Working as a CRNA in Utah

Utah has a strong and growing market for CRNAs, with opportunities in major hospital systems such as Intermountain Health, University of Utah Health, MountainStar Healthcare, and Steward Health Care. CRNAs work across a range of facilities including trauma centers, academic hospitals, community hospitals, and ambulatory surgery centers in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, and surrounding regions.

Utah allows CRNAs to practice independently and has opted out of the federal physician supervision requirement for Medicare cases. This provides CRNAs with a high degree of autonomy in clinical decision-making and perioperative care. Hospitals and surgical facilities utilize a mix of independent and collaborative practice models depending on credentialing policies, but CRNAs are frequently the primary anesthesia providers in many settings.

With strong demand for anesthesia services, competitive compensation, and increasing surgical volumes across the state’s expanding health systems, Utah remains an excellent choice for CRNAs seeking independent practice authority and diverse employment options in both large health networks and community hospital environments.

Education and Certification

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

Licensure

• Utah License: CRNAs must hold a valid Utah Registered Nurse (RN) license and apply for advanced practice registration through the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL).
• Renewal: The NBCRNA Recertification Process for All Practicing CRNAs .

Scope of Practice

• Autonomy: Utah allows CRNAs to practice independently, providing them with greater autonomy in anesthesia care without the need for physician supervision.
• Prescriptive Authority: CRNAs in Utah may have the authority to prescribe medications relevant to anesthesia and patient care, including controlled substances.

Collaboration

CRNAs in Utah often work as part of a collaborative healthcare team, participating in the Anesthesia Care Team (ACT) Model, where CRNAs and anesthesiologists collaborate to deliver optimal anesthesia care.

State Regulations

CRNAs should stay informed about changes in state laws and regulations affecting their practice. For current information, check out the Utah Association of Nurse Anesthetists (UTNANA) and Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) as well as other relevant professional organizations.