Free, updated for 2026
Your path to becoming a CRNA, in one place
Every accredited program, real pay data for every state, and plain-English guides from ICU nurse to nurse anesthetist. Started by a practicing CRNA.
Popular: Requirements · Salary by state · No GRE · How long
The 2026 numbers
Sources: COA, BLS May 2025, NBCRNA, AANA.
The path at a glance
- 1BSN4 yearsBachelor's in nursing (or another bachelor's plus RN at some programs)
- 2RN licenseNCLEXPass the NCLEX-RN
- 3ICU1 to 3+ yearsCritical care nursing; most admits have 2+ years
- 4Apply6 to 18 monthsCCRN, shadowing, applications, interviews
- 5CRNA school36 monthsDoctorate (DNP or DNAP), 2,000+ clinical hours
- 6NCEBoard examNBCRNA certification exam
- 7CRNA7 to 10+ years totalState APRN license and your first job
Where are you on the path?
Start with the step you're on
Thinking about it
How to become a CRNA
Every step, from BSN to first job, with realistic timelines.
Building your application
CRNA school requirements
ICU experience, GPA, CCRN, GRE and what programs really look for.
Choosing a school
Find a CRNA program
Search all 154 programs by state, degree, GRE and tuition.
Interviewing
CRNA interview questions
Clinical, pharmacology and behavioral questions, and how to prepare.
In school
Life as an SRNA
What the didactic and clinical years are really like.
Running a practice
For CRNA practice owners
Starting a group, 1099 work, billing and revenue.
New: our own data
Rankings, tools and quizzes
Ranking
Best CRNA Schools 2027
Every program scored on outcomes, clinicals, cost and reputation.
Tool
Which schools do I qualify for?
Match your GPA and ICU years to every program.
Calculator
CRNA take-home pay by state
What you keep after taxes, in every state.
Quiz
What kind of CRNA are you?
Trauma Titan or Road Warrior? Find out.
Quiz
Are you ready to apply?
Score your application out of 100.
Tool
Compare CRNA schools
Any three programs, side by side.
New in 2026
What's changed this year
- New programs. COA accredited new programs including University of Mississippi Medical Center, University of Nevada Las Vegas, George Fox University, Duquesne University, Vanderbilt University, University of the Incarnate Word.
- Closures. Lourdes University and Allegheny School of Anesthesia closed in summer 2026, and the Tornetta School at La Salle closes December 31.
- Ohio, Vermont and DC opted out of Medicare's physician supervision rule for CRNAs. See the list.
- NBCRNA's MAC program has replaced CPC for recertification. What it means.
- Pay is up. The BLS mean for nurse anesthetists reached $248,320 in May 2025. Salary guide.
Explore by state
Programs, pay and licensing
For employers
Hiring CRNAs?
Post your job free. Listings go live within about a week and stay up for 90 days.
Post a job freeAbout us
Started by a CRNA
Nelson started Everything CRNA in 2020 to put the answers he wished he'd had in one place. In 2026 we rebuilt it with current data from the COA, BLS and state boards.
Our storyFree monthly update
New programs, deadlines and pay data, once a month
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