3 Best CRNA Schools in Louisiana – 2025


Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

Should enrolling in one of the CRNA programs in Louisiana be your next professional move? It could be if you’re an RN in the Bayou State with a talent for communication and a flair for clinical procedures that require manual dexterity. CRNAs are charged with providing anesthesia and airway support during surgical operations, cardiac catheterizations, and other invasive procedures. CRNA programs in the Bayou State are demanding, but graduates say they’re worth it. On average, a CRNA in Louisiana earns $179,140 annually, and employment opportunities in this field are expected to increase by 2 percent in the next 10 years. Find out more by looking through this list of the 3 best CRNA schools in Louisiana for 2025.



RECOMMENDED ONLINE NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS

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

(Based on our ranking methodology, the following are the 3 Best Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Programs in Louisiana (Online & Campus).)

1. Louisiana State University Health-New Orleans - New Orleans


Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP


About the School: Louisiana State University Health-New Orleans gets counted among the best CRNA schools in Louisiana. A Center of Excellence in nursing education, obtaining your CRNA training here will prepare you for the several challenges of nurse anesthesia practice. With an emphasis on clinical expertise, the school provides excellent simulation training at its high-fidelity simulation and hospital labs.

Program Overview: Louisiana State University Health-New Orleans CRNA is a 36-month, non-stop, full-time program. Blending clinical experiences with didactic courses, the program prepares you for the CRNA certification exam. While each semester of this program is continuous with the next, you’ll be able to take short breaks in between semesters.

The BSN to DNP-CRNA curriculum requires completing a total of 138 semesters credits. During the first year, you’ll mainly complete didactic courses that teach you concepts in organization & leadership, foundations of nursing, epidemiology, advanced health assessment, advanced pharmacology, informatics, analysis & management, and principles of anesthesia.

In the second year of this certified registered nurse anesthetist program in Louisiana, you’ll complete clinical experiences in nursing anesthesia and learn about the advanced principles of anesthesia.

The third year mainly consists of clinical experiences, practicing nursing anesthesia in a variety of settings and specialties. On average, CRNA students complete at least 850 cases. In the third year, students also complete a DNP project where they apply anesthesia knowledge to solve a healthcare issue.

Admission Requirements: To apply for Louisiana State University Health-New Orleans CRNA program, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0., the average undergraduate GPA is around 3.4. Also, the program requires you to have an active and unencumbered RN license in LA. Other application requirements include having at least a year of critical care nursing experience. Further, to complete your application, you must make submissions of documents, including your resume, personal goal statement, three references, and your official transcripts.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Louisiana State University Health-New Orleans CRNA Students

• Louisiana State University Health-New Orleans CRNA program has won many accolades and being ranked by the U.S. News & World Report is just one of them.
• Louisiana State University Health-New Orleans CRNA program reports a consistently high placement rate. Almost all graduates get hired soon upon graduation.
• Louisiana State University Health-New Orleans offers generous financial aid and scholarship opportunities to make your CRNA education affordable.


2. Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University - Baton Rouge


Programs Offered: DNP-NA


About the School: If you are searching for CRNA schools in Louisiana that offer a faith-based learning environment, then Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is a great option. A Catholic school, the school is a non-profit that is committed to serving the community.

Program Overview: Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University’s CRNA program requires 36 months of full-time study. The blended curriculum combines online classes with on-campus classes. The program comprises 100 credits and includes 2,500 hours of clinical practice.

This CRNA program in Louisiana emphasizes safe evidence-based patient care, and begins with didactic courses, leading to rigorous clinical experiences.

The curriculum covers topics including biostatistics & epidemiology, bioethics, leading & managing health care systems, decisions science & informatics, health policy, translational research, and basic & advanced principles of anesthesia practice. Also, included are lab and clinical courses, in addition to the DNP project.

Admission Requirements: To qualify for Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University’s DNP-NA program, you must have an accredited bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The average number of students accepted into the program is around 3.6. Further, you must have an active and unencumbered RN license in LA. The program also requires you to have BLS, ACLS, and CCRN certifications. To meet the admission requirements, you must have at least one year of work experience in critical nursing care.

To complete your application you must submit three letters of recommendation, an essay, a resume, and all your official transcripts.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University CRNA Students

• Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University CRNA stands out for offering unique learning experiences, including the Maverick Medical Education workshops, POCUS, and high-fidelity simulation.
• Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University CRNA students complete their real-world clinical training at a variety of clinical sites, including the school’s 18 clinical partners.
• Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University’s CRNA program offers several financial aid options to make your CRNA education affordable.


3. Northwestern State University of Louisiana - Natchitoches


Programs Offered: DNP-NA


About the School: A leading nursing school in the Pelican State, the University of Louisiana is among the sought-after CRNA schools in Louisiana. Through innovative education, service, and research, the school has transformed the lives of its diverse student population. With more than 70 years of nursing education, the school has constantly stayed abreast of the changes in the nursing field.

Program Overview: Northwestern State University of Louisiana’s DNP-NA program is offered in the cohort format. Spanning nine semesters, the CRNA program includes 3136 hours of clinical training.

The coursework is offered sequentially, starting with foundational courses and then progressing to more advanced topics. You’ll learn about concepts in clinical prevention & population health, epidemiology, biostatistics, organizational theory & systems leadership, and healthcare informatics. In addition, you’ll also take classes in healthcare policy, advocacy & transformation, and global healthcare advocacy & transformation. This CRNA program in Louisiana also teaches you the principles of nurse anesthesia practice.

To finally earn your DNP-CRNA degree, you’ll complete six practicum courses and your DNP scholarly project, after which you’ll be eligible to take the CRNA certification exam.

Admission Requirements: As a potential applicant for Northwestern State University of Louisiana’s CRNA program, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, you must have an active RN license. The program also requires you to have certifications in BLS, and ACLS. Additionally, you must have at least one year of work experience in critical care.

To complete the application process, you must submit documents, including your resume, three letters of recommendation, an essay, and your official transcripts.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Northwestern State University of Louisiana CRNA Students

• Northwestern State University of Louisiana’s CRNA program is taught by experienced faculty who play impactful roles. Faculty members actively participate as leaders and members of nursing organizations at both, the state and national levels.
• Northwestern State University of Louisiana’s CRNA program offers financial assistance to eligible CRNA students.
• Northwestern State University of Louisiana’s CRNA program boasts of an excellent job placement rate, having almost all graduates find suitable employment within six months of graduation.


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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


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

As per the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA), currently there are 3 accredited CRNA schools in Louisiana that offer a total of 4 Nurse Anesthesia programs.

Program Type #
MSNA0
DNAP 3
Post-Master's Certificate 0
DNAP Completion 1
Total 4



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