Challenged by the thought of becoming a certified registered nurse anesthetist even though you don’t have a nursing bachelor’s degree? Many programs exist that can help you become a CRNA if you have the discipline and self-motivation it takes to follow your dream. An accelerated program will be able to shave months or years off the education you’ll need to become certified. Your degree will prepare you to provide anesthesia, working closely with surgeons, dentists, and other healthcare providers.
So, what are the best accelerated CRNA programs for non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders? Review the guide below to the 20 best accelerated (campus-based and online) CRNA programs for non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders with an RN license to learn about your options.
Program Length: 36 Months
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: Because Virginia Commonwealth University’s CRNA program is offered in an accelerated format, you’ll be able to complete it within as little as 36 months.
Admission Requirements: To be eligible for Virginia Commonwealth University’s accelerated CRNA program for non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders, you must foremost have a valid and unencumbered RN license. Also, at least one year of critical care nursing experience is required. The program accepts either a BS or BA and therefore having a BSN is not a must. The undergraduate GPA must be at least 3.0. As such there are no pre-requisites required. To fulfill the admission requirements, submission of three professional references, a resume, a copy of an RN license, and a personal statement is required.
Why Choose Virginia Commonwealth University Accelerated CRNA
• Virginia Commonwealth University’s accelerated CRNA is consistently ranked among the best in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report.Program Length: 39 Months
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: At Mayo Clinic, the accelerated nurse anesthesia program for non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders can be completed within 39 months of full-time study.
Admission Requirements: The admission requirements for Mayo Clinic’s CRNA program include an active and unencumbered RN license in Minnesota. Also, although a BSN is not required, applicants must have an accredited bachelor’s degree in science with a GPA of at least 3.0. The program also requires the completion of undergraduate courses such as anatomy, chemistry, and physiology. Besides, two years of ICU experience is required. A completed application also includes an essay, references, and transcripts.
Why Choose Mayo Clinic Accelerated CRNA
• Mayo Clinic’s CRNA program is counted among the top 10 programs for nurse anesthetists as per the U.S. News & World Report’s latest ranking list.Program Length: 36 Months
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The University of Southern California’s accelerated CRNA program for non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders can be completed within just 36 months.
Admission Requirements: The University of Southern California’s CRNA program is open to registered nurses who have either a BS or BA degree. Also, the program requires a GPA of at least 3.0. Applicants must also have at least one year of critical care nursing experience. The program also requires the completion of prerequisites. Other admission requirements include the submission of transcripts, a resume, a personal goal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Why Choose University of Southern California Accelerated CRNA
• University of Southern California’s CRNA program not only boasts of an excellent pass rate on the CRNA certification exam, but the program also takes pride in all of its graduates securing placements within six months of graduation.Program Length: 36 Months
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: Texas Christian University’s accelerated CRNA takes just 36 months to complete, after which you’ll earn a DNP and be prepared to take the CRNA certification exam.
Admission Requirements: Texas Christian University’s accelerated CRNA program for non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders requires applicants to have a BS or BA with a GPA of at least 3.0. The program also requires an active RN license in your state of practice. In addition, the program requires applicants to submit their transcripts, a resume, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Why Choose Texas Christian University Accelerated CRNA
• Texas Christian University’s CRNA program proudly reports an excellent pass rate on the CRNA certification exam. Also, 100% of the program graduates find desirable placements soon upon graduation. Besides, a low attrition rate signals an overall satisfying learning experience.Program Length: 36 Months
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: You should be able to complete Yale New Haven Health’s accelerated CRNA within just 36 months.
Admission Requirements: To apply for Yale New Haven Health’s accelerated CRNA program for non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders, you must have an accredited baccalaureate degree in science with a GPA of at least 3.0. In addition, the program also requires a valid and unencumbered RN license in the United States. Also, at least 18 months of critical care nursing experience is required. The program also needs applicants to have an ACLS, CCRN, and PALS certification.
