How to Become a Nurse Anesthetist

Nurse anesthetists have amazing jobs. They work side-by-side with surgeons, dentists, podiatrists, and anesthesiologists everyday. To become a nurse anesthetist or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), you must be a registered nurse that has taken extra education credits and training to be qualified to give anesthesia. In about half of the hospitals, the CRNAs are the only people that can give anesthesia. In 2005, the average annual salary for a nurse anesthesiologist was about $160,000. It takes at least of seven years of education and experience to be able to take the CRNA. When the typical applicant takes this examination, they have at least 1,694 clinical hours.

Every year between 1,300 and 1,700 student nurse anesthetists complete the long journey of becoming a CRNA. They started this journey by finishing high school. They then enrolled in an undergraduate program. To become a nurse anesthetist, you must earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. After getting your Bachelor of Science in Nursing, you will need career experience. You will need a minimum of one year of acute care nursing experience before you can enroll in a master's program.

There are plenty of master's programs to enroll in after you get your work experience. In 2008, there were 108 nurse anesthesia programs. These programs run take two to three years. You will be attending a graduate program that will teach advanced education in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and more. You will also learn many anesthesia techniques and different procedures for surgery and obstetrics. You will gain this knowledge though training in university-based or large community hospitals.

After successfully completing the program, you will be eligible to take the CRNA. After passing the CRNA make sure to register in the state you live in. Most states also have an Association of Nurse Anesthetists. After earning your CRNA, it is important you keep it up to date. Your certification expires on July 31st two years after certification is granted. For recertification, you will have to take 40 hours of continuing education credits.