CRNA or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist is a professional that is advanced in nature. In falls in the nursing profession and is a recognized anesthesia specialty. CRNAs were one of the first nursing groups to have a specialty and, as such, the field is a demanding one that has various qualifications and requirements. To become a CRNA, a candidate must fulfill the following CRNA requirements.
Basic Qualifications of CRNAs
Graduation from COA accredited nurse anesthesia programs or predecessor of the institution is a must.
BSN or Bachelor of Science in Nursing and other similar baccalaureate degrees are needed under this.
Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists’ (or predecessor institutions) certification exam should also be passed.
CRNAs need to have at least 1 year of experience in critical care as registered nurses.
Candidates need to be currently registered as a nurse and must possess a current license.
Education of CRNAs
In the US, there are around 114 nurse anesthesia programs that are accredited and various academic institutions are operating these educational programs.
The length of such programs 2 years to 2 ½ years, depending on the requirements of the affiliated University.
All these programs start at master’s degree level or above.
The system is highly sophisticated and not only offers foundation of graduate level to the students but also prepares them for becoming competent CRNAs with the help of experience in clinical anesthesia.
This clinical training is carried out in large hospitals or the university.
Most programs by COA fulfill the basic requirements and go above and beyond them. Additional training, topics, foundations and concepts are also covered.
Re-certification CRNA Requirements
For re-certification, CRNAs must finish 40 hours of continued education (approved) every 2 years, maintain licensure, and substantially document anesthesia practice. They must also certify that they haven’t developed and are not suffering from any condition that would stop them from practicing anesthesia effectively and efficiently.
These CRNA requirements prepare a candidate to administer anesthesia in clinical support and perianesthetic areas, preanesthetic evaluation and preparation, induction, emergence and maintenance of anesthesia, and care in postanesthesia areas.
