Which are the top 10 best online CRNA programs for 2023? On their list of the top 100 jobs, US News & World Report ranked nurse practitioner as the second-best position based on projected job growth, median salary, and workplace conditions.
A nurse practitioner specializing in anesthesia is a Certified Registered Nurse anesthetist or CRNA. There are many benefits to a career in this field, including the high demand and rewarding, well-paying careers for CRNA nurses. You should also check out the best online medical assistant certification programs in USA.
A specialized DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) or nursing anesthesia certification is a prerequisite for becoming a CRNA. These top-notch online programs are adaptable enough to meet your needs if you’re a busy working professional or trying to return to the workforce while juggling family obligations.
Best Online CRNA Programs and Schools
1. The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Vols Online Doctor of Nursing Practice
Our first mention on the list of best online CRNA programs is available through Vols Online, the online education division of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Two in-person intensives per semester are part of the on-campus component of this online nurse anesthetist program. Nursing professionals are prepared for advanced anesthesia and care settings by the program.
- Courses include General principles of DNP anesthesia, evidence-based practice improvement, and DNP anesthesia seminars.
- Credits: 123
- Tuition: $810 per credit hour
- Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and loans
- Acceptance rate: 78.1%
- Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
Related: Top 20 Best Esthetician Certifications Online
2. Drexel University, College of Nursing and Health Professions DNP – Nurse Anesthesia
To provide a higher level of education, CNHP at Drexel University is dedicated to experiential and evidence-based learning, utilizing cutting-edge technology and real-world experience. It is our second mention on the list of the top online CRNA programs.
The goal of this DNP-NA program, which is offered in part online, is to prepare nursing professionals to care for patients of all ages under anesthesia in a safe, compassionate, and culturally sensitive manner.
- Courses include Nurse anesthesia practice principles, pharmacology, clinical ethics, and health law.
- Credits: 135 quarter-credits
Duration: 39 months
Tuition: $1,073 per credit
Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, federal work-study, and loans
Acceptance rate: 77.2%
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
3. Baylor College of Medicine, School of Health Professions Doctor of Nursing Practice Program-Nurse Anesthesia
One of the few CRNA online programs with a 100% pass rate on the National Certificate Examination and immediate employment is offered by the Baylor College of Medicine. This online nurse anesthetist program prepares students for careers in education, research, policy, and clinical care. It offers MS to DNP and BSN to DNP options.
- Courses include Evidence-based anesthesia practice, influencing healthcare policy, and emerging sciences in healthcare.
- Duration: 24 months (MS-DNP), 36 months (BSN-DNP)
- Tuition: Refer tuition page
- Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and loans
- Acceptance rate: 3%
- Location: Houston, Texas
4. The University of Arizona Doctor of Nursing Practice
One of the top CRNA schools in the Southwest is the University of Arizona. This online program for nurse anesthesia students is practice-based and includes some intensives on campus. The program places a strong emphasis on cutting-edge, evidence-based professional practice.
- As one of the best online CRNA programs, courses include Foundations of Nurse Anesthesia, co-existing disease and Anesthetic Implications, and Nurse Anesthesia Pharmacology.
- Credits: 86
- Duration: 36 months
- Tuition: $1,296 per credit
- Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and loans
- Acceptance rate: 85.1%
- Location: Tucson, Arizona
Related: Top 10 Best Radiation Therapy Schools Online
5. Johns Hopkins University, School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Nurse Anesthesia
The prestigious medical school Johns Hopkins University is ranked second in clinical medicine in the USA and tenth among all universities worldwide.
It is one of the few online nurse anesthesia programs that offers you the chance to learn from top-notch instructors while gaining access to cutting-edge teaching methods.
- Courses include Nurse anesthesiology principles, professional aspects of nurse anesthesiology practice, and advanced pathophysiology for nurse anesthesiology.
- Credits: 48
- Duration: 36 months
- Tuition: $60,696
- Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and loans
- Acceptance rate: 11.1%
- Location: Baltimore, Maryland
6. Duke University, School of Nursing Nurse Anesthesia Program
Duke University is dedicated to advancing nursing education that addresses global issues and is a leader in educational excellence. This institution is one of the places to find the top online CRNA programs. The program’s eminent faculty members, known nationally and internationally, teach the CRNA online courses.
- Courses include Quantitative methods for evaluating healthcare practices and transforming the nation’s health.
- Credits: 83
- Duration: 36 months
- Tuition: $29,760 per semester
- Financial aid: Scholarships and loans
- Acceptance rate: 7.7%
- Location: Durham, North Carolina
7. The University of Pittsburgh, School of Nursing Nurse Anesthesia MSN to DNP Concentration
One of the top universities for producing Fulbright scholars is the University of Pittsburgh, the top public university in the Northeast.
This is one of the online CRNA programs that teaches healthcare leadership, economics, and organizational skills in addition to clinical practice. It particularly emphasizes several specialized fields, including population health and healthcare finance.
