Best CRNA Schools 2026: Accredited Nurse Anesthesia Programs

Choosing the right CRNA program is one of the most important decisions in your journey to becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. With approximately 130 accredited programs nationwide, each offering unique strengths, this guide helps you identify top programs and understand what makes them exceptional.

Critical: Only attend programs accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA). Non-accredited programs do NOT qualify you to sit for the National Certification Examination.

Understanding CRNA Education Accreditation

COA Accreditation Requirement

The Council on Accreditation (COA) is the specialized accrediting body for nurse anesthesia educational programs.

Why COA Accreditation Matters:

• NCE Eligibility: Only COA-accredited program graduates can sit for certification exam
• Quality Assurance: Programs meet rigorous educational standards
• Federal Financial Aid: Required for student loan eligibility
• State Licensure: Most states require graduation from COA-accredited program

Verify Accreditation: Always check current accreditation status at www.coacrna.org

Doctoral Degree Requirement

As of 2022, all entry-level CRNA programs must award a doctoral degree:

DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) - Most common, 90%+ of programs
DNAP (Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice) - Specialty anesthesia doctorate

Both degrees fully qualify you to practice as a CRNA. There is no difference in scope of practice or salary between DNP and DNAP graduates.

Top CRNA Programs by Region

Northeast

1. Columbia University (New York, NY)

• Degree: DNP
• Length: 36 months
• Tuition: ~$180,000
• NCE Pass Rate: 95%+
• Unique: Major academic medical center, diverse patient populations, strong cardiac anesthesia exposure
• Clinical Sites: NY Presbyterian, Mount Sinai, Memorial Sloan Kettering

2. Northeastern University (Boston, MA)

• Degree: DNP
• Length: 36 months
• Tuition: ~$150,000
• NCE Pass Rate: 92%+
• Unique: Focus on evidence-based practice, strong research component, flexible scheduling options
• Clinical Sites: Brigham and Women's, Mass General, Boston Children's

3. University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA)

• Degree: DNP/MSN
• Length: 28 months
• Tuition: ~$140,000
• NCE Pass Rate: 94%+
• Unique: Ivy League reputation, integrated simulation center, international clinical opportunities
• Clinical Sites: Penn Medicine hospitals, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

4. Yale University (New Haven, CT)

• Degree: DNP
• Length: 28 months
• Tuition: ~$160,000
• NCE Pass Rate: 96%+
• Unique: Small cohort size (personalized attention), research emphasis, academic medical center
• Clinical Sites: Yale New Haven Hospital, Yale-affiliated hospitals

Mid-Atlantic

5. Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond, VA)

• Degree: DNP
• Length: 36 months
• Tuition: ~$80,000 (in-state), ~$120,000 (out-of-state)
• NCE Pass Rate: 93%+
• Unique: Excellent value for in-state students, Level I trauma center exposure, strong community reputation
• Clinical Sites: VCU Health System, regional hospitals

6. University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA)

• Degree: DNP
• Length: 28 months (full-time), 36 months (part-time)
• Tuition: ~$90,000 (in-state), ~$130,000 (out-of-state)
• NCE Pass Rate: 94%+
• Unique: Part-time option available, UPMC health system access, research opportunities
• Clinical Sites: UPMC Presbyterian, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh

Southeast

7. Duke University (Durham, NC)

• Degree: DNP
• Length: 31 months
• Tuition: ~$100,000
• NCE Pass Rate: 97%+
• Unique: Highly selective, exceptional clinical sites, strong cardiac and transplant anesthesia
• Clinical Sites: Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional, VA Medical Centers

8. Emory University (Atlanta, GA)

• Degree: DNP
• Length: 28 months
• Tuition: ~$120,000
• NCE Pass Rate: 95%+
• Unique: Major academic medical center, CDC proximity for public health exposure
• Clinical Sites: Emory University Hospital, Grady Memorial, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

9. Florida International University (Miami, FL)

• Degree: DNP
• Length: 36 months
• Tuition: ~$85,000
• NCE Pass Rate: 91%+
• Unique: Diverse patient population, trauma anesthesia focus, bilingual advantage
• Clinical Sites: Jackson Memorial, Baptist Health, Mount Sinai Medical Center

10. Barry University (Miami Shores, FL)

• Degree: DNP
• Length: 27 months
• Tuition: ~$120,000
• NCE Pass Rate: 93%+
• Unique: Accelerated timeline, strong South Florida network, high job placement rate
• Clinical Sites: Aventura Hospital, multiple South Florida facilities

Midwest

11. Rush University (Chicago, IL)

• Degree: DNP
• Length: 28 months
• Tuition: ~$130,000
• NCE Pass Rate: 96%+
• Unique: Rush University Medical Center access, urban healthcare setting, interprofessional education
• Clinical Sites: Rush University Medical Center, Advocate Healthcare, Northwestern

