5 Best CRNA Schools in Michigan – 2025


Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

Are you a Michigan-based RN who enjoys being part of a team but also loves working autonomously? You may want to check out CRNA programs in Michigan. As a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, you’ll be in complete charge of managing anesthesia and airway patency for surgical patients, but you’ll also be working very closely with surgeons, nurses, and other members of the operating team. CRNA programs in the Wolverine State are rigorous, but once you’re certified, you’ll average $199,690 annually, and your employment opportunities will jump by 12 percent over the next decade. This guide to the 5 best CRNA schools in Michigan for 2025 will provide you with more information.



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

(Based on our ranking methodology, the following are the 5 Best Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Programs in Michigan (Online & Campus).)

1. University of Detroit Mercy - Detroit


Programs Offered: DNP


About the School: If you are searching for CRNA schools in Michigan that offer a Catholic environment, then the University of Detroit Mercy is an excellent option. The school is a Jesuit institution that offers faith-based education to groom compassionate nurse anesthetists. With highly accomplished alumni, graduates of the program are part of the anesthesia team, both, locally as well as nationally.

Program Overview: University of Detroit Mercy’s DNP program is known to produce excellent quality nurse anesthetists. Leading to the CRNA certification, the program prepares you with the highest level of clinical skills. The program comprises 87 credits and takes 36 months to complete.

During the first year, you’ll focus on the courses that form a strong foundation for the didactic and clinical courses in nursing anesthesia. Initially, you’ll learn about concepts in analytic methods, evidence-based practice, gross anatomy, advanced health assessment, and epidemiology & population health. Further, the program teaches you concepts in informatics, healthcare policy, economics & law, and ethical issues in healthcare. In addition, courses in basic & advanced principles of anesthesia prepare you for your role as a nurse anesthetist.

In the last 12 months of the program, you’ll gain clinical practice in all areas of nursing anesthesia. Toward the end of the program, you must complete a DNP doctoral project.

Admission Requirements: To qualify for the University of Detroit Mercy’s DNP-CRNA program, you must have a BSN from an accredited college with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, the school requires you to have at least one year of work experience in nursing critical care. To fulfill the application requirements, you must be prepared to submit three letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and a copy of your unencumbered RN license in Michigan. This certified registered nurse anesthetist program in Michigan also requires you to have an ACLS and PALS certification.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential University of Detroit Mercy CRNA Students

• University of Detroit Mercy’s CRNA program graduates, almost 100% of them, find suitable placements within six months of graduation. This is because CRNA graduates are desired for the excellent professional skillset they possess.
• University of Detroit Mercy’s CRNA program is taught by an outstanding faculty who has a great track record of excellence in education and innovation in research.
• University of Detroit Mercy’s CRNA program stands out among other CRNA programs in Michigan for the broad clinical experience it provides. Students go through clinical training at various healthcare sites in Detroit as well as in surrounding rural areas.
• University of Detroit Mercy’s CRNA program is ranked among the best in the nation according to the U.S. News & World Report.


2. Oakland University - Rochester


Programs Offered: DNP-NA


About the School: As one of the best CRNA schools in Michigan, Oakland University is recognized for its high-quality CRNA education not only in Michigan but also in the nation. Equipped with a state-of-the-art simulation center, the school sets the stage for professional success by providing rigorous clinical training experiences. Students are well-prepared to face the complex challenges of anesthesia practice. Further, with a commitment to improving patient outcomes, the school promotes holistic healthcare and therefore prepares graduates for holistic anesthesia care.

Program Overview: If you want to reach the pinnacle of nurse anesthesia practice, then Oakland University’s DNP-NA program is for you. The program equips students with the skills and knowledge to become leaders in nursing anesthesia, practice, education, and research.

The program comprises 87 credits and requires 36 months of full-time study. In the beginning, the program requires you to complete didactic courses, after which you continue to complete the clinical requirements.

