Best Schools for CRNA in the USA

Every single person in the healthcare system is equally important to provide you with the best possible health facilities. Whether there is a doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or any other professional in the healthcare system, everyone has his role in the safest health-providing system. Nursing is globally recognized for playing a vital role in the healthcare system. From patient drug administration to intense and regular caring, nurses are indulged in a huge bundle of responsibilities.

Anesthesia is the act of using medication to produce a general or local loss of sensation. Anesthesiologists are medical professionals providing these services but in the medical field anesthesia is more often a job of a nurse anesthetist.

What is CRNA?

CRNA stands for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. Registered nurses have an opportunity of advancing their careers by earning an MSN (Masters of Science in Nursing) or DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist(CRNA).

This certification comes with several job opportunities and a handsome salary. Despite being an intensive education, career, and a bundle of responsibilities, the nurse anesthetists are paid well and have a good reputation in the healthcare department.

Best Schools for CRNA In the USA

America is the land of several prestigious institutions offering hundreds of programs in different disciplines. Certified nurses in the USA have been working in almost every healthcare faculty for years and earning a good annual income.

CRNA schools are widely distributed throughout the USA and these institutions provide both physical classes as well as online BSN to DNP programs. A detailed list of the top universities offering CRNA in the USA is given as:

So here is a list of the Best Schools for CRNA in the USA

1. Best CRNA schools in Texas:

Texas Christian University – Fort Worth

Texas Christian University is one of the several prestigious institutions in the state of Texas. It started CRNA programs in 2003 and since its beginning, every student of this institute passed the exams in his first attempt. Most of the students are currently working as professional anesthetists in several top-ranked American hospitals and healthcare setups. The Texas Christian University must be on your shortlist if you plan to take your Bachelor’s nursing degree to the DNP level in the shortest possible duration.

Programs Offered: BSN, MSN, and DNP

Tuition fee: $105,619 for nine semester program

$7,284/sem – spring 2021 and summer 2021

$20,025/sem – fall 2021

$18,810/sem – spring 2022

$14,568/sem – summer 2022

$9,412 / 4 semesters

Program Overview:

The CRNA program consists of 36 months and is divided into two phases.

• Phase 1: The first phase consists of 20 months of online classes. During this phase, you complete 52 credits through online classes and you can continue your practical work as well. 
• Phase 2: The second phase immediately starts after the first one and consists of 16 months. This phase comes with the on-campus learning classes and you have to complete a clinical residency while attending classes every week.  

When to apply:

BSN to DNP Summer Semester February 01

BSN to DNP Spring Semester August 15

Summer Semester February 01

MSN Summer Semester

Post-Master’s DNP Spring Semester August 15 

Procedures and guidelines:

Following are the guidelines for admission to TCU for a CRNA program.

Admission Requirements:

• For local students:

For admission to Texas Christian University for CRNA programs, you must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Additionally, to be eligible for admission to TCU, you must have at least one year of experience in the respective discipline (two years are preferred).

For International Students:

• National exam results
• SAT or ACT – For first-year applicants (or transfers with fewer than 24 academic credit hours)
• A TOEFL score of 80 or an IELTS score of 6.5 is required.
• TCU Financial Statement completed by the applicant and his sponsor
• A letter from the sponsor’s bank and employer.

2. Best CRNA schools in California

University of Southern California – Los Angeles

The University of Southern California takes your nursing career to the next level when you advance to the position of a nurse anesthetist. This university must be on your shortlist to get your nursing degree to the doctoral level and make your career more stable and vast in the healthcare system. The most important thing for USC is the practice opportunities it provides to its students. You can practice in multiple clinical setups to boost up your nursing experience. There is a record for USC for its graduate students who got suitable jobs within 6 months of their graduation.

Programs Offered: MSN, DNAP

Program Overview: This CRNA program in California consists of a 36-months tenure on a full-time basis. It comprises 78 credits which include the following:

• The program starts with a three-day orientation
• A didactic training for the first year in which you learn about anesthesiology, pharmacology, basic science, health policy, leadership, and healthcare technology.
• Two-years clinical residency which teaches you to be adept in anesthesiology, perioperative care, and pain management by taking you through rotations in cardiothoracic, regional, and local anesthesia.

Tuition fee:

• The tuition and fees for graduate school for the academic year 2020-2021 are $48,715.
• The tuition and fees for graduate school for the academic year 2021-2022 are $50,378.

When to apply:

USC accepts the DNP program (BSN entry) applications for summer entry.

The admission cycles for summer and fall are as follows:

For summer entry:

Application opens – July 1

Early decision deadline – September 1

Priority decision deadline – November 1

For fall entry:

Application opens – November 1

Early decision deadline – January 15

Priority decision deadline – March 1

All students must begin coursework the semester of acceptance.

Procedures and guidelines:

Admission Requirements: Following are the requirements considered for the nurse anesthesia program at the University of Southern California:

For local students:

• An RN license in California
• An accredited BSN, BS, or BA degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0
• At least two years of critical care experience before the start of the program (Critical care experience must include neonatal, pediatric, and adults). 
• Personal goal statement
• Current CV or Resume
• Three letters of recommendation
• Completion of a shadowing experience
• Presentation of GRE score and completion of all prerequisite courses 

For International Students:

• A minimum of GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 scale.
• TOEFL score of 600.
• Verification of clinical hours completed during the applicant’s MSN program
• ACLS certification.
• Personal goal statement.
• Current CV or Resume.
• Current BLS certification.
• GRE is not required.

