The steps, in order
- About 4 yearsEarn a bachelor’s degree and RN licenseThe Council on Accreditation says programs require a bachelor’s degree in nursing or a related science.
- At least 1 yearWork in critical careThe Council on Accreditation says programs require one to two years of full-time nursing experience in a critical care setting.
- At least 3 yearsComplete a doctoral nurse anesthesia programAll U.S. programs are at the doctoral level. Their length varies, with a minimum of 36 months.
- After graduationPass the National Certification ExaminationNBCRNA runs this exam, which is the step into practice as a CRNA.
- ThenGet your state APRN licenseRules differ by state; most states require national certification to use an APRN title.
The exam
- Run by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists
- Students must pass it to begin a career as a CRNA
- NBCRNA recommends taking its Self-Evaluation Examination first
What makes this route competitive
Time is the main hurdle. You cannot go straight from nursing school into anesthesia, because the critical care requirement comes first. That experience builds the skills programs expect, such as managing very ill patients.
How it differs from other advanced nursing roles
CRNAs are one of the advanced practice registered nurse roles, alongside nurse practitioners and nurse midwives. They share the RN starting point, but the critical care requirement is specific to anesthesia.
What the job pays
The national median was $236,590 a year, or $113.75 an hour, in May 2025. The BLS projects 9.7% job growth from 2025 to 2035, with about 2,400 openings a year.
Questions people ask
How many years does it take to become a CRNA?
Count on about 8 years or more after high school: roughly 4 for a nursing degree, at least 1 in critical care and at least 3 in a doctoral nurse anesthesia program.
Do you need ICU experience to become a CRNA?
Yes. The Council on Accreditation says programs require one to two years of full-time nursing experience in a critical care setting, and each program sets its own rules on what counts.
Is a CRNA a doctor?
No. A CRNA is an advanced practice nurse. All U.S. programs now award a doctoral degree, but a doctorate in nursing or anesthesia practice does not make someone a physician.
Sources
General information, not career advice. Requirements change and differ by state: confirm them with your state board and the program you are considering.