CAREER PATH TO CERTIFIED REGISTERED NURSE ANAESTHETIC (CRNA). ONE OF MOST PAID PROFESSION IN 2024! Becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) requires several years of education, clinical experience, and certification. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the career path: Step 1: Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, which typically takes 4 years. If you already have a non-nursing bachelor's degree, you can enroll in an Accelerated BSN (ABSN) program, which takes 12-24 months. Step 2: Obtain RN Licensure Pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a Registered Nurse (RN). Gain state licensure as an RN. Step 3: Gain Critical Care Experience Work as an RN in a critical care unit (ICU, ER, or similar high-acuity setting) for at least 1-3 years (CRNA programs typically require ICU experience). Step 4: Earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Anesthesia (DNP-NA) or Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) Enroll in a Doctoral-level CRNA program (DNP-NA or DNAP). Programs typically last 3-4 years and include didactic coursework and extensive clinical training in anesthesia. Some schools may still offer a Master’s in Nurse Anesthesia, but a doctorate is becoming the standard. Step 5: Pass the National Certification Exam (NCE) After completing your CRNA program, pass the National Certification Exam (NCE) administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). Step 6: Obtain State Licensure and Start Practicing Apply for a CRNA license in your state. You can now work independently or within a healthcare team in hospitals, surgical centers, pain clinics, or military settings. Step 7: Maintain Certification and Continue Education CRNAs must complete recertification every four years and continuing education (CE) credits to stay updated with industry standards. Timeline Summary: 1. BSN – 4 years (or 1-2 years for ABSN) 2. RN Licensure & ICU Experience – 1-3 years 3. CRNA Doctoral Program – 3-4 years 4. Total Time: 7-10 years FOR BEGINNERS IN NIGERIA👇 Pursuing a career as a Nurse Anesthetist in Nigeria involves specialized education and training. Below are some notable programs and scholarship opportunities to consider: Nurse Anesthesia Programs in Nigeria: 1. Post-Basic Nurse Anaesthetist Programme at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH): Duration: 18 months Structure: Three semesters, including classroom instruction and clinical practice. Admission Requirements: Registered Nurse (RN) with a current license. Minimum of three years post-registration experience. Five credits in O-Level subjects: English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Successful completion of a pre-admission examination and interview. Application Period: Annually in April. More Information: UNTH Post-Basic Nurse Anaesthetist Programme 2. School of Anaesthetic Studies, Badagry: Duration: 18 months Admission Requirements: Registered Nurse (RN) with a current license. Relevant clinical experience. Five credits in O-Level subjects: English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Application Process: Contact the institution directly for detailed information. Scholarship Opportunities: 1. Future Nursing Scholarship by NCO Healthcare Consulting Ltd: Purpose: Supports Nigerian nurses and midwives in advancing their professional development. Eligibility: Permanent residents of Nigeria. Minimum of three distinctions in O-Level subjects. Admitted to a full-time nursing program but yet to commence studies. Demonstrated financial need. Application Period: New applications open from December 19, 2023. More Information: Future Nursing Scholarship 2. Nigerian American Nurse Anesthetists Association (NANAA) Scholarships: Purpose: Provides tools and resources to support Nigerian Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), Student Nurse Anesthetists (SRNAs), and aspiring CRNAs. Benefits: Professional development, networking opportunities, and scholarships for members. Membership: Open to Nigerian nurse anesthetists and students. More Information: NANAA Additional Resources: Nurse Anesthesia Global Scholarship - Africa: Purpose: Addresses the shortage of anesthesia providers in Africa by supporting nurse anesthesia students. Eligibility: Nurse anesthesia students in Africa. More Information: Nurse Anesthesia Global Embarking on a career as a Nurse Anesthetist in Nigeria requires dedication and access to quality education and training. Exploring these programs and scholarship opportunities can provide valuable support in achieving your professional goals.