2 Best CRNA Schools in South Carolina – 2025


Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

Do you have the chops to become a CRNA in South Carolina? In South Carolina, Certified Registered Nurse Aestheticists work closely with surgeons, nurses, and operating room techs to maintain the safety of patients during surgeries and other invasive medical interventions. CRNA programs in South Carolina will teach you to think critically and perform procedures such as central line insertions and intubations. They’re challenging programs, but their rewards are great: On average, CRNAs in South Carolina make $195,840 a year, and demand for what they do is projected to rise by 15 percent over the next decade. This list of the 2 best CRNA schools in South Carolina for 2025 is an excellent place to get started.



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

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

1. Medical University of South Carolina - Charleston


Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP


About the School: The Medical University of South Carolina can be your go-to school if you are seeking high-quality CRNA education in SC. Among the best CRNA schools in South Carolina, the school has a track record of producing competent and compassionate CRNAs who have significantly contributed to the field of anesthesia. Through rigorous clinical practice, innovative research, and excellence in education the school has effectively met the health needs of South Carolina. Here, based on your previous nursing degree, you can enroll either in the BSN to DNP-CRNA or MSN to DNP-CRNA pathway.

BSN-to-DNP Program Overview: MUSC’s BSN-to-DNP-CRNA program is a comprehensive curriculum that requires the completion of 118 credits. The program, leading to the terminal nursing degree, prepares you for the CRNA certification exam.

This CRNA program in South Carolina spans nine semesters of full-time study. Some of the topics covered include informatics, research methods, chemistry & physics of anesthesia, evidence-based practice, health assessment, foundations of leadership, and pharmacology. The program also includes courses in pain management, teaching & learning, and the basic & advanced principles of nursing anesthesia. Also, in addition to five anesthesia practicum courses, the program includes four DNAP seminar courses.

MSN-to-DNP Program Overview: This MSN-to-DNP program is designed for certified nurse anesthetists who have a master’s degree and are now seeking doctoral-level education. The program builds on your graduate knowledge and equips you with the highest level of clinical skills in nursing. The program spans five semesters of doctoral courses and requires the completion of 31 credits.

Because this MSN to DNP program enrolls CRNAs, it does not include anesthesia clinical practicum, however, students complete a clinical simulation course in crisis management. The curriculum includes courses in information systems, evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, change management in healthcare, and leadership. The program also includes four DNAP seminar courses. To graduate, you’ll require completing 31 credits.

Admission Requirements: Medical University of South Carolina’s CRNA program seeks competitive applicants who along with a strong academic background demonstrate the promise of being successful in the nursing anesthesia field. To qualify for admission, you must have an accredited BSN degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. You also need to have an active RN license, an ACLS, a BLS, and a PALS certification.

To complete the admission requirements, you must be prepared to submit your resume, a personal essay, three references, and all your official transcripts. It is recommended that you have an anesthesia shadowing experience. Also, although not mandatory, submitting your GRE score will enhance your admission prospects.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Medical University of South Carolina CRNA Students

• The Medical University of South Carolina CRNA program boasts of an excellent pass rate on the CRNA certification exam.
• The Medical University of South Carolina CRNA program, since 2010, has had 100% of its graduates get placed within six months of graduation.
• The Medical University of South Carolina DNP-CRNA program has received acclaim for its high quality and has been ranked by the U.S. News & World Report as one of the top CRNA programs in the nation.
• The Medical University of South Carolina CRNA program offers several financial aid opportunities to eligible CRNA students.


2. University of South Carolina - Columbia


Programs Offered: DNAP


About the School: The University of South Carolina should be on your list if you are keen on enrolling in one of the top CRNA schools in South Carolina. A high-impact research environment, excellent clinical partnerships, and access to state-of-art technology are some of the reasons why this school is sought after by CRNA students in SC. The University of South Carolina offers a DNAP program that equips registered nurses with the highest level of skills and knowledge in nursing anesthesia.

Program Overview: Leading to the CRNA certification, the University of South Carolina’s DNAP-CRNA program is a three-year program. While the first two semesters of the program are completely online, the remaining portion of the coursework is primarily on-campus along with a few online courses blended throughout the program.

In the first year, you’ll complete a total of 36 credits in foundational courses such as statistics, research methods, advanced pathology, health assessment, leadership, physiology, basic anesthesia principles, and health systems.

The second year requires completing 40 credits in courses covering topics, including, evidence-based practice, pharmacology, health policy, law & ethics, advanced anesthesia principles, and understanding the role of a doctorally-prepared certified nurse anesthetist.

In the third year of this DNAP-CRNA program, you’ll finish around 35 credits worth of courses. You’ll mainly complete your anesthesia clinical practicum and take didactic courses in pain management, and teaching & management for nurse anesthetists. Toward the end of this certified registered nurse anesthetist program in South Carolina, you’ll complete a final DNAP project, where you’ll apply your newly acquired CRNA skills to practice.

Admission Requirements: University of South Carolina’s DNAP-CRNA program is ideally meant for BSN graduates, however, you can apply even with a BS degree, provided you have an active and valid RN license. The school requires your GPA to be at least 3.0. Additionally, a GRE score is required. The GRE requirement may be waived for students having an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.50. Also, at least one year of critical care work experience is required. To complete your application, you must keep ready for submission, two letters of recommendation, a resume, and your official transcripts.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential University of South Carolina CRNA Students

• The University of South Carolina CRNA program reports a 100% first-time pass rate on the CRNA certification exam.
• The University of South Carolina CRNA program is offered in small-sized classes where every student receives personalized attention. Personalized attention not only helps in reaching your goals but also allows for close interaction with faculty and peers.
• University of South Carolina’s CRNA students practice clinical skills on 850 plus anesthesia cases, much more than the minimum case requirement to qualify for the CRNA certification exam.
• The University of South Carolina CRNA program integrates clinical training into the CRNA curriculum by offering concurrent simulation practice at Prisma Health and the School of Medicine’s state-of-art simulation centers.


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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


What are the Total Number of Accredited CRNA Schools in South Carolina?

As per the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA), currently there are 2 accredited CRNA schools in South Carolina that offer a total of 4 Nurse Anesthesia programs.

Program Type #
MSNA1
DNAP 3
Post-Master's Certificate 0
DNAP Completion 0
Total 4



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