Did you know that in 2025, the average Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) in the U.S. earns over $214,000 annually, making it one of the highest-paying nursing roles?
Yet, with average acceptance rates as low as 5–10%, getting into a top CRNA program is more competitive than ever.
CRNA programs are now required to offer a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, intensifying both the academic and clinical demands.
With over 140 accredited programs in the U.S., choosing the right one can be daunting.
You're in the right place to find the best CRNA school for your career goals.
Here's what you'll discover in this guide:
- The top 15 CRNA schools for 2025
- Programs with the highest certification pass rates
Keep reading to find the program that aligns with your aspirations.
P.S. If you're seeking expert guidance on CRNA career paths, AAG Health is a trusted CRNA recruitment agency that is here to help you find the best facility to work in, with personalized support and expert guidance every step of the way!
TL;DR - Top 5 CRNA Schools & Programs to Consider First
What Is a CRNA School and What Does It Offer?
A CRNA school is a graduate-level program that trains registered nurses to become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists.
These programs typically span 36 months and include both rigorous academic coursework and extensive clinical training, with current students completing approximately 2,500 hours of clinical practicum experience.
Upon completion, graduates are eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination administered by the NBCRNA (National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists).
Top 15 CRNA Schools in the US
1. Virginia Commonwealth University - Richmond, VA
Programs: Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) and Post-Master’s DNAP
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond, VA, offers a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) Entry-to-Practice program designed for baccalaureate-prepared Registered Nurses aiming to become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs).
The program spans 36 months and comprises 93 credit hours, blending hybrid and traditional learning formats. In the first two semesters, students can continue working as RNs while engaging in a combination of on- and off-campus coursework.
From the third semester onward, the program transitions to a traditional format, and employment is strongly discouraged to accommodate the intensive clinical training.
The curriculum includes advanced courses in physiology, pharmacology, health assessment, and ethics, along with six Clinical Practicum courses that provide hands-on experience.
Educational Cost:
For the 2024-2025 academic year, estimated tuition and fees per semester are approximately $8,626 for Virginia residents and $16,235 for non-residents.
Why Choose Them: VCU’s DNAP program offers a rigorous and innovative academic experience, preparing students for engagement in a 21st-century global healthcare environment.
2. Duke University - Durham, NC
Programs: BSN-to-NA-DNP
Duke University's Nurse Anesthesia DNP is a 36-month, full-time program that combines rigorous academics with hands-on training.
Students complete 83 credit hours, including a unique cadaver lab course led by Ph.D.-trained anthropologists.
The program emphasizes leadership, evidence-based practice, and health equity, preparing graduates to deliver anesthesia across diverse clinical settings.
With access to the state-of-the-art Center for Nursing Discovery, students engage in high-fidelity simulations that enhance their clinical skills.
Graduates are well-equipped to practice autonomously and lead in various healthcare environments.
Educational Cost:
Tuition is $2,166 per credit hour. For the first year (44 credits), tuition is approximately $95,304; second year (24 credits) is $51,984; and third year (15 credits) is $32,490.
Why choose them:
Duke’s Nurse Anesthesia DNP program offers a comprehensive, future-focused education that prepares students to confidently practice autonomously in any environment and make lasting changes in a thriving career.
3. Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences - Bethesda, MD
Programs: DNP
USU's Nurse Anesthesia DNP program is tailored for active-duty military nurses and federal service-sponsored civilians.
Spanning 36 months, the program is divided into two phases: a 15-month didactic coursework phase conducted on campus, followed by a 21-month clinical phase at federal medical treatment facilities.
The curriculum emphasizes operational readiness, preparing students to provide anesthesia care in diverse and challenging environments, including battlefield settings.
Students engage in rigorous coursework that integrates scientific principles with anesthesia theory and practice.
The program boasts a 96% first-time pass rate on the National Certification Exam (NCE) for the Class of 2024 and a 100% employment rate within six months of graduation.
Unique experiences like Operation Bushmaster, a field practicum simulating battlefield medical scenarios, further enhance student preparedness.
Educational Cost:
Tuition is fully funded by the federal government for active-duty personnel, who also receive a full-time salary and benefits during the program.
Why choose them:
USU’s program uniquely prepares nurse anesthetists to deliver high-quality anesthesia care in both traditional and austere environments, aligning with the demands of military and federal healthcare systems.
4. University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus - Pittsburgh, PA
Programs: BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP
Pitt’s Nurse Anesthesia DNP program is a full-time, on-campus journey spanning nine terms over three years.