3. Best CRNA schools in Houston

University of Texas Houston

The University of Texas, Houston was founded in 1927 as a junior college and was elevated to a university level in 1934. The University of Texas offers a BSN-DNP degree program for nurse anesthetists.

CRNA Degree offered: BSN DNP

• Program Length: 36 months, full time
• Credit Hours: 112 semester hours
• Class Size: Average 20
• Number of Applicants: 100

Tuition fee:

In-State Cost:

Cost of In-State Tuition: $35,392

Fees and expenses: $27,478

Grand Total: $62,870

Out of State Cost:

Cost of Out of State Tuition: $126,228

Fees and expenses: $27,477

Grand Total: $153,705

When to apply:

Starting Month: May

Application Deadline: July 1st for the following year.

Procedures and guidelines:

For local students:

• A BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) from an accredited school in the USA.
• Evidence of current Texas nursing licensure
• One year experience in a critical care unit as a registered nurse (two years preferred).
• Any type of ICU experience is accepted for admission.
• A minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale is accepted.
• A GRE score of 500 or greater on each of the Verbal and a minimum of 3.5 scores for the written section.

For International Students:

• Following are the requirements for an International student to get admission to the CRNA course:
• A TOEFL score of 550
• Evaluation by the Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) for individuals with degrees from outside the US which includes the following certificates (BCLS, ACLS, PALS)

4. Best CRNA schools in Florida

University of South Florida-Main Campus – Tampa

The University of South Florida is considered among the best CRNA schools in Florida. This institute has been actively participating in the health promotion of the state through innovation and achievements in health education.

Programs Offered: Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia (DNP)

Course duration: 36 months with 94 credits

Tuition fee:

• In-state: $67,000
• Out of state: $135,000

When to apply: The application date starts on March 15 and the deadline is August 15. The program starts in May and continues for nine consecutive semesters.

Procedures and guidelines:

Admission Requirements: To be eligible for this CRNA program in Florida, you must have:

• A BSN degree
• Encumbered RN license in Florida
• Three letters of recommendation
• A personal goals statement
• A current resume
• CCRN certification is required to increase your chances of admission.

For local students:

• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 scale. (3.4 is competitive)
• Resumé
• Criminal background check
• Application fee of $20-$100
• Personal interview (on invitation)

For International Students:

• Cumulative GPA of 3.3-3.7 out of 4.0 scale.
• A combined minimum GRE score of 300 or more is better.
• TOEFL score of 550
• Certifications (BLS, PALS, ACLS)

5. Best CRNA schools in Georgia

Augusta University, Georgia

Augusta University Georgia is one of the several well-known institutions in the state of Georgia. Along with other major courses, Augusta University is offering a 36 month DNP program for Nurse Anesthetists. Anesthesia Program from Augusta University has a great previous record of all its students getting passed in the first attempt.

CRNA Degree: DNP

Course Duration: 36 months 9 semesters

Class Size: 25-30

Tuition fee: Tuition fee costs are different for the students from Georgia and other states. Tuition Costs (approx) are given as:

• For In-state students: $86,000
• For Out State students: $167,000

When to apply:

Applications for DNP in Augusta University Fall 2022 admission will be open August 30, 2021 – April 15, 2022.

Procedures and guidelines:

For local students:

• A minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or a minimum overall graduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• RN license from a U.S. state.
• A BSN or MSN degree is accredited by a registered university or college.
• 3 letters of recommendation
• A minimum GRE score of 290 is required.
• Resume or CV
• CCRN and other critical care certifications are preferred, but not required.
• Minimum of 1-year clinical experience

For International Students:

• A minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or a minimum overall graduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• A minimum GRE score of 290.
• A TOEFL score of 550 or more.
• Minimum of 1-year clinical experience

6. Best CRNA schools in Tennessee

University of Tennessee-Knoxville

The state of Tennessee contains several academic institutions of the International level. The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is one of the best CRNA schools in Tennessee. The University of Tennessee-Knoxville offers 2 Nurse Anesthetist degree programs. It’s a very large, public university with multiple opportunities in different disciplines.

Tuition fee:

• In-state students $639.00/Semester
• Out-of-state students $1,650.00/Semester

When to apply:

15 August is the deadline for application submission.

Procedures and guidelines:

For local students:

Following are the admission requirements for the US degree holders to get admission in CRNA in The University of Tennessee-Knoxville:

• US degree holders with a minimum of 2.7 GPA out of 4.0 or a minimum 3.0 during the senior year of undergraduate.
• A minimum of 3.0 out of 4.0 GPA on all graduate work.

For International Students:

Following are the requirements for an International student to get admission in CRNA:

• An equivalent 4-year bachelor’s degree program.
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on all undergraduate work.
• A minimum GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale on all graduate work.
• A 6.5 overall band score on the IELTS.
• A total score of 80 on the internet-based TOEFL (iBT).

Frequently Asked Question:

o How to become a CRNA nurse?

Following are the steps to become a CRNA nurse:

• Earn a BSN Degree.
• Obtain RN Licensure.
• Pursue Specializations While Working as an RN in an Acute Care Setting.
• Gain Admission to an Accredited Nurse Anesthesia Program.
• Earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Anesthesia (DNAP) Degree.

o What is the easiest CRNA school to get into?

Virginia Commonwealth University is the easiest school for CRNA to get into with an acceptance rate of 87%.