How to Become a Nurse Anesthetist

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Graduate from high school or pass the General Education Development (GED) examination.

   This is the first step on the path to becoming a nurse anesthetist.
   
   Pay special attention to science courses like biology, physiology, and chemistry, as your performance in these types of courses early on will help you determine whether or not medicine is the right field for you.
   
   Take the SATs, the required standardized test for college admissions, your junior year and apply to more than one school to increase your likelihood of acceptance.
2. 2

   Step 2: Get a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.While particular programs differ

   , You will need to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses and meet additional state requirements.You must become a registered nurse in the state in which you plan on practicing.
   
   Some states require that you complete a criminal background check and send your college transcripts in order to sign up for the national licensing exam.,,, Tests are administered several times a year, and there are a variety of programs designed to help you prepare for the exam.
   
   You must have successfully completed a postgraduate program in nurse anesthesiology to be eligible for the national licensing exam., Certified nurse anesthetists can work in either the private or public sector, and typically work in hospitals, surgery centers, physicians' offices, dental offices, plastic surgeons' offices, podiatrist offices, and clinics.Nurse anesthetists earn one of the highest salaries within the nursing profession, with a median income of six figures.As populations continue to grow, there will continue to be an increased demand for nurse anesthetists and other medical professionals.
3. 3

   Step 3: coursework generally includes physiology

4. 4

   Step 4: nursing theory

5. 5

   Step 5: and biology.Though registered nurses don't necessarily need a bachelor's degree

6. 6

   Step 6: nurse anesthetists do because they must complete postgraduate education

7. 7

   Step 7: and a bachelor's degree is a prerequisite for these programs.

8. 8

   Step 8: Become a registered nurse.

9. 9

   Step 9: Complete at least one year of acute care experience.This includes working as a nurse in an ICU (Intensive Care Unit)

10. 10

    Step 10: ER (Emergency Room)

11. 11

    Step 11: or other acute care facility within a hospital.

12. 12

    Step 12: Complete an accredited graduate program in nurse anesthesia.These programs typically last between 2 to 3 years

13. 13

    Step 13: and earn you a Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia or other related Master of Science degree.Nurse anesthetist programs combine classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience

14. 14

    Step 14: focusing on subjects like anatomy

15. 15

    Step 15: chemistry

16. 16

    Step 16: physiology

17. 17

    Step 17: and pharmacology.You will learn important skills like how to administer anesthesia for different types of surgeries.You will need to have a bachelor's degree

18. 18

    Step 18: hold a nursing license

19. 19

    Step 19: and show proof that you have completed one year of acute care in order to apply for a master's program in nurse anesthesia.

20. 20

    Step 20: Take the national certification examination for CRNAs.This test is required in order to become a certified nurse anesthetist.

21. 21

    Step 21: Find work as a nurse anesthetist.

Detailed Guide

About the Author