12. University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI)

• Degree: DNP
• Length: 36 months
• Tuition: ~$95,000 (in-state), ~$140,000 (out-of-state)
• NCE Pass Rate: 94%+
• Unique: Top-ranked health system, research university, pediatric specialization opportunities
• Clinical Sites: Michigan Medicine, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital

13. Oakland University (Rochester, MI)

• Degree: DNP
• Length: 28 months
• Tuition: ~$95,000
• NCE Pass Rate: 92%+
• Unique: Part-time option, flexibility for working nurses, strong Detroit-area network
• Clinical Sites: Beaumont Health, Henry Ford, Detroit Medical Center

14. Rosalind Franklin University (North Chicago, IL)

• Degree: DNP
• Length: 28 months
• Tuition: ~$105,000
• NCE Pass Rate: 91%+
• Unique: Interprofessional health sciences university, simulation emphasis
• Clinical Sites: Advocate Healthcare, Northwestern Medicine

Southwest

15. Texas Wesleyan University (Fort Worth, TX)

• Degree: DNP
• Length: 28 months
• Tuition: ~$110,000
• NCE Pass Rate: 93%+
• Unique: Texas location advantage (high demand), strong clinical partnerships
• Clinical Sites: Medical City, Baylor Scott & White, Texas Health Resources

16. Texas Christian University (Fort Worth, TX)

• Degree: DNP
• Length: 36 months
• Tuition: ~$125,000
• NCE Pass Rate: 94%+
• Unique: Small private university, personalized education, Texas job market access
• Clinical Sites: Cook Children's, JPS Health Network

17. University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ)

• Degree: DNP
• Length: 36 months
• Tuition: ~$75,000 (in-state), ~$110,000 (out-of-state)
• NCE Pass Rate: 92%+
• Unique: Southwestern location, Native American health focus, trauma exposure
• Clinical Sites: Banner University Medical Center, VA Medical Centers

West

18. University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA)

• Degree: DNP
• Length: 36 months
• Tuition: ~$170,000
• NCE Pass Rate: 95%+
• Unique: Major metropolitan location, entertainment industry connections, diverse populations
• Clinical Sites: Keck Hospital of USC, Children's Hospital Los Angeles

19. Samuel Merritt University (Oakland, CA)

• Degree: DNP
• Length: 30 months
• Tuition: ~$135,000
• NCE Pass Rate: 93%+
• Unique: Bay Area location, Kaiser Permanente partnership, tech industry proximity
• Clinical Sites: Alta Bates Summit, UCSF affiliates, Kaiser facilities

20. Westminster College (Salt Lake City, UT)

• Degree: DNP or DNAP
• Length: 36 months
• Tuition: ~$100,000
• NCE Pass Rate: 92%+
• Unique: Mountain West location, outdoor recreation access, smaller cohorts
• Clinical Sites: Intermountain Healthcare, University of Utah Health

CRNA Program Admission Requirements

Standard Requirements Across Programs

Educational:

• BSN degree from CCNE or ACEN accredited program
• Minimum GPA: 3.0 cumulative (3.5+ competitive)
• Science GPA often weighted heavily
• Prerequisite courses completed (chemistry, statistics)

Experience:

• Active, unencumbered RN license
• Minimum 1 year ICU/critical care experience (full-time)
• 2+ years preferred for competitive programs
• Recent experience (within past 2-3 years)

Certifications:

• BLS (Basic Life Support) - Required
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) - Required
• CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse) - Preferred/Required by many programs
• TNCC (for trauma ICUs) - Beneficial

Testing (program-dependent):

• GRE (Graduate Record Examination) - Some programs require
• Target: 300+ combined Verbal + Quantitative
• Many programs waiving GRE post-2020

Application Materials:

• Letters of Recommendation: 3
  • 1 from CRNA or MD Anesthesiologist (critical!)
  • 1 from nurse manager/supervisor
  • 1 from colleague or professor
• Personal Statement: 500-1,000 words
• Resume/CV: Detailed clinical experience
• Transcripts: Official from all institutions

Highly Competitive Programs

Programs like Duke, Yale, Columbia, Rush have additional informal requirements:

GPA: 3.7+ cumulative preferred
ICU Experience: 2+ years, level I trauma center or academic medical center
CCRN: Strongly preferred or required
Leadership: Charge nurse, preceptor, committee involvement
Research: Publications, quality improvement projects

How to Choose the Right CRNA Program

Factor 1: Accreditation & Quality Metrics

Non-Negotiables:

• COA accreditation (verify at coacrna.org)
• NCE first-time pass rate >85% (target 90%+)
• Job placement rate >95%

Factor 2: Cost & Financial Considerations

Tuition Range: $75,000 - $200,000

Consider Total Cost of Attendance:

