Nurse anesthetists play a critical role in the healthcare system. They ensure that patients undergoing surgery and medical procedures can do so safely and comfortably. Nurse anesthetists are trained professionals who work alongside anesthesiologists, surgeons and other medical staff to administer anesthesia, monitor vital signs and provide pain management before, during and after procedures.
What they do: Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice nurses specializing in anesthesia care. They evaluate patients before procedures, develop anesthesia plans and administer various types of anesthesia, including general, regional and local anesthesia. CRNAs also monitor patients during surgery to maintain stability and adjust anesthesia levels.
After surgery, they oversee recovery, helping patients transition safely from anesthesia while managing pain and potential complications. In some settings, nurse anesthetists work independently; in others, they collaborate with anesthesiologists and surgeons. Their expertise is especially valuable in rural and underserved areas where anesthesiologists may be scarce.
Where they work: Nurse anesthetists work in various healthcare settings. They commonly work in hospitals, surgical centers, dental offices and pain management clinics. The military or government healthcare facilities employ some, while others work independently and offer contract-based anesthesia services.
A growing demand: CRNAs are now key players in modern medicine, thanks to an increased need for surgeries, pain management and critical care services, which an aging population has driven, advancements in surgical procedures and the expansion of healthcare facilities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of nurse anesthetists is expected to grow faster than the average for most professions over the next decade. CRNAs are given more autonomy in many healthcare settings, allowing them to practice independently in some states.
High-paying careers: Nurse anesthetists are among the highest-paid advanced practice nurses. The median annual salary for CRNAs is well over $200,000, with salaries varying based on location, experience and work setting. Those who work in high-demand regions, particularly in rural areas or specialized hospitals, may earn even more.
Becoming a nurse anesthetist: Becoming a CRNA isn’t for the weak. CRNA programs combine classroom instruction with clinical training, covering pharmacology, physiology and anesthesia techniques. It’s a rigorous path, requiring a registered nursing (RN) license, a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) and at least one year of critical care experience that requires a critical care setting. As of 2025, all nurse anesthesia programs in the United States have transitioned to a doctoral level. The required degree is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP).
Following graduation, aspiring CRNAs must pass a national certification exam. Continuing education is also required to maintain certification.
Tribune News Service
<