During the first year of this CRNA program in Michigan, you learn about concepts in advanced pharmacology, evidence-based practice, and advanced pathophysiology, and biophysics & chemistry. You’ll also complete a nurse anesthesia clinical internship and learn about nursing & healthcare informatics & leadership.

In the second year of the program, the curriculum covers topics such as regional anesthesia & pain management, advanced health assessment, and health systems policy & regulation. During the third year of the program, you take courses in clinical prevention & population health and organizational & systems leadership. The final year of the program also entails completing clinical, your DNP project, and a review course.

Admission Requirements: Oakland University’s CRNA program selects students with a strong academic & professional background. It is recommended that you submit your application early to enhance your odds of admission. To be considered for admission, foremost, you must have BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Additionally, the program requires you to have completed pre-requisite courses in pharmacology & biochemistry. Besides, at least one year of critical nursing is required. You must also be prepared to submit a copy of your active RN license, transcripts, resume, and letters of recommendation. Further, active certification in BLS, ACLS, PALS, and CCRN is also required.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Oakland University CRNA Students

• Oakland University’s CRNA program has received acclaim for the excellent quality anesthesia training it offers. The program ranks among the U.S. News & World Report’s best nurse anesthesia programs in the nation.
• Oakland University’s CRNA program not only boasts a 100% employment rate, but the program also has an attrition rate of 0%.
• Oakland University’s CRNA students gain practice experience at some of the top hospitals and healthcare centers in the Detroit metropolitan area.


3. Michigan State University - East Lansing


Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP


About the School: If you are keen on entering the nursing anesthesia workforce in MI, then you must consider obtaining your degree from one the best CRNA schools in Michigan such as the Michigan State University. Founded in 1950, the school has played a significant role in contributing to the nursing workforce in MI. The school employs highly accomplished faculty members who bring their years of practice experience to the CRNA classroom.

Program Overview: Michigan State University’s BSN to DNP-CRNA program is a 36-month curriculum that prepares you with a terminal nursing degree. The doctoral program, leading to the CRNA certification is rigorous and strongly discourages employment, especially during the latter five to six semesters.

The 92-credit DNP-CRNA curriculum prepares graduates for competent anesthesia care, emphasizing the underserved and underrepresented populations. To start with, the program lays a solid foundation in topics such as healthcare informatics, clinical epidemiology, health policy & advocacy, patient safety, quality improvement, and quality management. The program then progresses to anesthesia-related courses, including topics such as physical assessment, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and basic & advanced principles of anesthesia. In addition, the program includes six practicum courses and two anesthesia seminars.

Admission Requirements: Michigan State University’s BSN to DNP-CRNA program is open to BSN graduates with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Besides, you must have an active RN license in MI. This CRNA program in Michigan also requires you to have at least one year of critical care nursing experience. The admission requirements also include completion of a statistics course, submission of an essay, three letters of recommendation, and your official transcripts.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Michigan State University CRNA Students

• Michigan State University’s CRNA program not only reports a 0% attrition rate but also boasts a 100% employment rate. The data is an excellent indication of the result-oriented training that students receive.
• Michigan State University’s CRNA program provides a wide range of clinical experiences in various specialties and procedures. Some of the prominent clinical sites include St. John’s Hospital & Medical Center, Sparrow Medical Center, and St. John Macomb Hospital.
• Michigan State University’s CRNA program offers several resources that provide students with funding opportunities. To know if you are eligible for funding assistance, you must contact the school’s financial aid office.


4. Wayne State University - Detroit


Programs Offered: DNAP


About the School: The nation’s first school to award a bachelor’s degree in nursing anesthesia, Wayne State University stands out among the other CRNA schools in Michigan. With more than 50 years of nursing anesthesia education, the school has progressively transitioned from baccalaureate to master's and doctoral education in nursing anesthesia. Located right in the center of Detroit, the school has over the years, continuously strived to increase the marketability of its graduates by staying in tune with the latest trends in anesthesia care.

