Top 25 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (crna) Specialists Across the US
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What is a Nurse Anesthetist?
Learn about this specialty, training requirements, and when to schedule a visit.
A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who specializes in administering anesthesia for surgical, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures. CRNAs are highly trained healthcare providers who deliver all types of anesthesia care, including general anesthesia, regional anesthesia (such as epidurals and spinal blocks), and sedation. They work in hospitals, surgical centers, physician offices, and other healthcare settings, providing anesthesia services for patients of all ages undergoing a wide variety of procedures.
Training and Qualifications
Becoming a nurse anesthetist requires extensive education and training:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree required
- Active registered nurse (RN) license with minimum 1-2 years of critical care nursing experience
- Master's degree or doctoral degree (DNP or DNAP) from an accredited nurse anesthesia program
- Nurse anesthesia programs typically require 3-4 years of graduate study
- Over 2,000 hours of clinical anesthesia training during graduate program
- Total of 7-8+ years of education and training beyond high school
- Many CRNAs pursue additional certifications in subspecialty areas like pediatric or cardiac anesthesia
Board Certification: National Certification Examination (NCE) administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). CRNAs must pass this comprehensive examination after completing an accredited graduate program. Certification must be maintained through the Continued Professional Certification (CPC) Program, which requires ongoing education, practice hours, and periodic assessments.
When Should You See a Nurse Anesthetist?
You should consider seeing a nurse anesthetist if:
- You are scheduled for surgery requiring general anesthesia
- You need regional anesthesia for a surgical procedure (epidural, spinal block, nerve block)
- You are having a cesarean section or require labor epidural for childbirth
- You need sedation for a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure (colonoscopy, endoscopy)
- You are undergoing an outpatient surgical procedure
- You require pain management procedures such as nerve blocks or epidural steroid injections
- You need anesthesia for dental procedures or oral surgery
- You are having an emergency surgery requiring immediate anesthesia care
- You need preoperative evaluation and anesthesia planning for an upcoming procedure
- You have complex medical conditions requiring specialized anesthesia management
Key Facts
Common Conditions Treated
Nurse Anesthetists are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. Here are some of the most common conditions that nurse anesthetists help patients manage.
General Surgery Procedures
Surgical procedures requiring general anesthesia where the patient is completely unconscious, including abdominal surgeries, hernia repairs, and gallbladder removal. General anesthesia involves a combination of intravenous medications and inhaled gases.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
CRNAs administer carefully titrated medications to induce and maintain general anesthesia, manage the patient's airway and breathing, monitor vital signs continuously, and ensure safe emergence from anesthesia at the end of the procedure.
Orthopedic Surgery
Surgical procedures on bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles, including joint replacements, fracture repairs, and arthroscopic procedures. These may require general, regional, or combined anesthesia techniques.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
CRNAs provide appropriate anesthesia for orthopedic procedures, often using regional techniques like nerve blocks that provide excellent pain control during and after surgery. They may combine regional anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia based on procedure needs.
Cesarean Section (C-Section)
Surgical delivery of a baby through incisions in the mother's abdomen and uterus. Can be planned (scheduled) or emergency. Typically performed under regional anesthesia (spinal or epidural) to allow the mother to be awake for the birth.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
CRNAs administer spinal or epidural anesthesia for cesarean sections, allowing mothers to remain awake and comfortable during delivery. They monitor both mother and provide appropriate anesthesia while managing any complications that arise.
Labor Epidural Analgesia
Regional anesthesia technique providing pain relief during labor and vaginal delivery. An epidural catheter is placed in the lower back to deliver continuous medication that numbs the lower body while allowing the mother to remain alert and participate in delivery.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
CRNAs place epidural catheters and manage medication dosing throughout labor, adjusting the level of pain relief as needed. They monitor the mother and respond to any complications while ensuring effective pain management during delivery.
Cardiac Surgery
Complex surgical procedures on the heart and great vessels, including coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve repairs or replacements, and congenital heart defect repairs. Requires specialized cardiac anesthesia techniques.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
CRNAs with cardiac anesthesia expertise manage complex hemodynamic monitoring, administer specialized cardiac medications, manage anticoagulation for cardiopulmonary bypass, and provide transesophageal echocardiography guidance during cardiac procedures.
Outpatient/Ambulatory Surgery
Surgical procedures performed in outpatient settings where patients go home the same day. Includes procedures like hernia repairs, cataract surgery, and minor orthopedic procedures requiring efficient anesthesia with rapid recovery.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
CRNAs select anesthetic techniques that allow for quick recovery and same-day discharge, including monitored anesthesia care (MAC), regional techniques, or short-acting general anesthetics. They manage pain control to ensure comfortable recovery.
Colonoscopy and Endoscopy
Diagnostic and therapeutic procedures examining the gastrointestinal tract using flexible scopes. Usually performed under moderate sedation (monitored anesthesia care) to ensure patient comfort while maintaining breathing and protective reflexes.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
CRNAs administer propofol or other sedation medications to achieve appropriate sedation depth, monitor vital signs and oxygen levels, and ensure patient safety and comfort throughout the procedure while allowing rapid recovery afterward.
