To work as a certified registered nurse anesthetist, you must first earn a bachelor’s degree in science, usually in nursing or one of the sciences. You’ll also need to get your registered nurse license and work as a nurse for at least a year. After gaining some work experience, you can enroll in a graduate degree program that will prepare you academically for a career as a nurse anesthetist. The National Certification Examination, developed and administered the National Board on Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists, is the final step in the certification process (NBCRNA).
In the United States, the certified registered nurse anesthetist designation is a professional credential for qualified nurse anesthetists. A registered nurse who has received graduate-level training in administering and monitoring anesthesia to patients is known as a nurse anesthetist. While the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) sets the standards for becoming a certified registered nurse anesthetist, it is up to your state’s nursing board to decide whether or not you can practice as a nurse anesthetist. In addition to the steps required to become professionally certified, you will need to meet any additional requirements imposed your state.
Before you can become a certified registered nurse anesthetist, you must first become a licensed registered nurse in your jurisdiction and work in an acute care setting for one year. Completing a nursing training program and passing a professional exam are usually required. Before you can be admitted to graduate school to complete your nurse anesthetist training, you must first earn a bachelor’s degree. You will need to return to school if you did not earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing as part of your preparation to become a registered nurse.
You may be eligible to take the certification exam to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist after completing your graduate degree program. A third-party testing company will proctor this exam, and you will need to make arrangements with them to take the exam in your area. You must also provide any necessary information to the NBCRNA in order for them to notify your state nursing board when you pass the exam. If you pass the exam, you’ll need to work with your state’s nursing board to get the proper licensure to practice as a certified registered nurse anesthetist.