The curriculum, totaling 84.5 credits, immerses students in both the science and art of anesthesia, emphasizing patient safety and leadership skills.
Students gain professional experience through simulation activities and clinical rotations at over 30 affiliated sites, managing patients across various specialties.
The program boasts a 100% first-time pass rate on the National Certification Examination for the class of 2023, reflecting its commitment to excellence.
For practicing CRNAs, the MSN to DNP pathway offers a 36-credit, fully online coursework focusing on advanced practice nursing and leadership.
Both tracks are accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs until 2030.
Educational Cost:
Tuition for the DNP program is $1,030 per credit for in-state students and $1,254 per credit for out-of-state students. For the 84.5-credit BSN to DNP program, this amounts to approximately $87,035 for in-state students and $105,897 for out-of-state students.
Why choose them:
Pitt’s Nurse Anesthesia DNP program is ranked #2 nationally and is the highest-ranked civilian program in the U.S., offering rigorous training and exceptional outcomes.
5. Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing - Baltimore, MD
Programs: BSN-to-DNP and Entry Level MSN to DNP
Johns Hopkins' DNP Nurse Anesthesia program is a 36-month, full-time course designed for RNs with at least one year of intensive care unit experience.
The curriculum blends rigorous academics with extensive clinical training, including over 600 surgical cases and 2,000 clinical hours.
Students train in state-of-the-art simulation labs and collaborate with peers from the School of Medicine, fostering interprofessional learning.
The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership, and systems-level thinking.
With a 100% overall certification pass rate and full-time employment within six months of graduation, the program demonstrates its commitment to excellence.
Graduates are well-equipped to lead and innovate in the field of nurse anesthesia.
Educational Cost:
Tuition is $2,293 per credit. For the 83-credit program, the total tuition is approximately $190,319.
Why choose them:
Johns Hopkins' DNP Nurse Anesthesia program offers a rigorous and innovative academic experience, preparing students to lead in the field of anesthesia-related care.
6. Georgetown University - Washington, DC
Programs: DNAP
Georgetown University's Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) program is a full-time, three-year course designed to develop highly skilled Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs).
The program begins with a year of intensive didactic coursework, including subjects like chemistry, physics, and anatomy, followed by two years of clinical immersion across various sites in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia areas.
Students benefit from professional experiences in Georgetown’s human cadaver lab and simulation facilities, enhancing their practical skills.
The curriculum also offers unique opportunities such as a clinical rotation at the Northern Navajo Medical Center in New Mexico, providing exposure to independent CRNA practice.
Graduates have demonstrated exceptional performance, with a 97% first-attempt pass rate on the National Certification Examination (NCE) for the Class of 2024, and a 100% employment rate within six weeks of graduation.
The program is ranked 7th nationally in 2025 by U.S. News & World Report.
Educational Cost:
Tuition rates are provided by the Georgetown University Office of Student Financial Services.
Why choose them:
Georgetown's DNAP program combines rigorous academics with diverse clinical experiences, preparing graduates for leadership roles in nurse anesthesia.
7. Rush University - Chicago, IL
Programs: BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP
Rush University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Nurse Anesthesia is a full-time, 36-month program that combines rigorous academics with extensive clinical training.
The hybrid format includes both online and in-person components, allowing flexibility while ensuring comprehensive education.
Students engage in over 2,300 hours of clinical immersion across diverse settings, including urban and rural underserved communities, through partnerships with various medical centers.
The curriculum emphasizes current anesthesia techniques, featuring simulation lab instruction, cadaveric regional workshops, and ultrasound training.
Graduates of the program have a 95% first-time pass rate on the National Certification Examination (NCE) and a 100% employment rate within six months of graduation.
The program is recognized nationally for its excellence in nurse anesthesia education.
Educational Cost:
Tuition for the Nurse Anesthesia DNP program is $1,384 per credit hour.
Why choose them:
Rush University’s program provides an immersive, hands-on nurse anesthesia curriculum that equips graduates to excel in leadership positions.
8. University of Pennsylvania - Philadelphia, PA
Programs: DNP-NA
The University of Pennsylvania's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia (DNP-NA) is a full-time, 36-month program designed to prepare graduates for the full scope of nurse anesthesia practice.
The curriculum integrates rigorous academic coursework with extensive clinical experiences across diverse settings, including hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and physicians’ offices.
Students benefit from mentorship by expert nurse anesthetists and anesthesiologists, acquiring critical thinking skills for both independent and collaborative clinical decision-making.
Hands-on training is emphasized through state-of-the-art simulation labs, where students perform procedures such as regional anesthetics, fiber optic intubations, and ultrasound-guided techniques.
