Nurse Anesthetists are registered nurses who have completed additional, specialized education and training in administering anesthetics to patients under the supervision of physicians, anesthesiologists, or dentists. In the delicate science of anesthesia, this Nurse is involved before, during, and after the surgical procedure to ensure patient comfort and safety.
In order to enter a nurse anesthesia program, students must first complete a four-year bachelor’s degree in nursing and obtain licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN). They also need at least one year of nursing experience in acute care. Nurse anesthesia programs last from two to three years, including both classroom and clinical experience, and award a master’s degree. Graduates then receive certification by passing a national examination to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).