Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) are registered nurses (RNs) who have advanced education and clinical training in anesthesiology. CRNAs work with anesthesiologists, surgeons, dentists, and podiatrists in administering anesthesia during medical procedures.

A CRNA must graduate from a program accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs and pass a certification examination administered by the Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists.

CRNAs are licensed by the states in which they practice.

Current as of: October 9, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine

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