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Pennsylvania CRNA Schools and Programs
If you live in or around Pennsylvania and are interested in pursuing education as a CRNA, you have a large variety of options. While many states are only home to 1 or 2 CRNA schools (and some do not have any), the state of Pennsylvania has 12 CRNA schools located in-state and is currently the state with the most options for CRNA education. This is very beneficial to Pennsylvania residents as it gives them many options to choose from as well as, perhaps, a better chance of being able to attend a CRNA school that is more conveniently located for them. With all of these options available, it may seem overwhelming to attempt to compare and contrast them. This article will help with that process by explaining some of the potential differences that may be found among CRNA schools in Pennsylvania. This article will also provide information on CRNA jobs in Pennsylvania as well as a listing of all CRNA schools in Pennsylvania.
Differences among CRNA Schools and Programs
Below is a list of some factors of CRNA education programs that can vary between schools.
Program Duration
Many CRNA schools have CRNA degree programs which are set up to be completed within 24 to 36 months. This is an average range and does vary. The length of a program may depend upon whether a student is attending full or part-time and also on the type of nurse anesthesia degree a student is pursuing.
Classroom and Clinical Study
CRNA programs will all include some type of classroom study as well as some type of clinical experience. The way in which these are carried out is through a front-loaded program or through an integrated program. Front-loaded programs usually begin with classroom work and then transition into the clinical experience. Integrated programs combine classroom and clinical work from the beginning and throughout the length of the program.
Start Months and Application Deadlines
While traditional undergraduate programs usually being in the fall, graduate CRNA programs have many different start months. Some of the more common ones include August, September, January, and May. Application deadlines are based on the start month for the next incoming class so it is important to consider the start month and application deadline of each individual school to which you apply.
In-Person or Online Education
While this category is usually not an “all-or-nothing” approach, some CRNA schools may have more options for online education than others. Of course, all CRNA programs will require that time be spent in a medical facility completing clinical hours, but for the classroom learning portion of the degree, some schools are increasingly offering online learning options for distance learners for at least part of the CRNA program.
Admission Requirements and Guidelines
The admission requirements and guidelines can be the most important factors to consider when applying to CRNA school. Some program administrators may have more stringent requirements than others and all will likely have individual guidelines which make them different from other schools. It is crucial to check and follow the admission guidelines for each individual CRNA program to which you apply.
CRNA jobs in Pennsylvania
There are many CRNAs working in the state of Pennsylvania. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was among the top ten metropolitan areas in the nation for highest employment level of CRNAs. Philadelphia was also ranked as the third highest metro area in the nation for CRNA salary with an average annual wage of $199,720. State-wide, the general average salary for a CRNA in Pennsylvania was reported as $173,580.
Listing of CRNA Schools in Pennsylvania
Allegheny School of Anesthesia
320 East North Avenue 5th Floor, South Tower
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Crozer Chester Medical Center /Villanova University Nurse Anesthesia Program
1 Medical Center Blvd. POB II Suite 424
Upland, PA 19013
Drexel University Nurse Anesthesia Program
245 N. 15th Street MS 501
Philadelphia, PA 19102-1192
Excela Health School Anesthesia
One Mellon Way Latrobe Area Hospital
Latrobe, PA 15650
Frank J. Tornetta School of Anesthesia Einstein Medical Center Montgomery/ La Salle University School of Nursing
Professional Building Attn: Mike Kost, DNP, CRNA
Anesthesia School 1330 Powell Street
Norristown, PA 19401
Geisinger Health System /Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Nurse Anesthesia Program
100 N. Academy Ave.
Danville, PA 17822
The University of Scranton Nurse Anesthesia Program
800 Linden Street
Scranton, PA 18510
Thomas Jefferson University Jefferson School of Nursing Nurse Anesthesia Program
130 S. 9th St., Suite 7th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107
University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing Nurse Anesthesia Program
Claire M. Fagin Hall 418 Curie Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing Nurse Anesthesia Program
3500 Victoria Street 360A Victoria Building
Pittsburgh, PA 15261-0001
UPMC Hamot School of Anesthesia /Gannon University
201 State Street
Erie, PA 16550
York College of Pennsylvania /WellSpan Health Nurse Anesthetist Program
441 Country Club Road Diehl Hall
York, PA 17403
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Welcome to CRNA Schools Today
Welcome to CRNA Schools Today, the ultimate site for information on becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. A career as a CRNA is rewarding and provides a high degree of professional respect and independence, as well as a lucrative salary. CRNAs help provide safe anesthesia to all types of patients in a variety of different medical facilities for every kind of surgical and medical procedure. CRNAs work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals and are integral members of the personal care team for many patients.
We’re here to help
If you are hoping to become a CRNA, you may already know that you need additional training through an accredited CRNA school or program in order to achieve your dream. You may not know, however, where to begin in your journey to becoming a CRNA. While researching your options and choosing a school can seem like a difficult task, CRNA Schools Today is here to help you find the best school for you. First, we will consider the basic requirements for becoming a CRNA and the various types of schools and programs which offer CRNA accreditation.
