7 Best CRNA Schools in Tennessee – 2025
Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org
Do you have the necessary skills and determination to succeed in a career as a CRNA in Tennessee? CRNA programs in Tennessee are known for their rigor and intensity. Once you graduate, though, you’ll become an indispensable member of a surgical team entrusted with providing pain relief and airway support to patients at their most vulnerable. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists must be quick on their toes and have the manual dexterity to perform complex procedures like deep line insertions and intubations. In Tennessee, where employment opportunities are projected to rise by 14 percent in the next decade, CRNAs make $174,170 annually. The list below of the 7 best CRNA schools in Tennessee for 2025 is the ideal place to start.
RECOMMENDED ONLINE NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS
WHAT ARE THE BEST CRNA SCHOOLS IN TENNESSEE (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025?
(Based on our
ranking methodology, the following are the 7 Best Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Programs in Tennessee (Online & Campus).)
1. The University of Tennessee-Knoxville - Knoxville
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP
Program Overview: The University of Tennessee Knoxville is one of the best CRNA schools in Tennessee that trains excellent certified nurse anesthetists. The student-centered learning environment and experiences that the school provides prepare students for full-service anesthesia practice.
This BSN-to-DNP-CRNA program is a 38-month program comprising didactic courses and clinical experiences. The program starts with DNP foundation courses and basic sciences. The 123-credit coursework covers topics such as statistical methods for healthcare research, advanced clinical pharmacology, principles of population health, nursing leadership, evidence-based practice, health system finance, and health & healthcare. In addition, the program includes seven anesthesia clinical practicum courses and nurse anesthesia seminars. Upon completion of this certified registered nurse anesthetist program in Tennessee, students are eligible to take the CRNA certification exam.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for the University of Tennessee Knoxville's BSN to DNP-CRNA program, your BSN must be accredited and your GPA must be at least 3.0. Also, you must have active ACLS and PALS certifications. Further, you must have at least one year of work experience in critical care. Also, you must submit your resume, transcripts, recommendation letters, and a personal goal statement.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential University of Tennessee-Knoxville CRNA Students
• University of Tennessee-Knoxville CRNA program boasts of an excellent placement rate, having all of its graduates find suitable placements within six months of graduation.
• University of Tennessee-Knoxville CRNA program reports a very low attrition rate, indicating an excellent educational experience that most students are satisfied with. Further, the 100% pass rate on the CRNA certification exam reinforces the positive outcome of this CRNA program.
• The University of Tennessee-Knoxville CRNA students practice clinical skills at the advanced medical simulation center where they regularly interact with physicians and students from other healthcare fields. The interprofessional learning experiences enhance team skills, critical thinking, and clinical decision-making.
2. The University of Tennessee Health Science Center - Memphis
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP
Program Overview: As a BSN-prepared registered nurse, if you are thinking of launching your career in nursing anesthesia, then applying to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center is a good idea. Counted among the best CRNA schools in Tennessee the school emphasizes clinical training and provides students with rich learning experiences in a variety of healthcare settings.
Its CRNA program spans 36 months and is available only on a full-time basis. The comprehensive coursework is rigorous and discourages employment during the duration of the program.
The 100-credit CRNA program comprises DNP and anesthesia-specific courses. The core DNP courses cover topics such as leadership & health policy, healthcare economics, advanced health assessment, epidemiology, physiology/pathology, and the basic and advanced principles of nursing anesthesia. This CRNA program in Tennessee also entails completing nursing anesthesia practicum experiences at the school's clinical affiliates.
While the first four semesters are dedicated to didactic courses, the clinical experiences start in the fifth semester onwards. In fact, the final four semesters are entirely committed to clinical training. The clinical training takes place at a variety of clinical sites in Memphis and the Mid-South area. Students practice anesthesia skills in a variety of specializations, including cardiothoracic, pediatric, oncology, OB, trauma, pain management, and burn. Also, the clinical experiences include a rural clinical site.
