How to Become a CRNA in California (Step-by-Step)

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are highly trained healthcare professionals who administer anesthesia and manage patient care during surgical and medical procedures. California offers a range of top-tier CRNA programs, extensive clinical opportunities, and some of the nation’s highest CRNA salaries, making it an excellent state for aspiring nurse anesthetists. The overview below walks through the steps, programs, and costs involved in becoming a CRNA in California.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The first step is completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, which typically takes four years. This degree prepares you to become a licensed Registered Nurse (RN) and provides the foundation for advanced nursing education and anesthesia coursework.

Step 2: Gain Critical Care Experience

After earning your BSN, you must gain at least one to two years of experience in a critical care setting, such as an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). This hands-on experience is essential for developing the clinical skills and decision-making abilities CRNA programs in California expect from applicants.

Step 3: Complete an Accredited CRNA Program

Next, you’ll enroll in an accredited nurse anesthesia program, which now leads to a doctoral-level degree such as the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP). These programs typically take 3–4 years of full-time study and include advanced coursework in anesthesia, pharmacology, physiology, and extensive clinical training.

Step 4: Pass the National Certification Exam

After completing your CRNA program, you must pass the National Certification Examination (NCE) administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). Passing this exam is required to practice as a CRNA anywhere in the United States, including California.

Step 5: Obtain Licensure in California

Once you are nationally certified, you’ll apply for Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) licensure with CRNA authorization through the California Board of Registered Nursing. You’ll need to provide proof of your education, national certification, and clinical training. California’s scope-of-practice and supervision requirements are specific to the state, so it’s important to review the latest guidance from the Board and from the California Association of Nurse Anesthesiology before you begin practicing.

2. CRNA Programs in California

California is home to several top-tier CRNA programs that prepare students for advanced practice in nurse anesthesia. Below are program highlights for the schools most applicants consider:

1. University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA)

The University of Southern California offers a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) degree, providing a comprehensive curriculum in anesthesiology.

• Program Length: 36 months
• Clinical Hours: Extensive hands-on training
• Tuition: Approximately $100,000 per year
• Unique Features: The program offers diverse and rigorous clinical experiences across major health systems in Southern California, supported by strong academic coursework and leadership development.

2. Samuel Merritt University (Oakland, CA)

Samuel Merritt University offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Nurse Anesthesia. This program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA).

• Program Length: 36 months
• Clinical Hours: Over 2,000 hours
• Tuition: Approximately $50,000 per year
• Unique Features: The program includes extensive clinical training at leading healthcare facilities throughout Northern California, exposing students to a wide variety of case types and patient populations.

3. National University / Fresno Healthcare (Fresno, CA)

The National University / Fresno Healthcare DNAP program is a 36-month, full-time doctoral program designed to prepare registered nurses for advanced practice as CRNAs.

• Program Length: 36 months
• Clinical Hours: Extensive hands-on training
• Tuition: Approximately $50,000 per year
• Unique Features: The program emphasizes evidence-based practice and leadership, with clinical rotations across Central California healthcare systems.

4. Loma Linda University (Loma Linda, CA)

Loma Linda University offers a DNP in Nurse Anesthesia, emphasizing a Christian-based approach to healthcare education.

• Program Length: 39 months
• Clinical Hours: Extensive hands-on training
• Tuition: Approximately $68,000 per year
• Unique Features: The program integrates faith-based principles with advanced anesthesia practice, offering strong clinical training and a holistic educational approach.

5. Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia / California State University, Fullerton (Pasadena & Fullerton, CA)

This collaboration between Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia and California State University, Fullerton offers a DNP in Nurse Anesthesia, combining the resources of both institutions to provide rigorous academic and clinical training.

• Program Length: 36 months
• Clinical Hours: Extensive hands-on training
• Tuition: Approximately $35,000 per year
• Unique Features: Students complete clinical rotations at Kaiser Permanente medical centers, gaining high-volume, high-acuity experience in a variety of perioperative settings.

3. Which CRNA School in California Is Easiest to Get Into?

CRNA programs in California are highly competitive, and no school is truly “easy” to get into. However, you can improve your chances across all programs by:

• Maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or higher in your BSN program.
• Gaining 2–3 years of ICU or critical care experience with high-acuity patients.
• Submitting strong recommendation letters and a compelling personal statement that highlights your clinical judgment, communication skills, and motivation for nurse anesthesia.

Programs such as Samuel Merritt University and Kaiser Permanente / Cal State Fullerton may feel more accessible for California residents due to regional ties and a strong preference for applicants with local ICU experience, but admission standards remain competitive across the board.

4. How Much Does CRNA School Cost in California?

The cost of attending CRNA school in California varies by institution, but all programs represent a significant investment:

• Samuel Merritt University: Tuition is approximately $50,000 per year, totaling around $150,000 for the program.
• Kaiser Permanente / Cal State Fullerton: Tuition is approximately $35,000 per year, totaling about $105,000 for the program.
• Loma Linda University: Tuition is approximately $68,000 per year, totaling roughly $204,000 for the program.
• University of Southern California: Tuition is approximately $100,000 per year, totaling about $300,000 for the program.
• National University / Fresno Healthcare: Tuition is approximately $50,000 per year, totaling around $150,000 for the program.

Additional expenses include books, lab and simulation fees, certification exams, travel for clinical rotations, and living costs—especially in higher-cost cities like Los Angeles, Oakland, and Pasadena.

5. Facts, Stats, and Insights

• Job Outlook: The demand for CRNAs nationwide is projected to grow over the next decade, and California’s large healthcare systems and surgical volumes help support strong employment opportunities.
• CRNA Salaries in California: The average annual salary for CRNAs in California is often higher than the national average, with many providers earning between $210,000 and $270,000 depending on experience, location, and call requirements.
• Practice Settings: CRNAs in California work in academic medical centers, community hospitals, outpatient surgical centers, and specialty practices. Rural and underserved areas may offer higher salaries, bonuses, or loan repayment incentives to attract experienced providers.