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Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia Program
Enroll in our Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia program and gain the knowledge and skills to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA).
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Nurse Anesthesia Program is for RNs who hold a bachelor’s degree and wish to become certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs).
Graduates are eligible to take the National Certification Exam (NCE) administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA), a requirement for practice as a nurse anesthetist.
The program is fully accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) through 2028 and requires a minimum of one year of completed ICU experience in a recognized high critical care unit.
Program Director
Maribeth L. Massie, PhD, MS, CRNA
What Makes an Education at Columbia Nursing Unique
Educational Excellence
Clinical Practice
State-of-the-Art Facilities and Simulation Center
We prepare students to excel as clinicians, researchers, and nurse leaders. Our reputation for innovation and excellence attracts highly motivated students who are eager to apply the knowledge they acquire and practice at the highest level of the profession.
Learning extends beyond the classroom. Clinical sites are available in the tri-state area and beyond, and can be permanent or rotating. Clinical sites vary from large, urban academic medical centers to community hospitals to certified registered nurse anesthetist only sites.
Our new building offers an ultramodern learning environment designed to foster collaboration and interchange among students and faculty. It includes the 16,000 ft., two-story Helene Fuld Health Trust Simulation Center, with the most sophisticated technology available in clinical simulation education today. The center promotes patient safety and allows students to master critical thinking.
Learn More
FAQ
Does the program offer full scope of practice opportunities?
Yes. We are working on providing more opportunities, especially increased exposure to peripheral nerve blocks and autonomous practice.
What type of critical care experience is required?
All critical care experience, including Pediatric ICU, is acceptable with the following exceptions:
Neonatal ICU, ICU Float Pool, PACU, and ER experience will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis
Operating room, telemetry, step-down, cath lab, and interventional lab experience is not acceptable
Why is the CCRN recommended?
Certification as an Adult or Pediatric Critical Care Nurse (CCRN) is a measure of competency attainment and is preferred by the faculty. Attainment of this certification demonstrates a foundational knowledge base of the critical care principles that the program will build upon.
Can I work while in the program?
Classes are generally held Monday through Thursday in the first year, with open lab on Friday. Clinical starts in September of the second year. Coursework is intensive, and while working during the program is not recommended by program faculty, some residents work several shifts per month before clinical begins. Once the clinical sequence starts, time commitments in the operating room and the classroom virtually preclude any opportunity to work outside of the program. If a nurse anesthesia resident is not doing well in the program, they will be asked about work and counseled on their ability to be successful in the program.
“When it came time to choose which university would better suit my anesthesia education, location, finances, tradition, and resources were all factors I accounted for. All of these factors made my education at Columbia Nursing excellent, but it was the people who made it an exceptional experience. From the security guards who greet students in the morning, to the university staff and professors, everyone there has one goal – to support your success.”
RN to CRNA Bridge Programs
Meeting your goal of becoming a Registered Nurse is an accomplishment that you should be proud of. It takes hard work and dedication to make it through nursing school and to then successfully pass the National Council Licensure Examination. A career as an RN can be rewarding and valuable on its own, but after several years of practice, many RNs find themselves wondering how they can advance their careers. There are several different options available to RNs looking to improve their employment and financial opportunities. One of the best ways for RNs to do this is by taking the steps towards becoming a CRNA. While becoming a CRNA is not an easy task, the good news is, that if you are an RN, you are already well on your way.
CRNA Job – Shadowing
An RN who is considering becoming a CRNA has likely had some experience or involvement with a CRNA during their work as an RN. Some RNs, however, may simply be enticed by the increase in salary and autonomy that comes with being a CRNA and may not know what the job actually looks like on a day-to-day basis. This is where it becomes important to do some research. Even if you have a general understanding of what a CRNA does, you may be able to get a better idea of the job requirements and demands by job-shadowing a CRNA. RNs can contact CRNAs that they know or can ask a hospital or medical center to set them up with a CRNA that they can job-shadow for a day. This will give an RN the best insight into what it takes to be a CRNA. They can experience the day-to-day stresses and rewards that come with a CRNA career, and will also have the ability to ask a current CRNA any questions they may have. The path to becoming a CRNA is not cheap or easy, so when an RN makes the decision to take that step, it is important to be assured that they are making the right choice. Job-shadowing is a great initial step to take before jumping into the CRNA education and licensure process.
