Thinking of becoming a nurse anesthetist?
It’s a good idea—the profession’s been listed among U.S. News & World Report’s “best jobs” consistently since 2016 and it’s the #5 “best health care job” for 2024. Their median salary is $212,650, their unemployment rate is just 1.9 percent, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 38 percent job growth for nurse anesthetists by 2032.
The best part? Johns Hopkins School of Nursing’s #1-ranked DNP program has a nurse anesthesia track.
What is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)?
A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who administers anesthesia and anesthesia-related services on health care teams with surgeons, dentists, podiatrists, physician anesthesiologists, and other qualified health care professionals. Notably, nurse anesthetists have been providing anesthesia care to patients in the U.S. for over 150 years.
How do you become a CRNA?
- Become a registered nurse (RN) with bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing or another related field.
- At least one year of experience in an intensive care unit (ICU).
- Earn your DNP in nurse anesthesiology from an accredited program.
- Pass the National Certification Examination administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists.
What are the educational requirements to become a CRNA?
As of 2025, nurse anesthetists need a doctorate in nurse anesthesia (DNP) to enter the field. To be eligible for the DNP Nurse Anesthesia program at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, you’ll need:
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Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree or an entry-level nursing master’s degree from an ACEN or CCNE accredited college or university or an equivalent degree from a comparable foreign institution
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Scholastic GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
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Applicants must submit evidence of current unencumbered nursing license.
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One year of full-time RN experience in an ICU or critical care setting at the time of application (preferred 2 years of ICU experience)
- Completed Shadow Log with a CRNA (recommended)
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Certification as a critical care nurse (CCRN) at the time of application
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Three letters of recommendation, one academic, two professional (one from direct supervisor and one preferably from anesthesia provider; check FAQs for detailed guidance on completing this requirement)
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Official transcripts (from all previous colleges/universities)
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Current Resume/CV (check FAQs for detailed guidance on completing this requirement)
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A written statement of advance practice goals, including reason for interest in Johns Hopkins
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GRE scores are accepted but not required
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Interview with faculty (if moved forward by admissions committee)
What are the licensing and certification requirements to become a CRNA?
Students who complete Nurse Anesthesia programs must pass the certification exam from the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). Certification to be a CRNA requires a passing score on the national certification exam administered by the NBCRNA. All CRNAs must have a RN license and where applicable, advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) status depending on the state.
DNP Nurse Anesthesia Track at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing
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