Becoming a CRNA is a great move for RNs wanting to advance their career, increase their salary, and have more autonomy. The future for CRNAs looks bright, but the gateway to this phenomenal career is about to get tougher.

1. The Education Requirements Are Changing

An RN wishing to become a CRNA should know, education requirements are on the cusp of changing. In 2025, all CRNAs will need a doctorate in nurse anesthesia to enter the field. Currently, a master’s degree is required. That means the master-level nurse anesthesia programs will have to transition to a doctorate program by 2022 – to meet this 2025 requirement.

The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs states “All accredited programs must offer a doctoral degree for entry practice by January 1, 2022. On January 1, 2022 and thereafter all students matriculating into an accredited program must be enrolled in a doctoral program.”

Many schools have already transitioned their master’s programs to doctorate programs – giving new students fewer options to get a master’s degree while there is still time. With this new doctorate degree requirement comes more education costs and time.

There is a small window of opportunity to become a CRNA before the change. RNs can enter a master's program before 2022, pass the boards and become a practicing CRNA. These practitioners will be grandfathered in, and will not have to get their doctorate degree to continue their practice.

2. High Demand

CRNAs are in high demand, and if you like small towns you have it made. There is a great need for CRNAs in small towns where they can be, and often are, the main provider of anesthesia.

3. Job Stability

Just as there will always be a need for nurses, there will always be a need for pain management. CRNAs are a more cost-effective way for hospitals to provide anesthesia care compared to their physician counterparts. 

Texas Wesleyan is currently accepting applications for the Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia cohort class starting in August. If you’ve been thinking about taking the leap, the time is now. Apply today.