Yes, if you are an RN with a bachelor's degree in another field. In Everything CRNA's School Finder data (October 2026), 40 of 154 accredited programs do not require the bachelor's to be a BSN.
You still need a bachelor's degree of some kind. An associate degree in nursing (ADN) on its own does not meet accreditation rules at any program.
Why some programs accept a non-nursing bachelor's
Every program follows the admission standard set by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA). It requires "a baccalaureate or graduate degree in nursing or an appropriate major."
The phrase "appropriate major" lets each program decide which other degrees it accepts. Most still ask for a BSN. In our data, 113 programs require a BSN, 40 do not require it specifically, and 1 is unclear.
See the full list of CRNA schools that don't require a BSN.
Who this path fits
The typical applicant on this path:
- earned a bachelor's degree in another field, often a science such as biology or chemistry
- then completed an ADN and passed the NCLEX-RN
- now works as an RN in an intensive care unit
The COA's other two minimums still apply. You need an unencumbered RN license and at least one year of full-time critical care experience as an RN, or the part-time equivalent.
How programs word it
Program wording varies, so read the admission page closely:
- Mayo Clinic accepts a bachelor's degree "in nursing or an appropriate biological science."
- University of South Carolina accepts an ADN plus a Bachelor of Science in a basic science. You must also have completed anatomy, physiology, microbiology and chemistry.
- TCU asks for a "BSN or appropriate bachelor's degree" from an institutionally accredited US college.
Notice the pattern. Programs that accept other degrees usually want a science degree, or science prerequisites that a BSN would normally cover.
What you may need to add
A BSN includes courses that a non-nursing degree may not. Before you apply, check whether you need:
- Science prerequisites. Anatomy, physiology, microbiology and chemistry are common. See CRNA school prerequisites.
- Statistics. It is the most common prerequisite across all programs.
- A research course. In our data, 16 programs require research or nursing research.
- An accredited nursing program. Some programs check that your nursing degree came from an accredited program. The Army program, for example, accepts only BSN or MSN degrees from CCNE, ACEN or NLN CNEA accredited programs.
How GPA is calculated with two degrees
Ask each program which transcripts count toward its GPA. Some use every college course you have taken, and others look at your last 60 credits.
Strong grades in your ADN and recent science courses can help offset an older bachelor's. If your GPA is close to a cutoff, read CRNA schools for a low GPA.
Should you finish a BSN anyway?
It depends on your target schools. If your top choices all require a BSN, an RN-to-BSN program is the direct fix.
If several programs on your list accept your current degree, you may not need it. Compare programs in the CRNA school finder, or enter your details in CRNA schools I qualify for.
A BSN also keeps more doors open. With it, you can apply to all 154 programs instead of 40.
Steps to take
- Confirm your bachelor's is from an accredited US college, or get it evaluated if it is from abroad.
- Make a list of programs that accept your degree.
- Check each program's prerequisites and how recent they must be.
- Build at least one year of qualifying ICU experience. Read CRNA schools without ICU experience for what counts.
- Email admissions with your exact degree title and ask them to confirm eligibility in writing.
FAQ
Can I go to CRNA school with only an ADN?
No. The COA requires a bachelor's or graduate degree, so an ADN alone is not enough at any accredited program.
Does my non-nursing degree need to be in science?
Not always, but programs that accept other degrees often prefer a science major. Some accept any bachelor's if you complete their science prerequisites.
Will a non-nursing degree hurt my chances?
Programs that accept it list the same other requirements for everyone, such as GPA, ICU experience and an interview. Ask the program how it compares applicants.
Can I use an MSN instead?
The COA standard also accepts a graduate degree in nursing. If you hold an MSN, check how each program treats it.
Sources
- COA Standards for Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Programs, Practice Doctorate (revised May 2025, effective January 2026)
- Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences: DNAP application process
- University of South Carolina: Nurse Anesthesia DNAP application requirements
- TCU School of Nurse Anesthesia: BSN to DNAP admission
- US Army Graduate Program in Anesthesia Nursing: application requirements
- Everything CRNA School Finder data (October 2026), compiled from program websites and admissions-office correspondence