2 Best CRNA Schools in Arizona – 2025


Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

Have you got what it takes to be a CRNA in Arizona? Graduates of CRNA programs in Arizona enter a profession where demand is high for the services they provide: In the Grand Canyon State, employment opportunities for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists are expected to rise by a whopping 33 percent over the next decade, and the average salary is $179,730 annually. You’ll need to have excellent critical thinking and communication skills and know how to keep your cool in emergency situations. This sounds like you, doesn’t it? This list of the 2 best CRNA schools in Arizona for 2025 is a great place to start.



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WHAT ARE THE BEST CRNA SCHOOLS IN ARIZONA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025?

(Based on our ranking methodology, the following are the 2 Best Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Programs in Arizona (Online & Campus).)

1. Midwestern University-Glendale - Glendale


Programs Offered: DNAP (Entry Into Practice) and DNAP (Completion)


About the School: If you are seeking to enroll in one of the best CRNA schools in Arizona, then Midwestern University-Glendale can be an excellent choice. With more than 25,000 alumni members, the school’s graduates are working in leading healthcare facilities across the nation. Aside from this, being a non-profit, the school offers affordable tuition costs, so you’ll be able to graduate with a CRNA degree without breaking the bank.

DNAP (Entry Into Practice) Program Overview: Midwestern University’s Entry Into Practice DNAP program is designed for registered nurses who are keen on becoming certified nurse anesthetists. The program comprises three phases. The first phase of three quarters is 100% online, so you can continue working as a registered nurse. The first phase is nine months long and mainly builds your knowledge of concepts of nursing leadership, research methods, and healthcare policy.

The next 12 months of the second phase of the DNAP program mainly comprise didactic courses and requires you to attend in-person class lectures. You’ll take courses, covering the basic and advanced concepts in nurse anesthesia.

The final 15 months of the program are spent in clinical rotations. This is the most crucial part of the practice where you’ll gain clinical practice in nurse anesthesia. You’ll receive training in sites ranging from rural to urban and also in various specialties, including, cardiology, pediatrics, obstetrics, etc. After completion of this phase, you’ll be prepared to take the CRNA certification exam.

DNAP (Completion) Program Overview: Midwestern University’s DNAP completion program is meant for CRNAs who desire a practice-focused doctorate. The program builds on your CRNA education and makes you a clinical expert who can impact change in anesthesia nursing care. You can complete this certified registered nurse anesthetist program in Arizona within one year of full-time study or two years of part-time enrolment.

Admission Requirements: To be eligible for Midwestern University’s Entry into Practice DNAP program, you must have BSN from an accredited university. In addition, your GPA must be at least 3.0. Also, you must have at least one year of critical care experience before you apply. The school also requires you to have an active and unencumbered RN license in the US.

As a potential applicant for the DNAP Completion Program, you must have a master's in nurse anesthesia. Also, you must carry an active RN and CRNA license.

Midwestern University accepts applications on a rolling basis, so you should apply early.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Midwestern University-Glendale CRNA Students

• Midwestern University-Glendale CRNA graduates report an excellent pass rate on the nurse anesthesia certification exam.
• Midwestern University-Glendale CRNA program has a very low attrition rate. What's more, the program boasts of a 100% placement rate, having its graduates placed in all types of anesthesia settings. This is a great indicator of the program’s satisfying learning experience and successful professional outcome.
• Midwestern University-Glendale CRNA students benefit from interprofessional learning experiences between its various healthcare disciplines. The faculty and students of both the DNAP programs collaborate with other healthcare programs to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and learning.


2. University of Arizona - Tucson


Programs Offered: DNP


About the School: Are you wondering what makes the University of Arizona feature as one of the best CRNA schools in Arizona? Well, a top-notch faculty, well-rounded CRNA education, and excellent clinical experiences are some of the reasons why this school stands out.

Program Overview: University of Arizona’s DNP-CRNA program is offered in a hybrid format and takes three years of full-time study to complete. This CRNA program in Arizona comprising 86 credits builds on your MSN education.

In the first year, you’ll learn about theoretical concepts in human gross anatomy, pharmacotherapeutics, the foundation of nurse anesthesiology, advanced physiology & pathophysiology, and evidence-based practice. In addition to the didactic courses, the first year also includes simulation training to enable the concurrent application of theoretical concepts.

The next year into the program, you’ll require completing two immersive experiences along with a clinical intensive. Aside from this, you’ll also take didactic courses, including health assessment, healthcare informatics, organizational leadership, and anesthetic implications.

The third & final year of the program mainly entails completing a clinical residency.

This DNP-CRNA program requires completing at least 2,250 hours of clinical practice to be eligible for the CRNA certification exam.

Admission Requirements: To apply to the University of Arizona’s DNP-CRNA program, you must have an MSN with a GPA of at least 3.0. The program also requires you to have an active RN license. Also, you must have completed pre-requisite courses in chemistry, biology, human anatomy & physiology, and statistics with at least a grade of C. To complete your application, you must submit one professional reference, transcripts, and your resume.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential University of Arizona CRNA Students

• The University of Arizona DNP-CRNA program is one of the best CRNA programs in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.
• University of Arizona’s DNP-CRNA program boasts of an excellent pass rate on the CRNA certification exam.
• University of Arizona DNP-CRNA students first start with the cadaver lab and then gain practice experiences in a variety of clinical settings, including rural settings, academic settings, and almost all specialties.


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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


What are the Total Number of Accredited CRNA Schools in Arizona?

As per the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA), currently there are 2 accredited CRNA schools in Arizona that offer a total of 3 Nurse Anesthesia programs.

Program Type #
MSNA0
DNAP 2
Post-Master's Certificate 0
DNAP Completion 1
Total 3



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