Working as a CRNA in New York

New York offers CRNAs a complex and highly developed practice landscape due to the concentration of large academic centers, level I trauma hospitals, and high-volume surgery programs. CRNAs in New York practice across a wide range of clinical environments including major systems such as Mount Sinai, NewYork-Presbyterian, Northwell Health, Albany Medical Center, and Montefiore Medical Center. These organizations rely heavily on CRNAs for cardiac anesthesia, trauma services, outpatient surgery, and high-acuity perioperative care.

New York does not grant CRNAs a separate licensure category or independent practice authority. Instead, CRNAs practice under physician collaboration as required by state regulations and facility credentialing policies. Scope of practice is shaped by the New York Nurse Practice Act and hospital-based bylaws. Most facilities use an Anesthesia Care Team (ACT) model, while others employ collaborative workflows with anesthesiologists or surgeons depending on the clinical setting and specialty service line.

Education and Certification

• Educational Requirement: CRNAs must complete a doctoral degree from an accredited nurse anesthesia program.
• Certification: After graduation, CRNAs must pass the National Certification Examination (NCE) administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).

Licensure

• New York License: CRNAs must hold a valid New York Registered Nurse (RN) license and apply for a Nurse Practitioner (NP) license.
• Renewal: The NBCRNA Recertification Process for All Practicing CRNAs .

Scope of Practice

• Autonomy: New York does not allow CRNAs to practice independently. CRNAs must be supervised by a licensed physician.
• Prescriptive Authority: CRNAs in New York do not have prescriptive authority unless they are also licensed as Acute Care Nurse Practitioners.

Collaboration

Collaborative Care Model and Anesthesia Care (ACT) Model.

State Regulations

CRNAs should stay updated on changes in state laws and regulations that may affect their practice. For more detailed and updated information, it’s advisable to check out the New York State Association of Nurse Anesthetists and New York State Education Department as well as other relevant professional organizations.