New Student Membership
Students enrolled in accredited nurse anesthesia programs are eligible for student associate membership in VTANA and in the AANA. Membership in your professional associations provides you with important resources to help advance your career and provide the information and tools needed to succeed.
Find out about student registered nurse anesthetist membership.
For questions about membership, please contact VTANA at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you.
The New England Assembly of Student Nurse Anesthetists (NEASRNA) NEARSNA serves as a vehicle for anesthesia students in the New England, New Jersey and New York areas to assemble and exchange ideas of common concern. NEASRNA serves as a communication link between the student body and school faculty.
Students
Become A CRNA
Today, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are master’s prepared advanced practice nurses who enjoy a high degree of autonomy and professional respect. CRNAs provide anesthetics to patients in every practice setting, and for every type of surgery or procedure. They are the sole anesthesia providers in nearly all rural hospitals, and the main provider of anesthesia to the men and women serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Photo: Carroll Ruhlman (far right), VTANA’s Federal Political Director, accompanies student nurses during the AANA Mid-Year Meeting in Washington, D.C. VTANA provides assistance to student nurse anesthetists to attend meetings and other professional development events.
Requirements
The requirements for becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) mainly include having a bachelor’s degree in nursing (or other appropriate baccalaureate degree), Registered Nurse licensure, a minimum of one year acute care experience (for example, ICU or ER), and the successful completion of both an accredited nurse anesthesia educational program and the national certification examination. For more information about the nurse anesthesia profession and its requirements, please read the documents information below.
Education at a Glance
Education and experience required to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) include:
- A Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) or other appropriate baccalaureate degree.
- A current license as a registered nurse.
- At least one year’s experience in an acute care nursing setting.
- Graduation from an accredited graduate school of nurse anesthesia. These educational programs range from 24-36 months, depending upon university requirements, and offer a master’s degree.
- All programs include clinical training in university-based or large community hospitals.
- Pass a national certification examination following graduation.
