No accredited CRNA program is easy to get into. Every program meets the same accreditation standards, and every applicant needs a bachelor's degree, an RN license and a year of critical care experience. Programs that publish data get far more applicants than seats.
Some programs can be less competitive for your particular profile, though. This guide explains the factors that make a difference and how to find programs where you have a better chance.
Why we don't publish an "easiest schools" list
Programs rarely publish acceptance rates, so any ranked list of easy schools is mostly guesswork. Competition also changes every year as programs grow, open or close. See CRNA school acceptance rates for the figures that are public.
What matters more is fit. A program that weighs ICU experience heavily may suit a nurse with five years in a CVICU and a 3.2 GPA. A program that weighs GPA and test scores may suit a recent graduate with strong grades.
Factors that can make a program less competitive for you
1. Newer programs
New programs have no long track record yet, so some applicants may pass them over. That can mean fewer applicants per seat in early classes. It is not guaranteed: Edgewood, accredited in May 2025, reports 113 applications for 17 seats in 2026.
Programs that recently gained initial COA accreditation include:
| Accredited | Programs |
|---|---|
| June 2026 | University of Mississippi Medical Center (MS); University of the Incarnate Word (TX) |
| October 2025 | Carson-Newman University (TN); ChristianaCare / Wilmington University (DE); Duquesne University (PA); George Fox University (OR); UNLV (NV); Vanderbilt University (TN, first cohort 2026) |
| May 2025 | Edgewood University (WI); Idaho State University (ID); St. Luke's / DeSales University (PA); University of Illinois Chicago (IL); UT Tyler (TX) |
Several more programs are seeking accreditation in 2026 and 2027. These include Penn State, Oklahoma HSC, Rochester, South Alabama, Arizona State, Creighton, Mercy College of Ohio, Nova Southeastern, Methodist, Temple and Weber State.
Only apply to programs that are accredited, or that clearly state when their first class will start if accreditation is granted. Check the COA's upcoming reviews page and the program's own site.
2. No GRE requirement
If your test scores are weak, or you don't want to spend months on GRE prep, programs without a GRE requirement remove one hurdle. In our School Finder data (October 2026), 83 of 154 programs don't require the GRE. See our Admission Odds Index for a full ranking of the most attainable programs.
Dropping the GRE can also bring in more applicants, so it doesn't always mean an easier path. See CRNA schools that do not require the GRE.
3. Larger cohorts
A program that admits 40 to 60 students has more seats than one that admits 15. Augusta lists 60 students per cohort, while Cleveland Clinic says it accepts 15 to 20 a year. Larger programs may also attract more applicants, so look at published admissions data where you can find it.
4. Rolling admissions and early deadlines
Some programs review applications as they arrive. DeSales University, for example, says it admits DNP applicants on a rolling basis. Applying early to a rolling program can help before seats fill.
Check CRNA school deadlines so you can apply as early as possible.
5. Start dates
On the COA's July 2026 list, each program shows a single start month, so true multiple-start programs are rare. Start months do vary between programs, though: May, August and January are the most common. Applying to programs with different start months can shorten your wait.
6. Flexible ICU policies
Programs differ on which units count as critical care. If you work in an emergency department, NICU or PICU, look for programs that accept that experience.
Midwestern University's Glendale program, for example, lists the emergency room as acceptable. See CRNA schools without ICU experience.
7. Distance education and location
Nearly every program on the COA's July 2026 list is marked as approved for distance education. How much is online varies, from a few courses to whole semesters.
Programs that start online can let you keep living at home at first. See online CRNA programs.
Being willing to relocate widens your options. Browse CRNA schools by state.
Factors that can make a program harder
- Small cohorts with a long-standing reputation
- High minimums, such as 2 or more years of ICU experience or a high GPA cutoff
- Required CCRN, GRE or advanced science courses
How to raise your chances anywhere
- Work in a high-acuity adult ICU and manage drips, vents and invasive lines.
- Earn your CCRN, even where it is optional.
- Retake or add science courses if your science GPA is low.
- Shadow CRNAs and document your hours.
- Prepare for clinical and behavioral interview questions. See CRNA interview questions.
- Check CRNA school requirements for each program before you apply.
FAQ
Which CRNA school has the highest acceptance rate?
We don't know, and no reliable source does. Most programs don't publish acceptance rates, and the ones that do show strong competition.
Are new CRNA programs a bad choice?
Not necessarily. They must meet the same COA standards. Ask about clinical sites, faculty and how they will support the first classes.
Is a program without the GRE lower quality?
No. Duke, which U.S. News ranked among the top 10 nurse anesthesia programs for 2026, no longer requires it. Judge quality by outcomes such as attrition and first-time pass rates. See best CRNA schools.
Sources
- COA: List of accredited educational programs (July 8, 2026)
- COA: Accreditation decisions, nurse anesthesia educational programs
- COA: Upcoming accreditation reviews
- Edgewood University DNP nurse anesthesia
- Augusta University nurse anesthesia
- Cleveland Clinic School of Nurse Anesthesia
- DeSales University DNP
- Duke University nurse anesthesia DNP
- Duke University nurse anesthesia admission
- Midwestern University DNAP, Glendale