4 Best CRNA Schools in Kentucky – 2025


Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

Are you thinking about becoming a CRNA in Kentucky? Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists provide analgesia and airway management during surgical procedures throughout the Bluegrass State, and increasingly, they’re also providing clinical support services outside operating suites. Make no mistake: CRNA programs in Kentucky are challenging. But once you graduate, you’ll enter a field with plentiful employment opportunities, and CRNAs in Kentucky can expect to earn a salary of $235,260. Becoming a CRNA is an excellent career path for any nurse with a knack for clinical procedures and a fascination with physiology. Want to learn more? This guide to the 4 best CRNA schools in Kentucky for 2025 is an excellent place to start.



RECOMMENDED ONLINE NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS

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

(Based on our ranking methodology, the following are the 4 Best Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Programs in Kentucky (Online & Campus).)

1. Murray State University - Madisonville


Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP


About the School: When counting the best CRNA schools in Kentucky, you cannot miss Murray State University. Offering high-quality, affordable education, the school has produced leaders in nursing anesthesia. With more than 100 years of excellence in education, the school has trained professionals who serve across the globe.

Program Overview: Murray State’s CRNA program consists of 84 credits and takes three years to complete. This CRNA program in Kentucky is offered in a blended format, with the first two semesters being 100% online. During the remaining semesters, courses are offered in the hybrid format. The clinical training which forms an integral part of your CRNA program starts in the second year.

In the first year, you’ll take foundational courses covering various topics including, philosophy of science, pathophysiology, nursing ethics, biostatistics, advanced nursing assessment, theory & concept analysis, and principles of epidemiology.

In the second year, you'll focus on topics such as advanced nursing research & evidence-based practice, advanced pharmacology, leadership, and management of systems, quality improvement, and the principles & practice of nurse anesthesia.

The third year of the program mainly entails completing clinical training with few didactic courses integrated into the curriculum. The clinical experiences take place in a variety of healthcare settings. In addition to completing a didactic course in health policy, the program also entails completing a DNP seminar. Upon completion of the program, you’ll be eligible to take the CRNA certification exam.

Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission into Murray State University’s CRNA program, you must have an accredited BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Further, an active RN license in Kentucky is also required. To fulfill the admission requirements, you must be prepared to submit your official transcripts, three professional references, a personal goal statement, and a resume. The program also requires you to have active certifications in BLS, PALS, ACLS, and CCRN.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Murray State University CRNA Students

• Murray State University’s CRNA program is one of the most affordable CRNA programs in Kentucky. Further, regardless of your residency, you’ll pay in-state tuition fees.
• Murray State University CRNA students are provided with diverse clinical experiences in specialized and rural healthcare settings.
• Murray State University’s CRNA program boasts of an excellent pass rate on the CRNA certification exam. Aside from this, the program reports almost all graduates to find suitable placements within six months of graduation.
• Murray State University’s CRNA program is taught by expert faculty who support you at every step of your CRNA journey.


2. Northern Kentucky University - Highland Heights


Programs Offered: BSN-DNP and Post-Master's CRNA


About the School: Among the U.S. News & World Report’s highly ranked nursing schools in the nation, Northern Kentucky University is a reputable CRNA school in Kentucky. In a student-centric environment, where close connections can be built, the school grooms nurse anesthetists for fulfilling and rewarding careers in the field of anesthesia care.

BSN-DNP Program Overview: NKU’s BSN to DNP-CRNA program takes your baccalaureate in nursing education straight to the doctoral level. Leading to the CRNA certification, the program requires three years of full-time study. While the initial semesters are spent completing the didactic courses, the remaining portion is mainly clinical with few didactic courses spaced out in between.

In the first year of this certified registered nurse anesthetist program in Kentucky, you learn about various topics such as physiology & pathophysiology, chemistry & physics, physiology & pathophysiology, and theory & research for evidence-based and advanced health assessment. The first year also includes simulation training, allowing the simultaneous application of theoretical knowledge.

The second year includes classes in epidemiology, population health, and the advanced principles of anesthesia. The curriculum also prepares you for organizational & systems leadership. You also learn about the economics of healthcare and healthcare informatics.

The final & third year of the program mainly consists of anesthesia practical experiences. The last year also requires you to complete a DNP project and an anesthesia seminar.

Post-Master's CRNA Program Overview: NKU’s post-masters program prepares master’s prepared CRNAs with a terminal nursing degree. The program comprises 37 credits and can be completed within six semesters. The coursework is offered through 100% online classes with no on-campus requirements. Therefore, if you are working, you’ll be able to continue with your full-time employment while pursuing this program.

The program includes doctoral courses and a nurse anesthesia practicum. Also, you’ll require completing a DNP project. Some of the doctoral topics you’ll learn about include health policy leadership, theory & research, epidemiology, the economics of healthcare, quality improvement strategies, organizational leadership, and role development in nurse anesthesia.

Admission Requirements: NKU’s BSN to DNP program is open to baccalaureate-prepared nurses who have an active RN license, whereas to be eligible for the MSN to DNP-CRNA program, you must be a nurse anesthetist, prepared at the master's level.

