Are you a registered nurse interested in becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)? Completing the Doctor of Nursing Practice Nurse Anesthesiology (DNP) program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota can help prepare you for this rewarding career. Here, we discuss our CRNA program and how to become a CRNA in Minnesota.
What Is a CRNA?
A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is an advanced practice nurse who specializes in administering anesthesia and related care. CRNAs work independently or collaboratively anywhere anesthesia is administered, including hospital surgical suites, delivery rooms, ambulatory surgical centers, dentists’ offices, pain management clinics, and more. Their job duties typically include:
- Preparing patients for anesthesia
- Administering anesthesia and other related medications during surgeries and medical procedures
- Managing anesthesia and breathing equipment for patients
- Monitoring patients during and after they receive anesthesia
- Reassuring and comforting patients before, during, and after procedures
- Checking and ensuring equipment is safe and functioning correctly
- Identifying and handling emergencies
- Working with surgeons, dentists, and podiatrists
- Acting as a liaison between the patient and other healthcare workers
Becoming a CRNA can be rewarding, as you work directly with patients to help them stay pain-free and comfortable through surgeries and other procedures. Along with being a fulfilling career, the CRNA field is fast-growing and offers a competitive salary. According to United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the overall employment of nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners is projected to grow 40 percent from 2023 to 2033, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wage for nurse anesthetists was $223,210 in May 2024.
Requirements to Become a CRNA in Minnesota
Becoming a CRNA is not an easy process, but it can lead to a very rewarding and satisfying career. The requirements to become a CRNA may vary by state, but in MN, the minimum education and experience requirements include:
- A baccalaureate or graduate degree in nursing or other appropriate major
- An unencumbered license as a registered professional nurse and/or APRN in the United States or its territories
- Critical care experience, typically at least one year of full-time work experience as a registered nurse in a critical care setting
- Graduation with a minimum of a master’s degree from a nurse anesthesia educational program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA)
- Passing the National Certification Examination (NCE) administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA)
CRNA certification must be maintained through the Continued Professional Certification (CPC) program by the NBCRNA. It’s important to note that these are the minimum education and experience required to become a CRNA. Each program may have different admission requirements, so you should thoroughly review each program’s admission requirements before applying.
Doctor of Nursing Practice Nurse Anesthesiology at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
The Doctor of Nursing Practice Nurse Anesthesiology program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is designed to empower qualified registered nurses, helping them to become expertly prepared CRNAs before they enter an operating room. This full-time comprehensive program is offered on-campus with in-person classes that are supplemented by online/hybrid sessions. It helps prepare students for their required certification exam by covering essential topics like:
- Advanced knowledge, skills, and judgment around communication
- Leadership skills to influence healthcare policy and drive system change
- Ethical values grounded in nursing science
- Analytical methods for evidence-based health practices
- Proficiency in healthcare information systems
- Clinical judgment, systems thinking, and accountability for better patient outcomes
Our program is affiliated with 35+ clinical site options so our students can find a clinical site closest to their home or workplace. The DNP Nurse Anesthesiology program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is accredited by COA. To learn more about the program, read through the course catalog for more insight into classes and requirements.
Registered nurses who are preparing to apply to a nurse anesthesiology program can benefit from taking our 15-week online course, Foundations in Nurse Anesthesiology. This course provides the necessary academic and professional preparation to go into a DNP program.
Learn How to Become a CRNA at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Now that you know how to become a CRNA in Minnesota, the next step is to apply to the DNP Nurse Anesthesiology program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, a Lasallian Catholic university that offers respected programs with faith-based values. Designed for registered nurses, this program provides the knowledge and skills needed to thrive as a CRNA. To learn more about our admissions or the program, request more information and connect with a counselor today.