Outline of the Process – RN to CRNA
Once an RN has made the decision to become a CRNA, there is a fairly standard set of steps that need to be completed in order to obtain licensure. The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists lists the below requirements for becoming a CRNA:
A Bachelor of Science Degree, preferably in Nursing
A current license as a registered nurse
At least one year of experience in a critical care setting (For admission into a CRNA program)
Graduation from an accredited CRNA program
A passing score on the National Certification Examination
CRNA Education Requirements
The first step an aspiring CRNA must take is applying and getting accepted into an accredited CRNA school or program. The Council of Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia currently recognizes 114 nurse anesthesia programs in the United States. While these programs differ in various aspects, they generally will last from two to two and a half years and will require the student to be enrolled full-time. Working part-time while in CRNA School is usually technically allowed but not recommended by most nurse anesthesia programs as the CRNA program is very rigorous and demanding. When applying to CRNA School, an RN should be prepared to leave his or her current position in order to focus full-time on schooling. A CRNA program is a commitment for an RN and his or her family as it may require the RN to stop working and to move closer to whichever CRNA program he or she is accepted into.
CRNA Program Application Requirements
In order to be a competitive applicant to a CRNA school, an RN should have the following:
A relevant Bachelor’s degree
A current nursing license
Critical care experience
Letters of Recommendation
Completion of the GRE
While some schools may waive or alter some of these specific requirements, they are generally required by most CRNA programs. A current practicing RN who has decided to pursue a CRNA program most likely already has the bachelor’s degree necessary to do so. CRNA programs generally look for applicants with a bachelor’s degree in nursing or in other related fields such as biophysical, biological, or behavioral sciences.
An RN looking to become a CRNA likely also already has a nursing license. In order to become a CRNA it is important that you keep your RN license current and active, as well as free from any suspensions or disciplinary actions.
A practicing RN may or may not already have critical care experience. Generally, CRNA programs are looking for applicants who have had one to two years of experience working in an Intensive Care Unit. RNs can usually fulfill this requirement by working in an adult or pediatric intensive care unit which can include surgical, medical, cardiac, neurological, or pediatric ICUs. While some schools may accept neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) experience, it is usually preferred that acute care experience has been with older children or adults. Some schools may also accept Emergency Room experience, but will likely require that the ER had Level 1 trauma capabilities. Serious pursuit of a CRNA degree may require that some RNs make a job change so that they can acquire the necessary experience to apply for and get into the CRNA program of their choice.
Most RNs practice in an environment where they work closely with other healthcare professionals including doctors, CRNAs, and anesthesiologists. RNs applying to CRNA School will need to have one or more of their colleagues or supervisors write letters of recommendation for them. The length, type, and amount of letters required varies by program, so it is best to check the application requirements for your schools of choice before procuring letters of recommendation.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required by all CRNA programs for application, but it may be wise to take the exam as soon as you begin to consider pursuing the CRNA career path because it will be easier to have done it first then to come across this requirement in an application and not have already completed it.
The application process for many CRNA programs is very time-consuming and competitive, but knowing the requirements and beginning to prepare well in advance will make your application process smoother and less stressful once you are ready to apply.
CRNA Certification Requirements
Once you have been accepted into and subsequently graduated from an accredited CRNA program, you are almost a fully certified nurse anesthetist. The final step is taking and passing the National Certification Examination (NCE).
The NCE Exam
The National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) is a corporation which provides the credentialing and licensure examinations for all potential CRNAs as well as CRNAs who need to be re-certified. According to the NBCRNA, the purpose of the exam is to “ensure that nurse anesthetists have the necessary knowledge and skills to practice safely and effectively.” The NBCRNA lists the general eligibility requirements for taking the NCE as follows:
Submission of a complete examination application ($725 fee)
A record of academic and clinical experience from an accredited CRNA program
A current unrestricted RN license
Color digital photo
Certification that RN license has never been subject to revocation, restriction, or suspension
Certification that applicant does not suffer from any condition which might interfere with anesthesia administration or from drug or alcohol addiction.
Once an applicant fulfills the above requirements and submits their application, it is reviewed by the NBCRNA board. If the application is deemed as approved by the board, then the potential CRNA must take and pass the actual examination. The test can be taken year round at official test centers located throughout the United States. It is taken on the computer and contains at least 100 questions with a maximum of 170 questions. The questions will vary in type and could include multiple choice, calculation, and graphics or videos, among other things. The maximum amount of time allowed for testing is three hours. NBCRNA provides a detailed list of potential examination content, but the general categories are Basic Sciences, Equipment Instrumentation and Technology, and Basic and Advanced Principles of Anesthesia. Upon completion of the examination at the testing center, candidates can expect to receive a preliminary pass or fail report, but their final official results will arrive in the mail from the NBCRNA within 2 to 4 weeks.
What do I need to do to be Re-Certified?
According to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, in order to be re-certified as a CRNA, you must have a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education every two years, be able to document substantial anesthesia practice, maintain state licensure, and certify that you do not have any underlying conditions that may prevent you from practicing anesthesia.
Of the above requirements, the continuing education requirement is likely to be the most challenging. There are, however, many options available to CRNAs to help them meet their 40 hour requirement. Continuing education opportunities and requirements vary my state, but are usually offered as in-person meetings or seminars, online programs, and self-study options. While completing continuing education credits may seem like a hassle, it is important that those in the medical field stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and practices, and will probably not seem like so much of a challenge once a CRNA has already completed a rigorous CRNA program.
