Updated January, 2026
CRNA Schools in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is home to CRNA programs at Cedar Crest College – Doctorate of Nursing Practice Nurse Anesthesia Program, Drexel University, and Duquesne University DNP in Nurse Anesthesia Program. Pennsylvania has one of the largest concentrations of CRNA programs nationally, including public, private, and hospital-based models. Application timelines and degree formats vary widely, so applicants often apply to multiple programs within the state.
Quick Facts About CRNA Schools in Pennsylvania
- Number of CRNA programs: 16 accredited programs
- Degree level: Doctoral-level preparation (DNP or DNAP) is the standard for CRNA education.
- Program length: Most full-time programs fall in the 30–39 month range, with variations by curriculum and clinical scheduling.
- Typical admissions profile: ICU experience, strong science performance, and competitive references are common expectations.
- Clinical training: Clinical rotations are completed through affiliated hospitals and health systems across Pennsylvania.
Duquesne University DNP in Nurse Anesthesia Program
Degree Type Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) — Nurse Anesthesia The Duquesne University DNP in Nurse Anesthesia program is designed for experienced bachelor’s-prepared critical care...
View SchoolIndependence Health System School of Anesthesia / Saint Vincent College
Degree Type Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) The Independence Health System School of Anesthesia, in partnership with Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, offers...
View SchoolSt. Luke’s University Health Network/DeSales University – Nurse Anesthesia program
Degree Type Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) — Nurse Anesthesia The St. Luke’s University Health Network/DeSales University Nurse Anesthesia program is a BSN-to-DNP pathway for...
View SchoolCedar Crest College – Doctorate of Nursing Practice Nurse Anesthesia Program
Degree Type Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) — Nurse Anesthesia The Doctorate of Nursing Practice Nurse Anesthesia Program at Cedar Crest College is a 36-month,...
View SchoolLa Salle University – Nurse Anesthesia (DNP)
Degree Type Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia (DNP) The DNP program at La Salle University prepares registered nurses to become certified registered nurse...
View SchoolWellSpan Health/York College of Pennsylvania Nurse Anesthesia Program
Degree Type Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) — Nurse Anesthesia The WellSpan Health/York College of Pennsylvania Nurse Anesthesia Program is a full-time, 102-month Doctor of...
View SchoolVillanova University
Degree Type Doctor of Nursing Practice Program Length 36 months, full time Credit Hours 102 credit hours Starting Month August Application Deadline Rolling Program Requirements...
View SchoolHamot Medical Center
Degree Type Doctor of Nursing Practice – Anesthesia Program Length 28 months, full time Credit Hours 48 semester hours Starting Month January Application Deadline May...
View SchoolUniversity of Pittsburgh
Degree Type DNP in Anesthesia Program Length 28 months, full time Credit Hours 52 credits Starting Month January and August Application Deadline January Program Requirements...
View SchoolUniversity of Pennsylvania
Degree Type DNP Program Length 36 months, full time Credit Hours 27 course units Starting Month May Application Deadline January/June Program Requirements Bachelor of Science...
View SchoolThomas Jefferson University
Degree Type DNP Program Length 36 months, full time Credit Hours 74 credit hours Starting Month January Application Deadline June Program Requirements Bachelor of Science...
View SchoolExcela Health School of Anesthesia
Degree Type DNAP Program Length 36 months, full time Credit Hours 54 credit hours Starting Month August Application Deadline September Program Requirements Bachelor of Science...
View SchoolDrexel University
Degree Type DNP Program Length 39 months, full time Credit Hours 89 quarter credits Starting Month January Application Deadline April/September Program Requirements Bachelor of Science...
View SchoolUniversity of Scranton
Degree Type DNP Program Length 36 months, full time Credit Hours 60 semester credits Starting Month August Application Deadline October Program Requirements Bachelor of Science...
View SchoolGeisinger Nurse Anesthesia Program
Degree Type DNP Program Length 36 months, full time Credit Hours 66 semester credits Starting Month September Application Deadline July and January Program Requirements Bachelor...
View SchoolLa Roche College
Degree Type DNAP Program Length 36 months, full time Credit Hours 49 semester credits Starting Month August Application Deadline December Program Requirements Bachelor of Science...
View SchoolCompare CRNA Programs in Pennsylvania
Tuition, timelines, and program-level differences that matter to applicants.
Cedar Crest College – Doctorate of Nursing Practice Nurse Anesthesia Program
- Degree
- DNP
- Length
- 36 months
- Estimated tuition
- $95,000–$110,000
- Application deadline
- Varies by cycle
Cedar Crest places strong emphasis on admissions readiness, including CRNA observation documentation, multiple professional references, and a formal interview process. Applicants often view this program as highly structured and detail-oriented in evaluation.
Drexel University – Nurse Anesthesia Program
- Degree
- DNP
- Length
- 39 months
- Estimated tuition
- $140,000–$155,000
- Application deadline
- April / September
Drexel’s longer duration reflects extended doctoral sequencing and program structure. Applicants frequently consider it for academic depth paired with clinical exposure in a major metro region.