Clinical rotations offer exposure to patients of all acuity levels, with opportunities in pediatric, cardiac, and non-cardiac thoracic specialties.
Graduates are eligible to take the National Certification Examination (NCE) administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).
Educational Cost:
Tuition is charged based on the number of course units (CUs) taken per semester. Additional fees include a general fee, technology fee, and, in some semesters, simulation laboratory fees associated with certain courses.
Why choose them:
Penn Nursing's DNP-NA program offers comprehensive training with access to top-tier clinical sites and mentorship from leading practitioners, preparing graduates for excellence in nurse anesthesia practice.
9. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston - Houston, TX
Programs: BSN-to-DNP
The Cizik School of Nursing offers a full-time, 36-month BSN to DNP Nurse Anesthesia program, comprising 112 credit hours.
Students gain comprehensive training in administering various types of anesthesia, including general, regional, and neuraxial techniques.
The program emphasizes quality improvement and systems leadership, preparing graduates to enhance patient care across diverse populations.
Clinical experiences are conducted in the Texas Medical Center, providing exposure to a wide range of anesthesia delivery settings.
The program boasts a 100% first-time pass rate on the National Certification Examination (NCE) for the 2024 graduating class, with a five-year average pass rate of 99.07%.
All graduates secured full-time employment as nurse anesthetists within six months of program completion.
The estimated total cost for Texas residents enrolled in the BSN to DNP Nurse Anesthesia program is approximately $55,202. This estimate includes tuition, fees, and other associated expenses.
Educational Cost:
- Texas Residents (In-State): Tuition is approximately $549 per credit hour. For 112 credits, this equates to roughly $61,500 in tuition for the entire program (before additional fees).
- Non-Residents (Out-of-State): Tuition is about $1,379 per credit hour – more than 2.5 times the in-state rate. For 112 credits, out-of-state tuition alone would be on the order of $154,000 (112 × $1,379 ≈ $154,448).
Why choose them:
Cizik School of Nursing's program combines affordability with exceptional outcomes, as evidenced by their five-year average pass rate of 99.07%, offering comprehensive training in a world-renowned medical center.
10. University of Alabama at Birmingham - Birmingham, AL
Programs: Post-BSN-to-DNP
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) offers a Post-BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Nurse Anesthesia Pathway designed to prepare students for the full scope of nurse anesthesia practice.
This clinically focused program emphasizes evidence-based practice, patient safety, and leadership skills.
Graduates are eligible to take the National Certification Examination (NCE) administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).
The program boasts impressive outcomes, with the Class of 2024 achieving a 98% first-time NCE pass rate and a 100% overall pass rate.
The program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) through May 2031 and received IFNA Accreditation in August 2021.
UAB's School of Nursing provides support in securing appropriate clinical placement sites and qualified preceptors from among more than 5,000 clinical affiliates.
Educational Cost:
Detailed tuition and fee information for the DNP Nurse Anesthesia program can be found on UAB's official website.
Why choose them:
UAB’s Nurse Anesthesia program offers a blend of intensive academic coursework and comprehensive clinical training, equipping graduates to thrive across a wide range of healthcare environments.
11. University of Southern California - Los Angeles, CA
Programs: DNAP
The University of Southern California (USC) offers a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) through its Keck School of Medicine. This full-time, 36-month program encompasses 81 units of rigorous academic and clinical training.
Students engage in advanced coursework in pharmacology, anatomy, and physiology, complemented by a two-year clinical residency.
Clinical rotations occur at esteemed institutions such as Keck Hospital of USC, Los Angeles General Medical Center, and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
The program boasts a 100% employment rate within six months post-graduation and a 95% first-time pass rate on the National Certification Exam as of June 2023.
Accredited through Spring 2033, USC's program is designed to produce competent and compassionate nurse anesthetists.
Educational Cost:
For the Fall 2025 term, tuition is $2,467 per unit. With 81 units required, the total tuition amounts to approximately $199,827, excluding additional fees and expenses.
Why choose them:
USC's Nurse Anesthesia Program offers a comprehensive education with diverse clinical experiences, preparing students for excellence in anesthesia-related care.
12. University at Buffalo State University of New York - Buffalo, NY
Programs: Post-BS to DNP and Post-MS to DNP
The University at Buffalo offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with a Nurse Anesthesia specialty.
This full-time, three-year program requires 124 credit hours and includes 2,200 clinical hours. The curriculum combines foundational courses in nursing theory, research, and leadership with specialized anesthesia training.
Students gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations in various healthcare settings.
