Working as a CRNA in Arizona: Jobs, Autonomy & Practice Overview

• Practice Model: Arizona is an opt-out state that allows CRNAs to provide anesthesia services without mandatory anesthesiologist supervision, typically in the presence of the physician performing the procedure.
• Where Jobs Are: Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tucson, Flagstaff, and a mix of community and rural hospitals throughout northern and southern Arizona.
• Clinical Settings: Large health systems, community hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, endoscopy and pain clinics, and facilities serving rural and tribal communities.
• Compensation Environment: Arizona offers strong earning potential for CRNAs, with especially competitive packages in high-demand and rural markets. For detailed data, see our CRNA Salary & Compensation Dataset.

Licensure & Credentials for CRNA Jobs in Arizona

• Education: Graduation from an accredited doctoral-level nurse anesthesia program (DNAP/DNP or equivalent).
• Certification: Current NBCRNA certification following successful completion of the National Certification Examination (NCE).
• State Licensure: Arizona RN license plus registration as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) with a nurse anesthetist focus.
• Maintenance: Ongoing NBCRNA recertification and state license renewal. For more on national requirements, see NBCRNA Recertification for Practicing CRNAs.

Practice Environment & Autonomy

• Independent Practice: CRNAs may practice independently of anesthesiologist supervision, subject to facility bylaws and medical staff policies.
• Care Models: Stand-alone CRNA practice, collaborative models with surgeons or anesthesiologists, and traditional anesthesia care team structures depending on setting.

Major Hospitals & Healthcare Systems Employing CRNAs in Arizona

Key employers and practice environments for CRNAs in Arizona include:

• Banner Health (Phoenix Metro & Statewide): Large integrated system with tertiary centers, community hospitals, and ambulatory sites.
• Dignity Health / St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center (Phoenix): High-acuity academic partner with extensive surgical and specialty services.
• HonorHealth (Scottsdale & Phoenix): Multi-hospital system with busy ORs and growing outpatient surgery footprint.
• Mayo Clinic Hospital – Arizona (Phoenix/Scottsdale): Quaternary referral center with complex surgical and procedural anesthesia needs.
• Tucson Medical Center & Northwest Medical Center (Tucson): Regional hubs covering general, OB, trauma, and subspecialty cases.
• Yuma Regional Medical Center & Other Regional Hospitals: Community and border-region facilities with steady CRNA demand.
• Ambulatory Surgery & Specialty Centers (Statewide): GI, ortho, ophthalmology, and same-day surgery centers offering predominantly weekday schedules.

Staying Current on Arizona CRNA Practice

Regulations and licensure standards can evolve. For the most current information, refer to:

• Arizona State Board of Nursing
• Arizona Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AZANA)