Entry-level CRNA programs are full time. We have not found an accredited program that lets you complete the whole nurse anesthesia degree part time while working as a nurse.
Part-time and online study does exist in two places: the early online semesters of some programs, and doctoral completion degrees for CRNAs who already practice. This page explains both.
Why entry-level programs are full time
The COA sets the curriculum at a minimum of 3 years of full-time study, or longer if a program includes periods of part-time study. In practice, the programs on the COA's July 2026 list run 36 to 51 months, and most are 36.
The workload makes outside work very hard. The COA allows programs to schedule up to 64 hours a week of class and clinical time combined, averaged over four weeks. That limit does not include study time.
Programs describe the workload in similar terms:
- Duke says its program averages 54 to 64 hours per week across class, clinicals and study. It says students have historically found it challenging to fund their education through part-time work.
- Fairfield says students should expect about 60 hours a week once residency begins, not counting study time. It "highly discourages" full-time employment.
- University of Louisville says the program is only available full time, and students are "strongly discouraged" from working.
- UNC Greensboro discourages students from working as RNs and asks students to plan their finances before they start.
The COA also forbids programs from employing students as nurse anesthetists, by title or by function.
Where there is some flexibility
Online first semesters
Some front-loaded programs teach the first semesters online. During that time, some students keep working as nurses.
| Program | What the program says |
|---|---|
| Samford University (AL) | First two semesters are online; students "may be able to continue to work" |
| Midwestern University (AZ) | First 3 quarters are entirely online; students can "possibly continue working" as RNs |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Hybrid sessions while "continuing to work full time during the first two semesters" |
| Clarkson College (NE) | First 8 months of didactic work are 100% online |
After this phase, these programs move to on-campus classes and full-time clinicals. Plan for little or no income from then until graduation. See online CRNA programs for programs with COA distance-education approval.
Longer programs
A handful of programs run longer than 36 months, at 38 to 51 months. That extra time is part of the program design. It does not mean you can work full time.
See how long CRNA school takes.
Should you try to work during CRNA school?
For most students, no. School is the job for three years. Working can cost you study time and sleep, and it can put you at risk of failing courses or clinicals.
If you need income, these options are safer:
- Work extra shifts and save money before you start.
- Keep working only during any online early semesters, if your program allows it.
- Pick up occasional per diem shifts only if your program permits it and your grades are strong.
- Look at federal loans and the Nurse Faculty Loan Program. Compare costs on our cheapest CRNA schools page.
Ask each program for its written policy on outside work. This is general information, not financial advice.
Part-time options for practicing CRNAs
If you are already a CRNA with a master's degree, part-time and online study is common. Doctoral completion degrees (post-master's DNP or DNAP) are built for working CRNAs.
On the COA's July 2026 list, 19 programs also offer a COA-recognized completion degree. Their listed lengths range from 12 to 30 months, and most of those with a listed format have COA distance-education approval.
For example, Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia offers a DNAP completion degree that is fully online and takes two years. It says it is "specifically designed for working CRNAs."
Read our full guide to post-master's DNP and DNAP programs.
FAQ
Can I keep my ICU job during CRNA school?
Possibly for the first few months in programs that start online. Once full-time clinicals begin, it is not realistic for most students, and many programs discourage it.
Are there night or weekend CRNA programs?
We have not found any accredited entry-level program built around nights or weekends. Clinicals follow hospital schedules, and the COA requires programs to offer clinical time outside the regular schedule, such as call.
Is there a part-time option if I have children?
Not for the entry degree. If you have a family, plan childcare, finances and support well before you start.
Can I work as an anesthesia tech during school?
Check your program's policy. The COA forbids students from being employed as nurse anesthetists, and many programs limit or discourage any outside work.
Sources
- COA Standards for Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Programs, Practice Doctorate (effective January 2026)
- COA: List of accredited educational programs (July 8, 2026)
- Duke University nurse anesthesia admission
- Fairfield University nurse anesthesia
- University of Louisville nurse anesthesia
- UNC Greensboro nurse anesthesia
- Samford University nurse anesthesia
- Midwestern University DNAP, Glendale
- Virginia Commonwealth University nurse anesthesia
- Clarkson College nurse anesthesia
- Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia DNAP completion degree