Updated January, 2026
CRNA Schools in California
California is home to CRNA programs at Cal State / Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia, Loma Linda University – DNP Nurse Anesthesia Program, and National University / Fresno Healthcare – DNAP. California has some of the highest tuition costs and applicant volume in the country. Programs often expect strong ICU backgrounds, competitive GPAs, and well-documented shadowing, and many applicants apply nationally to offset competition.
Quick Facts About CRNA Schools in California
- Number of CRNA programs: 5 accredited programs
- Degree level: All CRNA programs are delivered at the doctoral level (DNP or DNAP).
- Program length: CRNA programs in California typically follow fixed program timelines of approximately 30–39 months.
- Typical admissions profile: Applicant volume is high relative to available seats. Competitive candidates typically present strong ICU acuity, solid academic records, and extensive clinical experience.
- Clinical training: Clinical training is completed through large academic medical centers and affiliated hospital systems, with exposure to highly specialized services and resident-heavy practice environments.
University of Southern California – Keck School of Medicine DNAP
Degree Type Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) The DNAP program at the University of Southern California (USC) Keck School of Medicine is a rigorous,...
View SchoolSamuel Merritt University – ADNP Nurse Anesthesia Program
Degree Type Anesthesia Doctorate of Nursing Practice (ADNP) The ADNP Nurse Anesthesia program at Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, California, prepares experienced critical care registered...
View SchoolNational University / Fresno Healthcare – DNAP
Degree Type Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) The DNAP program at National University, in partnership with Fresno’s healthcare network, is a 36-month, full-time doctoral...
View SchoolLoma Linda University – DNP Nurse Anesthesia Program
Degree Type Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) — Nurse Anesthesia Concentration The DNP Nurse Anesthesia program at Loma Linda University prepares registered nurses to assume...
View SchoolCal State / Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia
Degree Type Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) — Nurse Anesthesia The DNP Nurse Anesthesia program offered by Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia (KPSA) in partnership...
View SchoolCompare CRNA Programs in California
Tuition, timelines, and program-level differences that matter to applicants.
Cal State / Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia
- Degree
- DNP
- Length
- 36 months
- Estimated tuition
- $94,000 (in-state) / $137,500 (out-of-state)
- Application deadline
- November 1
This program is delivered in partnership with Kaiser Permanente’s School of Anesthesia, with training designed around a large integrated health system. Applicants who want a program tightly connected to a major clinical employer often put this one on their short list.
Loma Linda University – DNP Nurse Anesthesia Program
- Degree
- DNP
- Length
- 30 months
- Estimated tuition
- $168,887 (tuition & fees)
- Application deadline
- October 1
LLU publishes a detailed, year-by-year cost of attendance for the nurse anesthesia track. A practical detail many applicants miss: housing support may be available for clinical rotations located more than 75 miles from campus, which can materially affect living expenses during training.
National University / Fresno Healthcare – DNAP
- Degree
- DNAP
- Length
- 36 months
- Estimated tuition
- $80,000–$90,000 total (subscription model)
- Application deadline
- October 31
National University uses a subscription-style tuition model with published average program costs. Applicants who prefer predictable pricing and standardized billing often evaluate this program differently than traditional per-credit universities.
Samuel Merritt University – ADNP Nurse Anesthesia Program
- Degree
- ADNP
- Length
- 36 months
- Estimated tuition
- $165,000 total program cost
- Application deadline
- November 1
Samuel Merritt publishes a stated total program cost tied directly to required curriculum units. Applicants comparing programs often appreciate this transparency, as it avoids vague tuition ranges and reflects the full cost of completion.
University of Southern California – Keck School of Medicine DNAP
- Degree
- DNAP
- Length
- 36 months
- Estimated tuition
- $2,467 per unit (Fall 2025 rate)
- Application deadline
- January 15
USC Keck publishes an itemized cost-of-attendance breakdown for the DNAP, including per-unit tuition and required program fees. Applicants who value detailed, line-item budgeting often find this level of transparency helpful before applying.
Tuition estimates are approximate and sourced from the public information available on each programs website. Tuition does not include fees, books, or living expenses. Applicants should confirm current costs, timelines, and admissions policies directly with each program. If you would like to notify us of a discrepancy on the CRNA Schools in California page, please contact us.