What is a Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) ?
A nurse anesthetist (AE) is a registered nurse and advanced practice nurse who has acquired additional education to administer anesthesia. In the United States, education is overseen by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA). The nurse anesthetist’s education and official title vary in different nations. In the United States, the official title is Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist or CRNA. Historically, CRNAs in the United States received an anesthesia bachelors degree, diploma or certificate. As early as 1976, the COA was developing requirements for degree programs. In 1981, guidelines for master’s degrees were developed by the COA. In 1982, the AANA board of directors official position was that registered nurses will be baccalaureate prepared and then attend a master’s level anesthesia program. At that time, many programs started phasing in advance degree requirements.[1] As early as 1978, the
