Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who administer anesthesia and other medications. According to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, there are 130 accredited programs in the US and Puerto Rico, with over 2,300 available active clinical sites. Deciding where to go for CRNA school can be overwhelming, but Texas offers some of the best in the country.
This guide will discuss the CRNA programs available in Texas, including location and tuition, as well as how to become a CRNA, estimated salary, and job outlook.
Becoming a CRNA in Texas is similar to other states in the country. First, you will need to attend an accredited CRNA program and pass the required national board. After applying for state licensure via the Texas State Board of Nursing, you will be able to apply for positions.
The Texas State Board of Nursing requires the following to apply for licensure:
- $100 fee or $150 if applying for licensure with prescriptive authority
- Texas RN license or an RN license from a Compact State
- Completion of an accredited CRNA program
- National certification
- Completion of a minimum of 400 hours of practice within the last 24 calendar months or completion of a CRNA program within the last 24 calendar months
- Completion of a minimum of 20 contact hours of continuing nursing education within the last 24 calendar months or completion of a CRNA program in the last 24 calendar months.
1. Baylor College
The Baylor College of Medicine Doctor of Nursing Practice Program- Nurse Anesthesia is one of the best in the state, which boosts a 91.6% pass rate on the national certification exam on the first try. In fact, 100% of Baylor’s most recent graduates had employment upon graduation. Baylor offers students a $1,000 stipend for each month that the student is on clinical rotation at Ben Taub Hospital (eight months total) to help offset the costs since students are not able to work throughout the program.
2. Texas Christian University
The DNAP program at Texas Christian University (TCU) is a 36-month program that has three phases, including clinical rotations. TCU’s first-time pass rate was 96% for the 2022 graduating class, well above the national average.
3. Texas Wesleyan University
Students at Texas Wesleyan University are required to attend the first half of the program at the Fort Worth campus and then clinicals at one of the assigned clinical sites in nine different states. Unlike some programs, students at Texas Wesleyan complete in-person coursework first and then do four months of strictly online coursework, while some other programs complete in reverse.
4. University of Texas at Houston Health Science Center
The DNP anesthesia program offered by the Cizik School of Nursing is one of the most affordable in the state. There is an exceptional pass rate for BSN – DNP graduates of the program, over 99.12% in the last five years.
5. US Army Graduate Program in Anesthesia Nursing (USAGPAN)
This program is an excellent option for students who are interested in military service and having their education paid for. Other benefits include job placement upon graduation in an Army medical facility all while earning a salary and benefits as a United States Army Officer during school.
- Location: Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX
- Program Cost: Paid with 5 years of Service
- Degree offered: DNP
- School Type: Public-Military
Requirements do vary depending on the program, but all Texas CRNA programs require the following:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree (BSN) from an accredited program
- Active and unencumbered RN licensure
- Critical care experience (applicable areas include the emergency room, CVICU, SICU, CCU, MICU, NICU (Level IV only), and PICU as well as trauma and burn intensive care units)
- Current Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Certification (ACLS) Certification
- Current Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification (PALS) Certification
- CCRN required
- CRNA Shadow Experience
- Minimum required GPA
- Application fee
- Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) taken within the last five years
- Curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé
- Official transcripts
- Letters of reference (professional)
- Personal statement
- Interview
CRNA school is difficult regardless of what program you are enrolled in. These programs specifically are exceptionally hard because, as a CRNA student, you will be responsible for a higher level of understanding of each field of anesthesia.
Additionally, CRNA school is fast-paced and very rigorous, with a lot of information to learn and master.
CRNA programs are 36 months in length and broken into two or three phases.
The first phase consists of a combination of in-person classes and lab requirements. This is usually followed by a few online classes.
The final, and perhaps most important, is the clinical component. This can be the most rigorous aspect of the program, as clinical days are long, and students are also required to have on-call shifts.