Pediatric Surgery
Surgical procedures performed on infants, children, and adolescents requiring specialized pediatric anesthesia techniques. Children have different physiological responses to anesthesia requiring age-appropriate dosing and monitoring.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
CRNAs with pediatric expertise use child-friendly approaches to reduce anxiety, employ age-appropriate equipment and monitoring, calculate precise medication doses based on weight, and manage the unique physiological considerations of pediatric patients.
Chronic Pain Management Procedures
Interventional procedures to diagnose and treat chronic pain conditions, including epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks, joint injections, and implantable pain management devices. Often performed using fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
CRNAs perform or assist with interventional pain procedures, administering local anesthesia and sedation as needed. They use imaging guidance to precisely place needles and catheters, delivering medications directly to pain generators for targeted relief.
Trauma and Emergency Surgery
Urgent surgical procedures for patients with acute injuries or medical emergencies. Requires rapid assessment and anesthesia induction often in unstable patients with limited preparation time.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
CRNAs rapidly assess trauma patients, provide emergency airway management, administer anesthesia while maintaining hemodynamic stability in injured or critically ill patients, and coordinate resuscitation efforts during emergency procedures.
Neurosurgical Procedures
Surgical procedures on the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves, including tumor removal, aneurysm repair, and spinal surgery. Requires specialized neuroanesthesia techniques including brain protection strategies.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
CRNAs manage neuroanesthesia including controlled ventilation to manage intracranial pressure, administer neuroprotective agents, monitor neurological function during surgery, and ensure smooth emergence that allows immediate neurological assessment.
Dental and Oral Surgery
Procedures ranging from routine dental work requiring sedation to complex oral and maxillofacial surgeries. May use local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia depending on procedure complexity and patient needs.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
CRNAs provide sedation or general anesthesia for dental procedures, managing airways shared with the surgical field. They ensure patient comfort and safety for patients who cannot tolerate dental procedures under local anesthesia alone.
Ophthalmic (Eye) Surgery
Surgical procedures on the eye and surrounding structures, including cataract surgery, glaucoma procedures, retinal surgery, and orbital surgery. Often performed under regional eye blocks or monitored sedation.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
CRNAs administer appropriate anesthesia for eye surgery, which may include retrobulbar or peribulbar blocks for the eye, along with sedation. They ensure patient remains still during delicate procedures and manage any complications including the oculocardiac reflex.
Vascular Surgery
Surgical procedures on blood vessels throughout the body, including carotid endarterectomy, aneurysm repair, and peripheral bypass surgery. Requires careful hemodynamic management and monitoring.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
CRNAs manage anesthesia for vascular procedures with careful attention to blood pressure control, anticoagulation management, and hemodynamic monitoring. They may use regional techniques for some procedures and manage complex arterial line monitoring.
Urological Procedures
Surgical and diagnostic procedures on the urinary tract and male reproductive system, including prostate surgery, kidney surgery, and cystoscopy. May use spinal, epidural, or general anesthesia.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
CRNAs select appropriate anesthesia for urological procedures, often using spinal anesthesia for transurethral procedures. They manage fluid balance during procedures involving irrigation and monitor for complications like transurethral resection syndrome.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Surgical procedures to restore form and function or improve appearance, including breast reconstruction, burn treatment, hand surgery, and cosmetic procedures. Anesthesia requirements vary widely based on procedure scope.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
CRNAs provide anesthesia tailored to plastic surgery needs, which may range from sedation for minor procedures to general anesthesia for major reconstructions. They manage patient positioning, temperature regulation, and airway considerations for facial procedures.
Thoracic Surgery
Surgical procedures on the chest cavity, lungs, and esophagus, including lung cancer surgery, esophageal procedures, and mediastinal surgery. Often requires one-lung ventilation and specialized monitoring.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
CRNAs with thoracic anesthesia expertise manage one-lung ventilation using double-lumen tubes or bronchial blockers, monitor oxygenation during lung isolation, and manage pain control with epidural anesthesia or nerve blocks for thoracic procedures.
Important Note
This list represents common conditions but is not exhaustive. Nurse Anesthetists treat many other conditions related to their specialty. If you're experiencing symptoms or have concerns, consult with a qualified nurse anesthetist for a proper evaluation.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Understanding what happens during your appointment can help you feel more prepared. Here's what you can typically expect when visiting a nurse anesthetist.