Why Choose Yale New Haven Health Accelerated CRNA
• Yale New Haven Health’s CRNA students receive extensive clinical training at Yale New Haven Hospital, a Magnet-recognized hospital. Learning opportunities are provided in the operating room and other areas of critical care.Program Length: 36 Months
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: At The University of Kansas, you can complete both phases of the CRNA program within just 36 months.
Admission Requirements: For admission into the University of Kansas CRNA program, a bachelor’s degree in science with a GPA of at least 3.0 is required. The program also requires an active and unencumbered RN license. Additionally, at least one year of critical care nursing experience is required. Other admission requirements include completion of prerequisite courses and submission of transcripts, recommendation letters, a resume, and a personal goal statement.
Why Choose University of Kansas Accelerated CRNA
• The University of Kansas offers competitive tuition costs. Therefore, CRNA students obtain excellent quality education without breaking the bank.Program Length: 36 Months
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: Albany Medical College can make you a doctorally prepared CRNA within as little as 36 months.
Admission Requirements: Albany Medical College’s accelerated nurse anesthesia program for non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders requires a bachelor’s degree in a science field. The minimum required GPA is 3.0. The program requires an active and unencumbered RN license in the United States. To qualify for admission, you must have at least two years of critical care experience. It is also preferred that you have some shadowing experience with a CRNA. To complete the admission requirements, submission of transcripts, a resume, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement is required.
Why Choose Albany Medical College Accelerated CRNA
• Albany Medical College’s CRNA students practice skills at the Albany Med Health System and some of the leading healthcare facilities in New York State.Program Length: 36 Months
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: At Bryan College of Health Sciences, you can complete the accelerated CRNA program within as little as 36 months.
Admission Requirements: The accelerated CRNA program for non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders, offered by Bryan College of Health Sciences is open to registered nurses who have a BS or BA degree in a related field. The program's admission requirements include an active RN license and a GPA of at least 3.0. Also, completion of prerequisite courses such as statistics, chemistry, microbiology, anatomy, and physiology is required. To complete the admission requirements, you must be prepared to submit your transcripts, a resume, an essay, and letters of recommendation.
Why Choose Bryan College of Health Sciences Accelerated CRNA
• Bryan College of Health Sciences prepares CRNA graduates for professional success, no wonder the program reports a 100% placement rate of its graduates.Program Length: 36 Months
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: You should be able to complete Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s CRNA program within just 36 months of full-time study.
Admission Requirements: For admission into Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s accelerated nurse anesthesia program, you must have a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field with a GPA of at least 2.75. To qualify, you must have an active RN license in Minnesota. In addition, at least one year of critical care nursing experience is required. The program also requires the submission of transcripts, a resume, a personal goal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Why Choose Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Accelerated CRNA
• Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s accelerated CRNA program consistently reports a 100% placement rate over the last 10 years.Program Length: 36 Months
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: Well, because Webster University offers its CRNA program in an accelerated format, you can complete it within just 36 months.
Admission Requirements: If you want to apply for Webster University’s CRNA program, you must have an active RN license either in Missouri, Illinois, or Kentucky. The program also requires applicants to have a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Also, besides having completed prerequisite courses in chemistry & physics, at least one year of critical care nursing experience is required. A current ACLS, BLS, and CCRN certification is also required. To complete the admission process, submission of official transcripts, a current resume, and three letters of reference are required.
Why Choose Webster University Accelerated CRNA
• Webster University’s accelerated CRNA program for non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders is taught by an expert faculty that comprises leading researchers and practitioners.Program Length: 36 Months
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: Missouri State University’s CRNA program can be completed within just 36 months.
Admission Requirements: Missouri State University’s CRNA program accepts applications from registered nurses who have a bachelor's degree in an appropriate field. The program also requires applicants to have at least one year of critical care experience and a current certification in BLS, ACLS, and PALS. Applicants must also be prepared to submit their transcripts, a resume, a personal goal statement, a copy of the RN license, and references.