- Courses: Introduction to Health Informatics, Directed Seminars in Nurse Anesthesia Practice, Organizational and Systems Management for Healthcare Leaders, etc.
- Credits: 36
- Tuition: $1,190 per credit
- Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, federal work-study, and loans
- Acceptance rate: 63.9%
- Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Related: Top 10 Best Pharmacist Online Schools
8. National University Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP)
With 200,000 albums worldwide, National University is a San Diego-based nonprofit institution founded by veterans dedicated to educating adult learners on and off campus. Although some on-campus attendance is required for this program, there is a high degree of flexibility because on-site courses are held throughout California.
- Courses include Advanced human anatomy for nurse anesthesia, nurse anesthesia physiology, and implementing EBP in anesthesia.
- Credits: 138 quarter units
- Duration: 3 years
- Tuition: Refer tuition page
- Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and loans
- Acceptance rate: 89.4%
- Location: San Diego, California
9. University at Buffalo, The Graduate School Nurse Anesthesia DNP
The University at Buffalo, the state university of New York, is renowned worldwide for providing an affordable, top-notch education. This program aims to give students the clinical and leadership skills to provide nurse anesthesia care. The courses have a practical focus and are taught by skilled CRNAs and nursing professionals.
- As one of the institutions offering the best online CRNA programs, courses include Interpreting health care policy, applied informatics to evaluate health care outcomes and organization & leadership concepts in health care.
- Credits: 124 credit hours
- Duration: 3 years
- Tuition: $12,560 per semester
- Financial aid: Scholarships, fellowships, grants, veteran awards, and loans
- Acceptance rate: 67%
- Location: Buffalo, New York
10. Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFUMS), College of Health Professions Doctor of Nursing Practice: Nurse Anesthesia Entry (DNP)
The College of Health Professions encourages a variety of learning methods based on the interests of each student, with an emphasis on teamwork, multi-professionalism, and innovative education. This hybrid nurse anesthesia DNP program prepares students for various anesthesia care settings and is not entirely online.
- Courses include Advanced nurse anesthesia pharmacology, principles of anesthesia, and advanced physiology & pathophysiology.
- Duration: 36 months
- Tuition: $42,187 per year
- Financial aid: Scholarships, federal work-study, veteran benefits, and loans
- Acceptance rate: 5%
- Location: North Chicago, Illinois
Related: Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Ontario
What Do You Need to Get into an Online CRNA School?
Confirming the specific requirements with the admissions offices of all the institutions you’re considering is crucial because they differ from one school to the next.
Common requirements include:
- A BSN, master’s in nursing, or related degree
- Registered Nurse (RN) license
- Experience in critical care (some schools require a certain number of years of experience)
- Academic resume
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- Academic transcripts
- GRE scores
- TOEFL score for international students
It’s good to network with CRNA professionals and read relevant journals to stay updated on industry news as you prepare for your online CRNA program.
Finally, different state and federal laws govern nurse anesthetist licensing and certification, so you will typically need to pursue additional certification in addition to your CRNA degree.
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing oversees state licensing, and the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) administers the national certification exam.
What to Consider when Choosing an Online CRNA Program
To find a CRNA program that fits your needs and commitments, it’s important to check schedule requirements, whether on-campus attendance is required, and whether part-time and full-time online study is possible.
Here are some additional crucial factors to remember:
- Program accreditation
- Tuition and other expenses
- Scholarship and financial aid options
- Program duration
- Internship options
Licenses, certifications, and accreditation are also significant. The following organizations have accredited one or more of the top nurse anesthetist programs:
- The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- National League for Nursing
Related: Top 15 Free Online Courses in South Africa With Certificates
Jobs and Salaries for CRNAs
Large hospitals, healthcare facilities, surgical clinics, medical offices, outpatient centers, the military, or nursing schools are just a few places where CRNA nurses might find work. They can find employment not only as nurse anesthetists but in other related positions as well. We compare BSN and RN in our comparison of related information.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual wage for nurse anesthetists is $202,470, making them some of the highest-paid nursing professions.
Average Cost of a CRNA Online Degree
Several variables can affect the tuition and other costs of a CRNA online degree. At a prestigious private university, tuition can range from $40,000 to $150,000, though many provide excellent financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
You should also account for costs associated with technology, administrative fees, and study materials.
You will, however, save money on transportation and living costs if you select an online program.
Related: Top 10 Best Online Schools in Maryland USA
How Long Does it Take to Get an Online CRNA Degree?
The majority of three-year online DNP programs are required to become CRNAs. Although relatively uncommon, accelerated CRNA programs can be finished more quickly.
Online CRNA Programs (Conclusion)
A rewarding, well-paying career where you could save lives can be built by becoming a CRNA. Many online CRNA programs are not fully online, and most have a minimum on-campus requirement because the profession requires advanced hands-on training. When comparing the top online CRNA programs, keep this in mind.