Admission Requirements: The University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s CRNA program is open to BSN graduates with a GPA of at least 3.0. Further, this CRNA program in Tennessee requires you to have an active RN license in TN. To fulfill the admission requirements, you must be prepared to submit your resume, an essay, official transcripts, and letters of recommendation.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential University of Tennessee Health Science Center CRNA Students
• The University of Tennessee Health Science Center has earned acclaim for its doctoral education and ranks among the U.S. News & World Report’s best DNP programs in the nation.
• The University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s CRNA program boasts of an excellent outcome. With a 0% attrition rate, the program reports a 100% pass rate on the CRNA certification exam and a 100% placement rate, having all graduates employed within six months of graduation.
• The University of Tennessee Health Science Center nursing school has earned the distinction of being the first college of nursing in TN. Further, the school is designated as a Center of Excellence by the NLN. Leading nursing education in the state, the school’s CRNA program is consistent with its high standards of education.
3. The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga - Chattanooga
Programs Offered: DNP-NA
Program Overview: If you are keen on applying to one of the best CRNA schools in Tennessee, then The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga can be a great option. The school offers a rich learning experience, combining rigorous didactic and clinical courses. Emphasizing marketable training, the school prepares graduates to immediately join the anesthesia workforce, soon after leaving the college. Whether you aspire to climb the career ladder or seek fulfillment, here, by obtaining the professional skillset, you’ll be able to achieve your career aspirations.
The DNP-NA program, leading to the CRNA certification requires completing 83 credits and 2100 clinical hours. The three-year program is offered only on a full-time basis.
During the first year of study, you’ll take classes in epidemiology, biostatistics, ethics & equity, pharmacology, physiology, research methods for evidence-based practice, pharmacology, physiology, and physical assessment.
In the second year, you’ll learn about leadership in complex healthcare systems, anesthesia professional issues, healthcare policy & economics, and anesthesia principles and concepts. In the second year onwards, you also complete anesthesia practicum courses.
In the third year of the program, you’ll mainly complete anesthesia practicum and anesthesia seminar courses. The clinical experiences which form the main component of the final year, offer students clinical training in various types of healthcare settings and specialties. Upon completion of this CRNA program in Tennessee, you’ll be eligible to take the nurse anesthesia certification exam.
Admission Requirements: The admission process for the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga is competitive. To qualify, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The program also requires you to have an active RN license in TN. Also, at least two years of critical care work experience is required. Applicants must also have active certifications in BLS, ACLS, and PALS.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential University of Tennessee-Chattanooga CRNA Students
• The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga CRNA students practice clinical skills at clinical sites where nurse anesthesia students do not share space with anesthesiology residents, providing them exclusive practice time.
• The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga CRNA students participate in unique clinical learning experiences that happen at the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. The learning happens in the distance format through video conferencing, having students from Chattanooga participate in NMMC’s clinical rotations, without having to travel. Well, NMMC is the nation’s largest non-metropolitan hospital.
• The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga CRNA program offers several financial aid options for CRNA students to make their education affordable.
4. Union University - Jackson
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP, Post-Master's DNP, and CRNA-to-DNP
Program Overview: Union University should be on your list if you are seeking Christ-centered CRNA education. One of the well-known faith-based CRNA schools in Tennessee, the school offers excellence-driven, people-focused, and future-directed CRNA education. Union University is not only a great starting point for nurses who want to kickstart their career in nursing anesthesia but also for already registered CRNAs who want to gain the highest level of clinical expertise. Here, based on your previous nursing degree, you can enroll either in the BSN to DNP, post-master’s DNP, or CRNA to DNP program.
BSN-to-DNP Program: Union University’s BSN-to-DNP program is designed for baccalaureate-prepared registered nurses who are keen on gaining a doctorate in nursing anesthesia. The program prepares you for the full scope of nurse anesthesia practice. The program is offered in the front-loaded format, meaning initially you’ll complete all the didactic courses and thereafter continue with the clinical training. The coursework comprises 99 credits and spans 36 months of full-time study.
The coursework covers topics such as advanced health assessment, advanced pharmacology, advanced pathophysiology, advanced principles in anesthesia, anesthesia techniques, healthcare policy & economics, neurosurgical anesthesia, and organizational leadership & management. This CRNA program in Tennessee also includes a DNP project and a nurse anesthesia clinical residency.