To apply to either of NKU’s CRNA programs, your GPA must be at least 3.0. Further, you must submit recommendation letters, your transcripts, a resume, and a personal goal statement to complete your application.

Further, both programs require you to have completed the prescribed pre-requite courses.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Northern Kentucky University CRNA Students

• Northern Kentucky University CRNA program offers simulation training in its advanced simulation lab which is also accredited by the Society of Simulation in Healthcare. Being the only accredited simulation center in the Commonwealth, NKU is among the 183 simulation centers nationwide to receive full accreditation.
• Northern Kentucky University CRNA students gain real-world clinical practice at some of the best hospitals and healthcare centers in the Greater Cincinnati area.
• Northern Kentucky University’s CRNA program reports a 100% employment rate, having all graduates placed within six months of graduation.


3. University of Louisville - Louisville


Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP


About the School: University of Louisville is considered one of the best CRNA schools in Kentucky and it's certainly for a good reason. In an environment where diversity is celebrated, the school strives to prepare nurse anesthetists for culture-specific care. Committed to community healthcare improvement, the school engages in extensive service-learning projects where students and faculty practice patient care skills while serving vulnerable populations.

Program Overview: University of Louisville’s CRNA program is 112 credit curriculum that spans three years of full-time study. The program covers topics such as advanced physical assessment, quality & safety, advanced anatomy & physiology, and chemistry & physics. The program also makes you proficient in evidence-based practice, advanced pathophysiology, principles of anesthesia, pharmacology, program development & evaluation, leadership & healthcare policy, and business and nurse anesthesia leadership. The program also teaches you about health promotion & disease prevention in culturally diverse & vulnerable populations.

In addition to rigorous didactic training, this certified registered nurse anesthetist program in Kentucky also includes anesthesia clinical experiences, a nurse anesthesia seminar, and a doctoral project. Upon completion of the program, you’ll be eligible to take the CRNA certification exam.

Admission Requirements: To qualify for the University of Louisville’s BSN to DNP-CRNA program, you must have an accredited BSN and a GPA of 3.0. Also, the program requires you to complete pre-requisite courses in human anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry. Further, you must possess an active and unencumbered RN license in Kentucky. The program also requires you to hold active certification in BLS, ACLS, or PALS. To be considered, applicants must preferably have two years of work experience in critical care. Also, at least 24 hours of anesthesia shadowing experience is required.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential University of Louisville CRNA Students

• University of Louisville CRNA students complete their clinical training at some of the top Louisville hospitals. The clinical training, including diverse nurse anesthesia experience, requires the completion of at least 2,880 hours.
• University of Louisville’s CRNA program allows interdisciplinary learning experiences with students and faculty of other healthcare disciplines. CRNA students can collaborate on research projects and gain valuable clinical insights.
• University of Louisville’s CRNA program offers financial aid to eligible CRNA students. To avail yourself of funding assistance, you must contact the school’s financial aid office.


4. Bellarmine University - Louisville


Programs Offered: DNP-NA


About the School: If you are searching for well-known CRNA schools in Kentucky, then you must learn about Bellarmine University. The school offers high-quality nurse anesthesia training at an affordable cost. A tight-knit college environment, here, a well-rounded education nurtures your personal and professional goals.

Program Overview: Bellarmine University’s DNP-NA program is a 36-month program that starts with two semesters of online study. The coursework covers topics such as healthcare informatics, global health policy & law, and advanced statistics for health sciences. The online courses also teach you concepts in the methods for evidence-based practice, quality improvement & patient safety, program development, implementation & evaluation, and managerial epidemiology.

From the third semester onwards, you’ll learn about the applied sciences in nurse anesthesia, and basic and advanced anesthesia principles. From the third semester onwards, you’ll also start with clinical training in nursing anesthesia. The coursework also includes advanced anatomy, physiology & pathophysiology for nursing anesthesia. Aside from this, the program includes two anesthesia seminars and a DNP project.

Admission Requirements: Bellarmine University’s DNP-NA CRNA program is designed for BSN-prepared registered nurses. To qualify for admission, you must have a GPA of at least 3.0. Further, your RN license must be active and unencumbered. You must also have at least one year of work experience in critical care. The program also requires you to have some shadowing experience with an anesthetist. Besides, you must be prepared to submit your official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Bellarmine University CRNA Students

• Bellarmine University’s CRNA students engage in a wide range of clinical experiences in prominent area hospitals. The school’s clinical affiliations with hospitals, including the Norton Hospital, Norton Women’s & Children Hospital, Baptist Health Hardin, etc. allow students to practice in all areas of nursing anesthesia.
• Bellarmine University’s CRNA program is offered in a Catholic environment where a meaningful learning experience is emphasized. Further, personalized and student-centric education prepares competent CRNAs who are ready to offer compassionate care.
• Bellarmine University’s CRNA program offers several financial aid and scholarship opportunities to eligible students.


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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


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

As per the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA), currently there are 4 accredited CRNA schools in Kentucky that offer a total of 5 Nurse Anesthesia programs.

Program Type #
MSNA0
DNAP 4
Post-Master's Certificate 0
DNAP Completion 1
Total 5



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