Most people need about 7 to 10 years or more to become a CRNA, counting from the start of a nursing degree. You earn a BSN and an RN license, then work at least one year in critical care. Next comes a 36 to 51 month doctorate, the national certification exam and a state license.
Your own timeline depends on where you start, how long you spend in the ICU, and the program you choose. This guide walks through each step and links to our detailed guides.
The short version
| Step | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Earn a BSN (or another accepted bachelor's degree plus an RN) | About 4 years |
| Pass the RN licensing exam | A few months after graduating |
| Work as an ICU nurse | At least 1 year; many applicants have more |
| Apply and wait for a start date | Varies by program deadline and start date |
| Complete a nurse anesthesia doctorate | 36 to 51 months |
| Pass the NCE and get licensed | A few weeks to a few months |
| Total from starting a BSN | About 7 to 10+ years |
The fastest realistic path is roughly 4 years of BSN, 1 year of ICU, then 3 years of school: about 8 years. Most people take longer because they build more ICU experience or apply more than once.
Step 1: Earn your nursing degree
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says BSN programs typically take 4 years. Some nurses start with an associate degree or a diploma, then complete a bachelor's later.
Nurse anesthesia programs need a bachelor's degree. AANA lists a baccalaureate or graduate degree in nursing "or an appropriate major." Some programs accept RNs with a non-nursing bachelor's, so check each program's rules on CRNA school requirements.
Science grades matter. Programs look closely at chemistry, anatomy, physiology and pharmacology. Many also want a strong overall GPA.
Step 2: Get your RN license
After graduating, you take the national RN licensing exam and apply to your state board of nursing. Each state sets its own extra requirements, such as background checks.
If you may move states, read about the nursing licensure compact and compact states. Find your board on our board of nursing page.
Step 3: Build critical care experience
You need at least one year of full-time critical care experience as an RN, or the part-time equivalent. This is the minimum set by accreditation rules and repeated by AANA and the BLS.
Many programs want more than the minimum, and competitive applicants often have two years or more. Programs differ on which units count. Adult ICUs almost always count; some programs accept pediatric, neonatal or emergency experience, and others do not.
Use this time well. Take high-acuity patients, learn drips, vents and invasive lines, and earn the CCRN if your target programs value it. Shadow a CRNA so you know what the job looks like day to day. If you want to know which schools are flexible, see CRNA schools without ICU experience.
Step 4: Choose programs and apply
There are 154 accredited nurse anesthesia programs active as of October 2026. You can search them all on our list of all CRNA schools, or filter by state, cost and deadline.
Things to compare:
- Cost, including fees, clinical travel and lost income for three years
- Degree type (DNP or DNAP)
- Length (36 months for most programs; some run longer)
- Front-loaded or integrated format, and how much is online
- Clinical sites and the range of cases you will see
- Attrition and first-time NCE pass rates, which many programs publish
Applications usually include transcripts, a resume, references, a personal statement, an interview and sometimes the GRE. See CRNA schools that do not require the GRE, acceptance rates and interview questions.
Deadlines can fall many months before the start date. Check each program's dates and build that gap into your plan.
Step 5: Complete nurse anesthesia school
Every entry-level program now awards a doctorate, either a DNP or a DNAP. AANA says programs run 36 to 51 months, and most are 36 months. There are no 24-month entry programs any more.
Expect a heavy science load first, then full-time clinical rotations. AANA reports that graduates average 9,432 hours of clinical experience. Most students cannot work as nurses during school, so plan your finances early.
Read more in how long is CRNA school and our SRNA guide.
Step 6: Pass the NCE
After graduating, you sit for the National Certification Examination (NCE) from the NBCRNA. NBCRNA recommends taking its Self-Evaluation Examination (SEE) first.
The first-time pass rate was 90.5% in 2025 (2,980 of 3,294 test takers). It was 89.3% in 2024 and 84.9% in 2023. Our SRNA recommendations cover common board review resources.
Step 7: Get your APRN license and credentialing
Passing the NCE makes you a certified CRNA. You also need a state license or recognition to practice as an advanced practice nurse, and the rules differ by state. Some states offer a temporary license while you wait for results.
The nurse licensure compact covers RN licenses only. It does not cover your CRNA or APRN authority. The APRN compact has not taken effect yet, so you need a separate APRN license in each state where you work. See licensure by endorsement and APRN credentialing.
Your employer will also credential you with each hospital and payer. This can take weeks, so start early.
Step 8: Find your first job
Start looking during your final year. Your clinical sites already know your work, so they are a good place to begin. Compare call, staffing model and contract terms alongside pay. Start with CRNA starting salary, CRNA salary and the best CRNA jobs.
How to shorten (or plan for) your timeline
- Apply when you are competitive. One strong application usually saves more time than several weak ones.
- Pick ICU work that counts everywhere. An adult ICU with high acuity keeps the most doors open.
- Plan the money. Three years with little income is the biggest hurdle for many people. See the cheapest CRNA schools and our NFLP guide.
- Check program length. Most programs are 36 months, some take longer, and none are part time (see part-time CRNA programs).
FAQ
Can I become a CRNA in less than 7 years?
It is unusual. A BSN takes about 4 years, ICU experience at least 1, and school at least 36 months. That adds up to about 8 years from the start of college.
Can I become a CRNA with an associate degree in nursing?
You need a bachelor's degree before you start nurse anesthesia school. Many ADN nurses complete an RN-to-BSN while working in the ICU.
Are there still 24-month CRNA programs?
No. All entry-level programs now award a doctorate and run 36 months or longer. Our 24-month programs page explains the change.
How many CRNAs are there?
AANA says more than 67,000 CRNAs are in practice. The NBCRNA's 2025 report cites more than 63,000 certified CRNAs.
Sources
- AANA: CRNA fact sheet
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Registered nurses
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners
- COA: List of accredited educational programs (July 8, 2026)
- NBCRNA: Annual NCE and SEE report 2025
- NBCRNA: Certification for students
- NCSBN: APRN Compact
- Nurse Licensure Compact