To work as a nurse anesthetist, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• graduate from a nursing program;
• work for at least one year in adult critical care;
• graduate from a master's program;
• complete a clinical residency; and
• be licensed as a registered nurse.

Education after high school

To become a nurse anesthetist, first you must become a registered nurse. After working for at least a year in adult critical care, you attend a two-year master's program in nurse anesthesia. In these programs, you take courses in advanced physiology, anatomy, biology, and chemistry. You also take applied courses in pharmacology and anesthesia practices.

All nurse anesthetist programs require you to participate in a clinical residency. This means that you work and study in hospitals and medical centers under the supervision of nurse anesthetists and professors. Students continue learning about the principles of anesthesia through observation. At the same time, they practice the skills and techniques of administering anesthesia and patient care.

Work experience

Working as a registered nurse for several years is very good training before you begin your graduate program.

On-the-job training

New nurse anesthetists generally receive some training on the job. Training varies by employer.

Military training

Some branches of the military offer training in nursing specialties to people who are already licensed as a registered nurse. Training lasts 14 to 27 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.