The program culminates in a DNP project that integrates evidence-based practice to improve patient outcomes.
Courses are delivered in a hybrid format, blending online programs with in-person instruction.
Graduates are prepared to assume roles in clinical practice, education, research, and leadership within the nurse anesthesia field.
Educational Cost:
Tuition is approximately $1,047 per credit hour for New York State residents. For the 124-credit program, the total tuition cost is estimated at $129,828, excluding additional fees.
Why choose them:
UB's Nurse Anesthesia DNP program offers comprehensive training with extensive clinical experience, preparing students for advanced practice nurse roles in diverse healthcare environments.
13. University of Detroit Mercy - Detroit, MI
Programs: DNP-NA
The University of Detroit Mercy offers a 36-month Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program specializing in Nurse Anesthesia.
This full-time program is designed for registered nurses with critical care experience and a bachelor's or master's degree in nursing.
The curriculum combines rigorous academic coursework with extensive clinical training across 27 diverse sites, including rural hospitals and urban trauma centers.
Detroit Mercy's program emphasizes leadership, ethical practice, and a commitment to social justice, aligning with its Jesuit and Mercy traditions.
Graduates consistently exceed national standards for clinical cases and hours, and the program boasts a 100% employment rate within six months post-graduation.
Accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, the program's next review is scheduled for October 2025.
Educational Cost:
For the 2024–25 academic year, tuition is structured as follows:
- Year One (3 terms): $9,017 per term
- Years Two and Three (6 terms): $13,708 per term
The total estimated tuition for the entire program is $109,299, excluding additional fees such as textbooks, equipment, and certification exams.
Why choose them:
Detroit Mercy's Nurse Anesthesia program offers comprehensive clinical experiences and a values-based education, preparing graduates to be skilled and ethical healthcare practitioners.
14. Northeastern University - Boston, MA
Programs: Post BSN-to-DNP
Northeastern University offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia (DNP NA) through its Bouvé College of Health Sciences.
This full-time, 36-month program requires 77 semester hours, integrating core nursing courses, DNP courses, and specialized nurse anesthesia clinical and didactic coursework.
Students engage in clinical practice in the Boston area, including private, public, and community-based facilities.
The program boasts a 96% employment rate within six months post-graduation and an 84% first-time pass rate on the National Certification Exam for the Class of 2023.
Accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs and the International Federation of Nurse Anesthetists, the program is approved through Spring 2034.
Educational Cost:
The estimated total tuition for the program is $149,842, excluding additional fees and expenses.
Why choose them:
Northeastern's DNP NA program offers interdisciplinary collaboration and diverse clinical experiences, preparing students to become leaders in nurse anesthesia practice.
15. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - Minneapolis, MN
Programs: BSN-to-DNP
The University of Minnesota offers a 36-month, full-time Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program specializing in Nurse Anesthesia.
This program combines rigorous academic coursework with approximately 3,000 hours of clinical experience across diverse urban and rural settings, including the Minneapolis VA Medical Center and University of Minnesota Hospitals.
Students gain hands-on experience in placing invasive monitors and administering regional anesthetics, supported by a robust simulation program that bridges classroom learning with clinical practice.
The curriculum emphasizes leadership, ethical practice, and a commitment to diversity, preparing graduates to provide high-quality anesthesia care in various healthcare environments.
With small class sizes, students benefit from individualized attention and strong mentorship from dedicated faculty.
The program is fully accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs through fall 2029.
Educational Cost:
Tuition and fees are determined annually by the University of Minnesota Board of Regents and can vary based on credit load and other factors. Prospective students are encouraged to consult the One Stop Student Services website for the most current tuition rates and fee structures. Additionally, the School of Nursing offers a range of scholarships, with applications available post-admission.
Why choose them:
The University of Minnesota's Nurse Anesthesia program offers comprehensive training with diverse clinical experiences, preparing students for excellence in anesthesia care.
Wrapping Up
You've explored the top 15 CRNA schools and programs, each offering rigorous training to prepare you for a demanding yet rewarding career in nurse anesthesia.
These programs are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in various clinical settings.
As the field evolves, staying informed about program offerings, costs, and outcomes is crucial.
Whether you're seeking affordability, specialized training, or a particular geographic location, the right program is out there for you.
Take the next step by reaching out to CRNA schools, attending information sessions, and connecting with current students or alumni to make an informed decision about your future in nurse anesthesia.
P.S. If you're ready to advance your CRNA career, AAG Health offers tailored recruitment services connecting you with top healthcare facilities nationwide. Explore opportunities that align with your expertise at AAG Health.