Program Overview: Wayne State University’s DNAP program is a comprehensive curriculum that requires the completion of 87 credits over nine semesters. Unlike other CRNA programs in Michigan that start clinical training much later, this program integrates clinical experiences starting from the second semester. The simultaneous application of theoretical knowledge not only aids in learning but also prepares students with more robust clinical training by the time they graduate.

The curriculum covers a broad range of topics, including, advanced health assessment, advanced pharmacology, advanced physiology, principles of anesthesia, research & statistics, healthcare policy, ethics in healthcare, and leadership in anesthesia. The program also includes eight anesthesia practicums and the DNAP project completion.

Admission Requirements: Wayne State’s CRNA program requires you to fulfill the application requirements which include a BSN, an active RN license, and a GPA of not less than 3.0. Additionally, you must have completed pre-requisite courses in chemistry, physiology, or microbiology. Further, ACLS, PALs, and CCRN certifications are required. The program also requires you to have at least one year of critical care experience and some shadowing experience in anesthesia is required. To fulfill the admission requirements, you must be prepared to submit your statement, three professional references, and your official transcripts.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Wayne State University CRNA Students

• Wayne State University CRNA students benefit from an interprofessional and collaborative learning environment. Because the CRNA school is close to the School of Medicine and other teaching hospitals, students can enhance learning through regular interaction with the faculty and students of other health disciplines.
• Wayne State University CRNA students can pursue a pediatric fellowship at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan. The fellowship is meant for CRNAs who are interested in earning a certification in pediatric anesthesia.
• Wayne State University’s CRNA program offers the unique advantage of earning a dual degree of a DNAP and a Ph.D. in Pharmacology. This dual qualification, offered in partnership with the pharmacology department greatly enhances your career prospects and earning potential.
• Wayne State University CRNA students practice clinical skills at some of the prominent healthcare centers that are located a stone’s throw away from the campus.


5. University of Michigan-Flint - Flint


Programs Offered: DNAP (Entry-Level)


About the School: University of Michigan-Flint is a sought-after CRNA school in Michigan that prepares you for a rewarding career in nursing anesthesia. Located in the heart of the city, the school offers excellent learning and placement opportunities within close proximity of the campus. With over six decades of excellence in education, the school has built strong relations with industry leaders, training students to play impactful roles in healthcare.

Program Overview: University of Michigan-Flint’s CRNA program spans 36 months of full-time study. The program prepares you for the CRNA certification exam through a combination of online and on-campus classes. The 92-credit curriculum comprises 46 courses. Offered in the cohort format, the program requires you to score a grade of at least grade B in all the courses.

To complete the program, you’ll take classes in the principles of anesthesia, organization & administration for nurse anesthetists, health policy, anatomy & physiology, pharmacology, financial management, research, and crisis resource management. Also, you’ll learn about the ethical issues in healthcare, management of acute & chronic pain, and evidence-based anesthesia practice. The curriculum also includes classes on the current topics of anesthesia. Further, the program also includes seven practicum courses in various areas of nursing anesthesia.

Admission Requirements: University of Michigan-Flint’s CRNA program is open to BSN graduates who have an active and unencumbered RN license. Further, the applicant must have a GPA of at least 3.0. Further, this certified registered nurse anesthetist program in Michigan requires you to have at least one year of experience in critical care nursing. You must also have active certifications in BLS, ACLA, and PALS. Completed applications must also include official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, an essay, and a copy of your unrestricted RN license.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential University of Michigan-Flint CRNA Students

• The University of Michigan-Flint CRNA program has demonstrated a consistent track record of achieving a 100% pass rate on the CRNA certification.
• The University of Michigan-Flint CRNA program offers an individualized learning environment in its small-sized classes. Students closely work with faculty to fulfill their academic and career goals.
• The University of Michigan-Flint CRNA program offers low & high-fidelity simulation training. The ample simulation practice equips students with skills in critical thinking and clinical reasoning.
• The University of Michigan-Flint CRNA program offers extensive training at 25 of its clinical affiliates.


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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


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

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

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



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