A career as a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) offers job security, a bright job outlook, and high earning potential. If you’re curious about becoming a nurse anesthetist, you’re probably wondering how long a program takes to complete. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, a Lasallian Catholic university, has a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesiology program at our Minneapolis campus that can be completed in 36 months. Here, we discuss this program and the nurse anesthetist’s career path.
What Does a Nurse Anesthetist Career Involve?
A nurse anesthetist is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) with specialized training in administering anesthesia to patients. They care for patients throughout the perioperative footprint, from pre-operative care to discharge from the facility. Typical job duties of a nurse anesthetist include:
- Educating patients about anesthesia before and after surgeries or procedures
- Assessing patient patient’s presenting for surgical care to determine an anesthetic plan
- Induce, monitor, and awaken the patient from anesthesia
- Oversee the patient’s recovery after anesthesia
They may provide emergency services, like airway management and pain management. Nurse anesthetists can work in various medical environments, including operating rooms, emergency rooms, outpatient surgery centers, dentist offices, and more.
How Do You Become A Nurse Anesthetist?
To become a nurse anesthetist, several academic and work requirements must be met. They include:
- Completing a bachelor’s degree in nursing or a related field
- Becoming licensed as a registered nurse in the United States or its territories
- Working as a registered nurse for at least one year in an intensive care unit (ICU)
- Attending and graduating from an accredited nurse anesthesia program to earn a doctoral degree
- Passing the National Certification Examination for Nurse Anesthetists given by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists
Benefits of Becoming A Nurse Anesthetist
Although the time it takes to become a nurse anesthetist can seem long, it’s well worth completing for the benefits that the career offers. They include:
Strong Job Security and Outlook
A major benefit of a nurse anesthetist career is the strong job outlook and security it offers. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the overall employment of nurse anesthetists is projected to grow 40% through 2033, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for nurse anesthetists is high because aging populations will continue to need healthcare services, procedures, and surgeries, attributing to strong job security.
High Earning Potential
Another main benefit of becoming a nurse anesthetist is the high earning potential they have. Nurse anesthetists have the highest payout of all other nursing jobs. The BLS reports that the median annual wage for nurse anesthetists as of May 2023 was $212,650.
Variety of Work Environments
Another benefit of a nurse anesthetist career is the variety of work environments that they can choose to work in. Nurse anesthetists provide anesthesia in hospitals, same-day surgery centers, and dental offices, to name a few locations.
DNP in Nurse Anesthesiology Program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, we offer a fully accredited nurse anesthesiology program that is designed to prepare qualified registered nurses to become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). This three-year comprehensive program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical leadership qualities they need to provide improved patient care and safe anesthesia administration. We provide a supportive learning environment with an emphasis on cohort learning to help you develop advanced nursing skills.
Students will learn about crucial skills for nurse anesthetists, participate in small-group simulation experiences, and gain valuable clinical practice experience. At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, our faculty is committed to helping every student complete the program and successfully pass the National Certificate Exam to obtain their CRNA credential.
For the past 10 years, 100% of our graduates have been employed upon graduation and successful completion of the National Certification Exam (NCE). Explore the admission requirements for this program or schedule a campus visit to learn more.
Apply to the Nurse Anesthetist Program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
If you’re ready to advance your nursing career and become a nurse anesthetist, apply to the DNP program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Our Catholic Lasallian mission and identity, along with our person-centered educational programs, help empower learners to lead honorable lives of service. To learn more about our nurse anesthesiology program, request more information and connect with a counselor today.