Duquesne University – DNP in Nurse Anesthesia Program
- Degree
- DNP
- Length
- 36 months
- Estimated tuition
- $110,000–$125,000
- Application deadline
- Varies by cycle
Duquesne combines private-university academics with regional clinical training. Applicants often compare it to other Pittsburgh-area options based on clinical site mix and cohort structure.
Excela Health School of Anesthesia
- Degree
- DNAP
- Length
- 36 months
- Estimated tuition
- $95,000–$110,000
- Application deadline
- September
Excela is a hospital-based training model that appeals to applicants who want a clinical-immersion feel. Program comparisons often come down to case volume and regional clinical pathways.
Geisinger Nurse Anesthesia Program
- Degree
- DNP
- Length
- 36 months
- Estimated tuition
- $100,000–$115,000
- Application deadline
- July / January
Geisinger’s integrated health system structure gives applicants a single-network training environment with consistent clinical policies, credentialing, and care models across affiliated sites.
Hamot Medical Center – Doctor of Nursing Practice - Anesthesia
- Degree
- DNP
- Length
- 36 months
- Estimated tuition
- $90,000–$105,000
- Application deadline
- May
Hamot’s model is frequently evaluated by applicants who prefer hospital-centered CRNA training with strong regional clinical integration.
Independence Health System School of Anesthesia / Saint Vincent College
- Degree
- DNAP
- Length
- 36 months
- Estimated tuition
- $95,000–$110,000
- Application deadline
- Varies by cycle
This partnership structure blends academic coursework with a practice-forward anesthesia training environment, which appeals to applicants looking for a clinical-first program identity.
La Roche College – DNAP
- Degree
- DNAP
- Length
- 36 months
- Estimated tuition
- $100,000–$115,000
- Application deadline
- December
La Roche is often compared on cohort size and individualized faculty support. Applicants typically weigh this program’s private-college environment against hospital-based alternatives.
La Salle University – Nurse Anesthesia (DNP)
- Degree
- DNP
- Length
- 41 months
- Estimated tuition
- $125,000–$140,000
- Application deadline
- September 1
La Salle is one of the longer CRNA doctoral pathways in Pennsylvania. Applicants often consider it when they prefer a paced progression through didactic and clinical phases rather than an accelerated structure.
St. Luke’s University Health Network / DeSales University – Nurse Anesthesia Program
- Degree
- DNP
- Length
- 36 months
- Estimated tuition
- $110,000–$125,000
- Application deadline
- Varies by cycle
This program is anchored in a large health network training model. International applicants should note English proficiency testing requirements (TOEFL/IELTS/CAE) where applicable, since missing score validity windows can delay eligibility.
Thomas Jefferson University – Nurse Anesthesia Program
- Degree
- DNP
- Length
- 36 months
- Estimated tuition
- $135,000–$150,000
- Application deadline
- June
Jefferson’s academic medical center setting is a major draw for applicants seeking high-acuity clinical exposure in Philadelphia with broad subspecialty case access.
University of Pennsylvania – Nurse Anesthesia Program
- Degree
- DNP
- Length
- 36 months
- Estimated tuition
- $160,000–$175,000
- Application deadline
- January / June
Penn is frequently selected by applicants seeking an Ivy League academic environment with strong leadership and doctoral scholarship expectations alongside complex clinical training.
University of Pittsburgh – Nurse Anesthesia Program
- Degree
- DNP
- Length
- 36 months
- Estimated tuition
- $105,000–$120,000 (in-state)
- Application deadline
- January
Applicants often prioritize Pitt for its major academic health system exposure and the balance of public-university tuition against clinical depth in the Pittsburgh market.
University of Scranton – Nurse Anesthesia (DNP)
- Degree
- DNP
- Length
- 36 months
- Estimated tuition
- $110,000–$125,000
- Application deadline
- October
Scranton’s program is often compared for its smaller-cohort feel and structured academic support. Applicants commonly weigh clinical site geography and travel expectations when evaluating fit.
Villanova University – Doctor of Nursing Practice (Nurse Anesthesia)
- Degree
- DNP
- Length
- 36 months
- Estimated tuition
- $130,000–$145,000
- Application deadline
- Rolling admissions
Villanova’s rolling admissions can appeal to applicants who want flexibility in timing. Many compare this program based on its Philadelphia-area clinical network and private-university resources.
WellSpan Health / York College of Pennsylvania – Nurse Anesthesia Program
- Degree
- DNP
- Length
- 36 months
- Estimated tuition
- $95,000–$115,000
- Application deadline
- July
This program is closely tied to a regional health system model, which often provides consistent clinical placement structure and a clear practice-community pipeline. The “2 months” timeline seen online is a data error, not a CRNA program length.
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 Pennsylvania page, please contact us. Applicants should verify current timelines and costs directly with each program.