RN to CRNA: Your Complete Guide to Becoming a CRNA

How to Go from RN to CRNA: Your Step-by-Step Guide to an Elite Nursing Career

Becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is one of the most rewarding and respected paths in nursing—but it’s also one of the most competitive and rigorous. If you’re currently a Registered Nurse (RN) or thinking about entering the nursing field, and you’re drawn to autonomy, high-stakes patient care, and excellent pay, this guide is your roadmap to leveling up your career.

Let’s break down the journey from RN to CRNA in clear, actionable steps.

Step 1: Earn Your BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)

If you don’t already have a BSN, this is your first big milestone. Many RNs start with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), then bridge to a BSN through an RN-to-BSN program, which usually takes 12 to 18 months.

Admission requires a baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) or another appropriate major. Most enter with BSN but some programs awarding a DNP and not housed in nursing department may accept another degree at application.

Pro Tip: CRNA programs are highly competitive—aim for a GPA of 3.5 or higher to stand out.

Step 2: Get Licensed as an RN

You’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a licensed registered nurse. Once you’re licensed, gain some experience and think strategically about where you want to practice, since that can influence where you apply for CRNA school later.

Step 3: Build ICU Experience (This One’s Big!)

CRNA programs require at least one year of full-time critical care experience, and most successful applicants have two to three. Think high-acuity settings like:

• ICU (Intensive Care Unit)
   
• CVICU (Cardiovascular ICU)
   
• MICU/SICU (Medical or Surgical ICUs)

Bonus Points: Consider earning your CCRN certification. It’s not mandatory, but it shows a strong commitment to advanced practice and can help your application rise to the top.

Step 4: Apply to a Doctoral Nurse Anesthesia Program

All CRNA programs are now at the doctoral level (DNP or DNAP), so no more master’s programs after 2025. Application requirements typically include:

• A BSN (or equivalent)
   
• Active RN license
   
• Minimum one year ICU experience
   
• GRE scores (some schools waive it)
   
• Letters of recommendation
   
• A compelling personal statement
   
• An interview

Be sure to research program prerequisites early—they vary more than you’d expect.

Step 5: Complete Your CRNA Program (Approx. 3 Years)

This is where the magic happens. You’ll dive deep into advanced coursework in physiology, pharmacology, and pathophysiology, while spending most of your time in hands-on clinical training. Expect to rotate through different surgical settings and work under supervision as you learn how to safely and effectively deliver anesthesia.

Step 6: Pass the National Certification Exam (NCE)

Once you graduate, you’ll need to pass the National Certification Exam, administered by the NBCRNA. It’s a rigorous test—but passing it officially earns you the title of CRNA.

Step 7: Maintain Your Certification

CRNAs need to keep their skills sharp. You’ll complete Continued Professional Certification (CPC) requirements every four years and pass a recertification exam every eight years to maintain your license.

NBCRNA continues to change requirements. In 2026, CPC or Continuous Professional Certification will change to MAC or Maintenance of Anesthesia Certification. No modules or 8-year exam required.  Continue to look up your CRNA state and Federal requirements. 

How Long Does It Take to Become a CRNA?

Here’s a rough timeline, depending on where you start:

Is Becoming a CRNA Worth It?

Absolutely. CRNAs enjoy a rare combination of professional respect, high autonomy, and excellent earning potential—often exceeding $200K per year depending on location. You’ll be at the heart of surgical teams, pain management, trauma care, and more.

For those who thrive under pressure, love science, and want to make a massive impact on patient care, this path is not just a career—it’s a calling.