Post-Master's DNP Program: For APRNs who want to expand their practice in nursing anesthesia, Union University's post-master’s DNP program is a great option. The program builds on your advanced practice nursing education and experience and only requires you to take courses not already taken by you. As such, you require completing 38 credits, however, the exact credits will depend on a gap analysis of your previous transcripts. The program can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. Some of the classes you take include methods for evidence-based practice, epidemiology, healthcare policy & economics, leadership & teaching practices strategies, and leadership & management.
CRNA-to-DNP Program: Union University’s CRNA-to-DNP program is designed for licensed CRNAs who are keen on gaining doctoral knowledge. The program comprises 46 credits in doctoral courses. By completing doctoral-level courses you will be able to impact change in your field of anesthesia practice. The program is offered online on a full-time basis.
Admission Requirements: Union University’s CRNA admissions are offered on a rolling basis, so whether you are applying for the BSN to DNP, post-masters DNP or CRNA to DNP program, it is preferred that you apply early.
To be eligible for the BSN to DNP program, you must have an accredited BSN with an active RN license. For eligibility into the post-masters program, you must be an APRN who has a master’s degree. On the other hand, the CRNA to DNP program requires you to have an active CRNA certification and a master’s degree in nursing.
Other admission requirements include the submission of transcripts, a resume, a personal goal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Union University CRNA Students
• Union University CRNA program offers generous funding, having several financial aid opportunities and scholarships.
• Union University CRNA program is taught by expert faculty who have the highest possible degree in the field.
• Union University not only provides high-quality CRNA education but also offers competitive tuition costs.
5. Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia - Madison
Programs Offered: Practice Doctorate/DNAP and DNAP (Completion)
Practice Doctorate/DNAP Program Overview: Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia’s DNAP program is a practice-oriented doctorate that equips you with the highest level of clinical skills. The program is a full-time coursework that spans 36 months. While the initial two semesters entail didactic courses, rigorous clinical rotations start from the third semester onwards.
This DNAP program covers several topics, including the principles of pharmacology, techniques of acute pain management, acute pain management education, informatics, evidence-based practice, quality improvement & patient safety, and healthcare policy. Additionally, to prepare you for full-service nursing anesthesia, the coursework also includes evidence-based practice.
The program also offers two elective tracks, including acute surgical management and nurse educator track. While these are optional electives, if you choose to complete the acute surgical pain management track, you will learn the techniques of acute pain management, whereas the nurse educator track prepares you for faculty positions, should you want to teach in the future.
DNAP (Completion) Program Overview: Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia DNAP completion program is designed for CRNAs who want to achieve doctoral education. The program covers topics such as evidence-based practice, healthcare informatics, quality improvement & patient safety, healthcare policy, business & legal issues, and population wellness & health promotion. The program also includes nurse anesthesia practicum courses.
Additionally, this certified registered nurse anesthetist program in Tennessee also includes optional courses in nurse education. If you choose to complete the nurse educator coursework, you’ll be prepared to play faculty roles.
Admission Requirements: One of the sought-after CRNA schools in Tennessee, the Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia’s practice DNAP is open to BSN graduates with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Further, you’ll require having active certifications in ACLS, BLS & PALS.
To qualify for the DNAP completion program, you’ll require an active CRNA certification and an accredited master’s degree in nursing. Further, you must have an active membership with the AANA.
To apply to either of the programs, you must have an active RN license and your minimum GPA must be at least 3.0. Further, you must submit three references, a personal goal statement, and all your transcripts.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia CRNA Students
• Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia is a Christian school that offers faith-based CRNA training.
• Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia offers several funding options to make your CRNA education affordable. The program also offers the Nurse Faculty Loan Program that you can apply to.
• Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia CRNA is one of a kind in the nation as it is the nation’s only anesthesia-specific regionally accredited school.
• Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia CRNA students practice skills in the anesthesia-specific simulation lab. In addition, the school also provides clinical training at more than 17 affiliate sites.