Why Choose Missouri State University Accelerated CRNA
• Missouri State University’s accelerated CRNA is taught under the close mentorship of an expert faculty who is invested in your academic and professional success.Program Length: 36 Months
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: Union’s accelerated nurse anesthesia program for non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders can be completed within just 36 months.
Admission Requirements: Union University’s CRNA admissions are offered on a rolling basis. Therefore, it is preferable for you to apply early. To qualify for admission, you must have a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field with a GPA of 3.0. Applicants must also have at least one year of critical care nursing experience. Also, a valid and unencumbered RN license is required. To complete your application, you must be prepared to submit your transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a copy of your valid RN license.
Why Choose Union University Accelerated CRNA
• Union University’s accelerated CRNA offers an excellent education that is Christ-centered and people-focused.Program Length: 36 Months
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The CRNA program at the University of Tulsa can be completed within 36 months of full-time study.
Admission Requirements: To qualify for admission into the University of Tulsa’s CRNA program, you must be a registered nurse with an accredited bachelor’s degree in a science field. The program also requires applicants to have an active BLS, ACLS, or PALS certification. Also, the completion of a minimum of one year of critical care nursing experience is required. To fulfill the admission requirements, submission of transcripts, letters of recommendation, a resume, and a personal essay is required.
Why Choose University of Tulsa Accelerated CRNA
• University of Tulsa’s CRNA students are mentored in small-sized classes where close interactions are encouraged. Students are nurtured by a dedicated faculty who are leading practitioners and researchers.Program Length: 36 Months
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: You can complete the University of Evansville’s CRNA program within 36 months of continuous enrollment.
Admission Requirements: The admission checklist for the University of Evansville’s accelerated CRNA program includes a bachelor’s degree in a science field and a GPA of at least 3.0. In addition, an unencumbered and active RN license in your state of practice must be possessed. The program also requires applicants to have at least one year of ICU experience. Besides, completion of undergraduate courses in statistics and chemistry is needed. The checklist also includes the submission of three letters of reference, transcripts, and a statement of purpose.
Why Choose University of Evansville Accelerated CRNA
• University of Evansville’s CRNA program provides meaningful learning opportunities in anesthesia practice and research.Program Length: 36 Months
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: On a full-time basis, you should be able to complete the University of Michigan-Flint’s CRNA program within 36 months.
Admission Requirements: The University of Michigan-Flint’s accelerated CRNA program for non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders accepts applications from active registered nurses who have a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate biological science. The admission requirements also include at least one year of work experience in critical care nursing and current employment in an acute care setting. In addition, a current BLS, ACLS, and PALS certification is required. To apply, you must be prepared to submit your transcripts, recommendation letters, a resume, and a personal statement.
Why Choose University of Michigan-Flint Accelerated CRNA
• University of Michigan-Flint’s CRNA program offers clinical training at more than 25 clinical sites throughout the state. Students receive a diverse learning experience and are desired by employers for their thorough clinical preparedness.Program Length: 36 Months
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The full-time CRNA program at Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia, can be completed within just 36 months of full-time enrollment.
Admission Requirements: The admission requirements for the Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia’s CRNA program include a BS or BA degree with a GPA of at least 3.0. The program also requires a current and unencumbered RN license. Also, it is preferred that applicants have at least 1.5 years of nursing experience in adult critical care. In addition, a BLS, PALS, and ACLS certification is required. To apply, submission of transcripts, three references, a personal letter, and a copy of your current RN license is required.
