fly. And here’s a big secret most adults won’t tell you: you don’t need to have it all figured out right now.
Start with the next step. Love people. Stay curious. And when things get hard, remind yourself you’re building a life, not just chasing a job title.
You’re not just aiming for “career goals”—you’re creating a life that feels powerful, useful, and yours. Keep going, you’ve got what it takes.
To become a CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist), you’re not just signing up for school, you’re signing up for serious excellence. But if you’re asking this as a high school freshman? You’re already ahead.
1. Finish High School and keep those grades strong, especially in science classes, bio, chem, and anatomy. CRNAs are like the Jedi of nursing, so start sharpening your lightsaber.
2. Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN). That’s 4 years in a nursing school or university. You'll become a registered nurse (RN) by the end of this. This is your core foundation.
3. Get ICU Experience. After becoming a nurse, you must work at least 1 year (most people do 2–3)** in a critical care setting like the ICU. They want you to have real, high-pressure experience with critically ill patients. It’s intense—but it's also where you grow your wings.
4. Apply and Get into a CRNA Program. As of 2025, CRNA programs are Doctorate-level (DNP or DNAP) and take about 3 years full-time. These programs are competitive. You’ll need good grades, strong references, and a sharp mind for both nursing and science.
5. Graduate, Pass Boards. Once you finish your program, pass your certification exam and you’re officially a CRNA. High pay. High respect. High responsibility.
Now, remember Zh'Ryia, you will study like you’ve never studied before. You will be humbled. You will cry sometimes. But if you stay grounded in why you want it, you’ll fly. And here’s a big secret most adults won’t tell you: you don’t need to have it all figured out right now.
Start with the next step. Love people. Stay curious. And when things get hard, remind yourself you’re building a life, not just chasing a job title.
You’re not just aiming for “career goals”—you’re creating a life that feels powerful, useful, and yours. Keep going, you’ve got what it takes.
Christine R.
Registered Nurse
47
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Christine’s Answer
That's great you are considering this speciality area CRNA's are in demand. You'll need to start off with a BSN and then apply to a graduate nursing program that offers the coursework to become a CRNA as not all nursing graduate programs offer this track. Before you apply to graduate school I would get some real world experience even though I'm not a CRNA you very likely need to have some real world skills under your belt. I would say if you're able to work in perhaps ICU, Emergency Dept., Operating Room, or PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit) those areas you will likely get a good window into places where you might see CRNA's working. From what I have seen the CRNA programs are very competitive so you'll need to make sure your grades meet the admissions requirements for the graduate program, and again this is where having real world experience will help you a lot too. Wishing you the best as you pursue your studies through high school.