6. Lincoln Memorial University - Harrogate
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP
Program Overview: Among the well-known CRNA programs in Tennessee, Lincoln Memorial University’s BSN to DNP program seamlessly takes your baccalaureate education to the doctoral level. The 109-credit program spans 36 months and requires completing DNP core and nurse anesthesia courses. With a combination of online and on-campus classes, the program allows employment only at the beginning of the program.
The coursework starts with didactic courses and continues with clinical experiences largely in the final year of the program. By completing this coursework, you’ll obtain proficiency in advanced pharmacology & therapeutics, interprofessional collaboration, health policy, organizational systems, and healthcare informatics. Additionally, the curriculum also includes courses in advanced health assessment, advanced anesthesia pharmacology, leadership, and the principles & practice of anesthesia. Besides, you also learn about translational research, and strategic systems thinking. You also complete clinical experiences in a variety of healthcare settings and specialties.
Admission Requirements: To gain admission into Lincoln Memorial University’s BSN to DNP-CRNA program, you must have an accredited bachelor’s degree in nursing. Additionally, you must have an active and unencumbered RN license. Also, you must have at least one year of critical care work experience. To complete the admission requirements, you must make submissions, including three recommendation letters, a statement of purpose, and all your official transcripts.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Lincoln Memorial University CRNA Students
• Lincoln Memorial University CRNA program is taught by a highly qualified faculty that includes experienced practitioners.
• Lincoln Memorial University CRNA program boasts of an excellent placement rate, having almost 100% of the graduates employed within six months of graduation. Graduates find employment in hospitals, specialty clinics, surgery centers, and pain management clinics, to name a few.
• Lincoln Memorial University CRNA school offers numerous opportunities to engage in community service. Community engagement not only opens doors to experiential learning opportunities but also helps students build a professional network.
7. South College - Knoxville
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP
Program Overview: If you are someone who is committed to contributing to healthcare, then South College is the perfect place to start. As one of the reputable CRNA schools in Tennessee, the school prepares you to excel in the field of nursing anesthesia.
Its BSN to DNP program is a 36-month curriculum that leads to a doctorate and CRNA certification. During the first year of the program, you’ll complete courses, including advanced anatomy, physiology & pathophysiology, pharmacology, organizational leadership, and applied neurobiology. In the second year of the program, you’ll begin with your clinical training while taking didactic courses in population health and the professional aspects of nursing anesthesia. During year three of the program, you’ll mainly complete clinical experiences. Also, you’ll require completing a DNP seminar and a DNP project. The third-year coursework also includes an NCE review course to prepare you for the CRNA certification exam.
Admission Requirements: South College’s CRNA program admission process is competitive, taking in promising candidates. This certified registered nurse anesthetist program in Tennessee requires you to have a BSN and an active and unencumbered RN license. The program also requires applicants to possess active certifications in BSL, ACLS, and PALS. Further, to qualify, you must have at least one year of critical care work experience. To fulfill the admission requirements, the program requires you to submit three recommendation letters, a resume, a statement of purpose, and your official transcripts.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential South College CRNA Students
• South College CRNA students study in an interprofessional learning environment, where students can engage in learning experiences with students from other healthcare programs.
• Out of all the CRNA programs in TN, South College’s CRNA stands out for offering students clinical experiences closer to home. Because the school maintains clinical affiliations with sites across the nation, students may complete their clinical training at a preferred clinical satellite location.
• South College’s CRNA students can complete the entire CRNA coursework without relocating. The first year is 100% online and for the following two years, students can complete clinical courses at a satellite site close to home. Thus, students can complete the rigorous didactic and clinical coursework from the comfort of their home community.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the Total Number of Accredited CRNA Schools in Tennessee?
As per the
Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA), currently there are 6 accredited CRNA schools in Tennessee that offer a total of 12 Nurse Anesthesia programs.
Program Type | # |
MSNA | 1 |
DNAP | 7 |
Post-Master's Certificate | 1 |
DNAP Completion | 2 |
Post-Doctoral Certificate | 1 |
Total | 12 |
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