Why Choose Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia Accelerated CRNA
• Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia is not only one of the largest for anesthesia studies but also the region’s only accredited school meant solely for anesthesia education.Program Length: 36 Months
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The accelerated format of St. Elizabeth Health Center’s CRNA program allows you to graduate within 36 months of full-time study.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for St. Elizabeth Health Center’s CRNA program, you must have a bachelor’s degree in a science field. The program also requires at least one year of critical care experience at the time of applying. Besides, a valid and unencumbered RN license is required. The program also requires the completion of an undergraduate course in statistics. Other admission requirements include the submission of transcripts, a resume, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Why Choose St. Elizabeth Health Center Accelerated CRNA
• St. Elizabeth Health Center’s accelerated CRNA program is taught by faculty members who are currently practicing in anesthesia.Program Length: 36 Months
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: AdventHealth University’s accelerated nurse anesthesia program for non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders takes 36 months to complete.
Admission Requirements: For admission into AdventHealth University’s accelerated CRNA program, you must have a bachelor’s degree in a related field with a GPA of at least 3.0. The program also requires an active and unencumbered RN license. Also, all the pre-requisite courses must be completed. To submit your application, you must be prepared to include your transcripts, resume, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Why Choose AdventHealth University Accelerated CRNA
• AdventHealth University’s CRNA program emphasizes clinical training and offers students ample clinical training at its state-of-the-art simulation lab, after which students sharpen clinical skills in real-world healthcare settings.Program Length: 36 Months
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: Keiser University’s CRNA can be completed in just 36 months.
Admission Requirements: Keiser University’s admission checklist includes an accredited bachelor’s degree in science with a GPA of at least 3.0. Also, an active and unencumbered RN license is required. Additionally, applicants must have completed pre-requisite courses. The application requirements also require the submission of transcripts, a resume, a personal goal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Why Choose Keiser University Accelerated CRNA
• Keiser University’s CRNA students study in small-sized classes where they can interact closely with peers and faculty.Program Length: 36 Months
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: To complete the CRNA program at Integrated Anesthesia Associates, all it takes is 36 months of full-time study.
Admission Requirements: For potential applicants of the CRNA program at Integrated Anesthesia Associates, a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of at least 3.0. Further, an active RN license is required. Besides, BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications are required. In addition, you must be prepared to submit a personal statement, a resume, transcripts, and letters of recommendation.
Why Choose Integrated Anesthesia Associates Accelerated CRNA
• Integrated Anesthesia Associates is the largest independent anesthesia practice in the state of Connecticut.Hourly | $69.17 |
Weekly | $2,767 |
Monthly | $11,990 |
Annual | $143,870 |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
Hourly | $98.93 |
Weekly | $3,957 |
Monthly | $17,150 |
Annual | $205,770 |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
State | Average Annual Salary |
Alabama | $191,200 |
Arizona | $179,730 |
California | $246,510 |
Colorado | $185,860 |
Connecticut | $240,580 |
Delaware | $198,070 |
Florida | $174,390 |
Georgia | $190,800 |
Idaho | $181,110 |
Illinois | $238,440 |
Indiana | $220,020 |
Iowa | $211,010 |
Kansas | $169,410 |
Kentucky | $235,260 |
Louisiana | $179,140 |
Maine | $214,930 |
Maryland | $182,710 |
Massachusetts | $204,690 |
Michigan | $199,690 |
Minnesota | $222,540 |
Mississippi | $184,390 |
Missouri | $205,190 |
Montana | $203,430 |
Nebraska | $225,590 |
New Hampshire | $215,970 |
New Jersey | $232,630 |
New Mexico | $215,240 |
New York | $238,710 |
North Carolina | $214,740 |
Ohio | $197,630 |
Oklahoma | $168,470 |
Oregon | $205,920 |
Pennsylvania | $203,620 |
South Carolina | $195,840 |
South Dakota | $223,200 |
Tennessee | $174,170 |
Texas | $208,940 |
Vermont | $228,710 |
Virginia | $215,530 |
Washington | $222,610 |
West Virginia | $229,430 |
Wisconsin | $230,270 |
Wyoming | $205,270 |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
2021-31 | |
+11.73% | |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |