An SRNA is a student registered nurse anesthetist: an experienced registered nurse enrolled in an accredited nurse anesthesia program. SRNAs study for about three years, first in the classroom and then in clinical rotations, before taking the national exam to become CRNAs.
Many programs and AANA now use the term "resident" or "nurse anesthesia resident" for the same role. This guide covers what SRNAs do, a typical clinical day, the rules that protect students and practical tips.
Who becomes an SRNA
Every SRNA is already a licensed RN with critical care experience. The COA requires a bachelor's degree, an unencumbered RN or APRN license and a year of full-time critical care experience. AANA says about 3,000 RNs and APRNs become nurse anesthesia residents each year.
See CRNA school requirements for the full list.
The didactic phase
The first part of most programs is classroom-heavy. In front-loaded programs it lasts about a year to 18 months. In integrated programs, classes continue alongside clinicals.
Expect courses such as:
- Advanced anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology
- Advanced pharmacology, including anesthetic drugs
- Chemistry and physics of anesthesia
- Principles of anesthesia, airway management and regional techniques
- Doctoral courses in research, leadership and health policy
- Simulation labs, which the COA requires programs to include
The workload is heavy. Cedar Crest College says SRNAs should expect 3 to 5 hours of study per weeknight. It adds 6 to 8 hours per weekend day, on top of clinical time.
Many programs discourage outside work. See part-time CRNA programs.
A day in clinical
Every site runs differently, but a typical operating room day for an SRNA looks something like this.
- Arrive early. Give yourself time to prepare before the first case.
- Check the room. Complete the anesthesia machine check, and set up suction, airway equipment and monitors.
- Prepare drugs. Draw up and label medications for the planned anesthetic.
- See the patient. Do the preanesthetic assessment, review the chart and labs, and discuss the plan with your preceptor.
- Induce and manage. With your preceptor, give the anesthetic, secure the airway and manage the patient through surgery.
- Emergence and handoff. Wake the patient, transfer to the PACU and give a structured handoff.
- Post-op check. See patients after anesthesia as assigned.
- Log your cases. Record each case and skill in your clinical log.
- Prepare for tomorrow. Look up your next day's patients and procedures, and review the plan with your preceptor if possible.
Rotations also take SRNAs into obstetrics, cardiac, pediatrics, neuro, trauma, outpatient surgery and areas outside the OR. Some rotations are far from home.
Call shifts
The COA requires programs to give students clinical experience outside regular hours, such as evenings, nights and weekends. This "call" lets you manage emergency cases.
Rules that protect SRNAs and patients
The COA sets standards for how programs run clinical training:
- Supervision. Only CRNAs and anesthesiologists who are credentialed and immediately available can supervise you in anesthesia.
- Ratio. No clinical preceptor may directly supervise more than 2 students at once.
- Hours. Class and clinical time combined may not exceed 64 hours per week, averaged over 4 weeks.
- Rest. You must have a 10-hour rest between scheduled clinical duty periods. You may not give direct patient care for more than 16 hours in a row.
- Logs. You must keep accurate clinical logs, reviewed by faculty.
- Certifications. You must hold ACLS and PALS before clinicals begin.
- No anesthetist jobs. Programs must forbid employing students as nurse anesthetists, by title or function.
Minimums you must meet
The COA requires at least 2,000 clinical hours. Students who started in 2026 or later must also complete at least 700 cases, with set minimums across patient types and techniques. AANA reports that graduates average 9,432 clinical hours.
SRNAs also take the NBCRNA Self-Evaluation Examination (SEE) during school, which helps gauge readiness for the certification exam. Programs set when you take it. Vanderbilt, for example, schedules SEEs about 12 and 6 months before completion.
After graduation, you take the National Certification Examination (NCE). The first-time pass rate was 90.5% in 2025.
Tips for SRNAs
In the classroom
- Treat school like a full-time job, with set study hours.
- Study in a small group and teach each other.
- Link pharmacology and physiology to cases you have seen in the ICU.
In clinical
- Prepare the night before: know the patient, the procedure and your plan.
- Ask your preceptor how they like to work before the first case.
- Take feedback without arguing, then ask what to do differently next time.
- Log cases every day so your numbers stay accurate.
- Speak up early if you are struggling or feel unsafe.
For yourself
- Protect sleep and exercise. The COA's hour limits exist for a reason.
- Build a budget before you start, since most SRNAs have little income.
- Keep in touch with family and friends who support you.
For study resources and gear, see our SRNA recommendations. When you near graduation, read CRNA starting salary and the best CRNA jobs.
FAQ
What does SRNA stand for?
Student registered nurse anesthetist. Many programs and AANA now say "resident" or "nurse anesthesia resident."
Do SRNAs get paid?
Generally no. Clinical training is part of the program, and programs must not employ students as nurse anesthetists. Ask each program about scholarships, and see our NFLP guide for one loan option.
How long is someone an SRNA?
For the length of the program, usually 36 months. See how long CRNA school takes.
Can SRNAs give anesthesia on their own?
No. SRNAs give anesthesia under the supervision of a CRNA or anesthesiologist who is immediately available.