• Tuition and fees
• Living expenses (2-3 years)
• Lost income during program
• Relocation costs
• Clinical site travel

Value Calculation:

• In-state public universities often best value
• Consider debt-to-income ratio
• CRNA salary supports loan repayment ($200K+ starting)

Financial Aid:

• Federal Direct Loans (most common)
• Grad PLUS loans
• HRSA Nurse Anesthesia Traineeship Program
• Employer sponsorship (military, VA, rural hospitals)
• Scholarships (AANA Foundation, state associations)

Factor 3: Program Length & Schedule

Duration Options:

• 24-27 months: Front-loaded, intensive (Barry, TCU)
• 28-31 months: Most common length (Rush, Duke, Pitt)
• 36+ months: Distributed curriculum, part-time options (Columbia, Northeastern)

Schedule Types:

• Full-time only: Most programs, no outside employment
• Part-time available: Oakland, Pitt (extends timeline to 4-5 years)
• Hybrid/Online didactic: Some programs offer flexibility

Consider:

• Your tolerance for intensity
• Family obligations
• Financial runway (shorter = less living expense but more intense)

Factor 4: Location

Geographic Considerations:

• Cost of living during program
• Proximity to family support
• Clinical site commute distance
• Post-graduation job market
• State practice authority (if planning to stay)

Program Location vs. Clinical Sites:

• Some programs send students 100+ miles for rotations
• Consider housing and travel costs
• Temporary relocations for specialty rotations common

Factor 5: Clinical Training Quality

Evaluate:

• Clinical Sites: Academic medical centers? Community hospitals? Diversity?
• Case Mix: Trauma? Cardiac? Pediatric? OB? Pain management?
• Procedures: Regional anesthesia? Special techniques?
• Supervision Model: 1:1 preceptor? Group supervision?
• Clinical Hours: 2,000 minimum (COA), many programs offer 2,500-3,000+

Ask Current Students:

• Quality of clinical sites
• Preceptor support
• Transportation logistics
• Housing during rotations

Factor 6: Curriculum & Faculty

Didactic Quality:

• Faculty credentials (CRNAs vs. PhD vs. MD)
• Class size (smaller = more attention)
• Teaching methods (lecture vs. simulation vs. problem-based learning)
• Research opportunities

Simulation Training:

• High-fidelity simulation labs
• Crisis resource management scenarios
• Airway management training
• Procedure practice before clinical

Factor 7: Job Placement & Alumni Network

Placement Metrics:

• Job placement rate (should be 95-100%)
• Time to first job offer
• Starting salary ranges
• Types of positions (hospital, private practice, pain clinic)

Alumni Network:

• Active alumni association
• Job placement assistance
• Mentorship programs
• Regional connections

Factor 8: Program Culture & Fit

Assess During Interview:

• Student body diversity
• Collaborative vs. competitive environment
• Faculty accessibility
• Student support services
• Work-life balance philosophy

Warning Signs:

• High attrition rates
• Student complaints about faculty support
• Poor communication from admissions
• Declining NCE pass rates

CRNA Program Application Timeline

18-24 Months Before Desired Start

Research Phase:

• Identify 5-10 programs matching your criteria
• Verify COA accreditation and requirements
• Calculate total cost of attendance
• Attend program information sessions (virtual/in-person)

12-18 Months Before

Preparation Phase:

• Complete prerequisite courses
• Take GRE if required (allow 2-3 months prep)
• Begin CCRN study (if eligible)
• Shadow CRNAs for letters of recommendation
• Draft personal statement

10-12 Months Before

Application Phase:

• Request letters of recommendation (give 4-6 weeks notice)
• Finalize personal statement (multiple drafts, peer review)
• Gather transcripts
• Submit applications (many programs rolling admissions - apply early!)

6-10 Months Before

Interview Phase:

• Interview invitations typically sent September-December
• Prepare for interviews (mock interviews, scenario review)
• Visit campuses if possible
• Ask questions about clinical sites, attrition, support

3-6 Months Before

Decision Phase:

• Acceptance/rejection notifications December-March
• Evaluate offers (financial aid, program fit)
• Accept position and submit deposit
• Decline other offers promptly

0-3 Months Before Start

Preparation Phase:

• Complete program prerequisites (CPR, immunizations, background check)
• Arrange housing near campus
• Notify current employer
• Financial aid finalization
• Attend orientation

Financing Your CRNA Education

Federal Student Loans

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans:

• Maximum: $20,500 per year
• Interest accrues during school
• No credit check required

Grad PLUS Loans:

• Covers remaining cost of attendance
• Higher interest rates (~7-8%)
• Credit check required
• No loan limits (up to full cost)

Scholarships & Grants

HRSA Nurse Anesthesia Traineeship:

• Federal grant program
• Awards vary ($3,000-$10,000 typically)
• Apply through your CRNA program

AANA Foundation Scholarships:

• Multiple scholarship opportunities
• $2,000-$5,000 awards
• Application required

State Nurse Anesthesia Associations:

• Many states offer scholarships
• Typically $1,000-$5,000
• Check your state CRNA association

Military Programs:

• Army, Navy, Air Force scholarship programs
• Full tuition + stipend in exchange for service commitment
• Highly competitive

Employer Sponsorship

Veterans Affairs (VA):

• VA-sponsored CRNA students
• Tuition coverage + stipend
• 2-year post-graduation service commitment

Rural Hospital Programs:

• Some rural facilities sponsor students
• Loan repayment or tuition coverage
• Service commitment in underserved area

Military Active Duty:

• Army, Navy, Air Force send active duty nurses to CRNA school
• Full salary + tuition during program
• Additional service commitment

Loan Repayment Strategies

Income-Driven Repayment Plans:

• Generally not recommended for CRNAs (high income)
• May qualify for PSLF if working at nonprofit

Aggressive Repayment:

• Most CRNAs: pay off loans within 2-5 years
• Live below means, allocate 30-50% income to loans
• Typical: $150K debt paid in 3 years with focused effort

Refinancing:

• Consider after graduation for lower interest rates
• Lose federal protections (forbearance, forgiveness)
• Shop multiple lenders for best rates

Program Visit Checklist

Questions to Ask Admissions

1. What is your NCE first-time pass rate over the past 3 years?
2. What is your job placement rate? Average time to first offer?
3. What is your attrition rate? Common reasons students leave?
4. What clinical sites do you partner with? How are they assigned?
5. What is the faculty-to-student ratio?
6. Are there opportunities for specialty focus (cardiac, peds, OB)?
7. What financial aid is available beyond federal loans?
8. How much does clinical travel typically cost?

Questions to Ask Current Students

1. How would you describe the program culture?
2. How supportive is the faculty when students struggle?
3. What's the most challenging aspect of the program?
4. Do you feel well-prepared for clinical rotations?
5. How manageable is the workload?
6. If you could change one thing about the program, what would it be?
7. Would you choose this program again?
8. What's the job market like after graduation?

Observe During Visit

• Facilities (classroom, simulation lab, study spaces)
• Student body interactions (collaborative vs. competitive)
• Faculty accessibility and demeanor
• Campus/location safety and amenities
• Proximity to clinical sites

Online vs. On-Campus CRNA Programs

Hybrid/Online Didactic Programs

Advantages:

• Geographic flexibility
• Maintain current job initially
• Lower relocation costs
• Self-paced learning (within deadlines)

Disadvantages:

• Requires high self-discipline
• Less face-to-face faculty interaction
• Clinical rotations still require travel/relocation
• May have less networking with classmates

Programs Offering Hybrid:

• Many programs now offer some online didactic components
• Clinical hours still 100% in-person (cannot be online)
• Check accreditation status carefully

Fully On-Campus Programs

Advantages:

• Immersive learning environment
• Immediate faculty access
• Stronger cohort bonding
• Better networking opportunities
• Simulation lab access

Disadvantages:

• Requires relocation
• Higher living costs
• Complete career pause
• Less flexibility

Recommendation: For most students, on-campus or hybrid programs with strong on-campus components provide best preparation. Clinical anesthesia requires hands-on learning that benefits from in-person instruction.

Red Flags to Avoid

⚠️ Non-COA Accredited Programs: Never attend a non-accredited program
⚠️ Declining NCE Pass Rates: Check 3-year trends, avoid programs with declining rates
⚠️ New Programs: First few cohorts may face growing pains, less established clinical sites
⚠️ High Attrition: >15% attrition rate suggests program issues
⚠️ Poor Communication: If admissions is unresponsive, program likely has issues
⚠️ Guaranteed Admission: Be wary of programs guaranteeing admission without competitive process
⚠️ Job Placement: <90% placement suggests program reputation issues

Next Steps

Research Programs

Start with these resources:

COA Accreditation List - Verify accreditation status
AANA Program Search - Search programs by state
Program Websites - Detailed requirements and application info

Connect with Programs

• Attend Information Sessions: Most offer virtual sessions
• Request Info: Add to mailing lists for updates
• Join Facebook Groups: Current student groups share insights
• Shadow Students: Some programs allow prospective students to shadow

Take Action

Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a CRNA →

Explore CRNA Salary Data →

Return to CRNA Career Hub →

Choosing the right CRNA program sets the foundation for your entire career. Invest time in thorough research, visit programs if possible, and select the program that best aligns with your learning style, financial situation, and career goals. Your CRNA education is a significant investment - make it wisely. 🎓