Your First Visit
- Comprehensive preoperative assessment reviewing medical history, current medications, and allergies
- Evaluation of previous anesthesia experiences and any complications
- Physical examination focusing on airway assessment, heart and lung function
- Review of laboratory tests, EKG, and other preoperative studies
- Discussion of anesthesia options appropriate for your procedure
- Explanation of risks, benefits, and alternatives to recommended anesthesia plan
- Instructions for preoperative preparation including fasting guidelines (NPO status)
- Opportunity to ask questions and address concerns about anesthesia
- Preoperative visit typically lasts 15-30 minutes
Diagnosis & Testing
- Airway assessment: Evaluation of mouth opening, neck mobility, and anatomical features to plan airway management
- Cardiac evaluation: Review of heart function through history, exam, and EKG to assess anesthesia risk
- Pulmonary assessment: Evaluation of lung function and smoking history to plan ventilation management
- Laboratory review: Analysis of blood counts, chemistry panels, and coagulation studies as indicated
- Risk stratification: ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) physical status classification
- Medication reconciliation: Review of all medications to plan for perioperative management
- Allergy verification: Confirmation of all allergies and previous adverse reactions to medications
Treatment Options
- General anesthesia: Complete unconsciousness using intravenous and inhaled medications with airway management and mechanical ventilation
- Regional anesthesia: Numbing specific body regions using nerve blocks, spinal, or epidural anesthesia while patient remains awake or lightly sedated
- Local anesthesia: Injection of numbing medication directly at the surgical site for minor procedures
- Monitored anesthesia care (MAC): Sedation with continuous monitoring, often combined with local anesthesia for procedures like colonoscopy
- Combined techniques: Using multiple anesthesia methods together for optimal pain control and patient comfort
- Airway management: Securing breathing through mask ventilation, laryngeal mask airways, or endotracheal intubation
- Continuous monitoring: Vital signs, oxygen levels, heart rhythm, and anesthesia depth throughout procedure
- Post-anesthesia care: Recovery monitoring in PACU (post-anesthesia care unit) until discharge criteria met
- Pain management: Multimodal approaches including nerve blocks, medications, and patient-controlled analgesia
Tip for Your Visit
Bring a list of current medications, previous test results, and questions you want to ask. Writing down your symptoms—when they occur and what affects them—helps your nurse anesthetist provide accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
How to Choose the Right Nurse Anesthetist
Finding the right healthcare provider is important for your health and peace of mind. Here are key factors to consider when selecting a nurse anesthetist.
Credentials to Verify
- Currently certified by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA)
- Graduate of an accredited nurse anesthesia program (Council on Accreditation - COA)
- Active, unrestricted APRN license in your state
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification
- Member of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA)
- Additional certifications in specialty areas if applicable (pediatric, cardiac, obstetric anesthesia)
- Privileges at accredited hospitals and surgical centers
Important Considerations
- Experience with your specific type of procedure or surgical specialty
- Experience managing patients with your medical conditions or comorbidities
- Hospital or surgical center quality and safety record
- Communication style and willingness to answer your questions thoroughly
- Availability for preoperative consultation and discussion of anesthesia plan
- Practice setting (independent practice, anesthesia care team, or supervision model)
- Access to your facility (in-network providers at your surgical location)
- Emergency backup and coverage arrangements
- Subspecialty training if needed (obstetric, pediatric, cardiac anesthesia)
- Track record and outcomes data if available
Quick Tip
Don't hesitate to schedule consultations with multiple nurse anesthetists before making your decision. The right fit isn't just about credentials—it's also about feeling comfortable and confident in your care.
Cost and Insurance Information
Understanding the costs associated with seeing a nurse anesthetist can help you plan for your healthcare needs.
Average Costs (Without Insurance)
Initial Visit
$100-$250 (preoperative evaluation)
Follow-up Visit
$75-$150 (post-anesthesia follow-up if needed)
Common Procedures
Note: These are estimated average costs and can vary based on location, provider, and specific services required.
Insurance Coverage
- Anesthesia services are typically covered when the associated procedure is covered
- Coverage is usually the same whether provided by a CRNA or anesthesiologist
- Anesthesia is billed based on time units plus base units for procedure complexity
- Insurance may require the surgical procedure to be pre-authorized; anesthesia is included
- Out-of-network anesthesia providers may result in surprise billing - check before surgery
- Labor epidurals are typically covered under maternity benefits
- Pain management procedures may require prior authorization
- Deductibles and coinsurance apply to anesthesia services
- Some ambulatory surgery centers have bundled pricing including anesthesia
Medicare Information
Medicare Part B covers anesthesia services when medically necessary for covered surgical, diagnostic, or therapeutic procedures. Payment is based on a formula using base units (procedure complexity) plus time units. Medicare recognizes CRNAs as independent practitioners and provides direct reimbursement for their services at the same rate as physician anesthesiologists.
Money-Saving Tips
- 1Always verify your nurse anesthetist is in-network before scheduling
- 2Ask about self-pay discounts if you don't have insurance
- 3Inquire about payment plans for expensive procedures
- 4Get prior authorization when required to avoid claim denials
- 5Use FSA or HSA funds for eligible medical expenses
Questions to Ask Your Nurse Anesthetist
Being prepared for your appointment helps you get the most out of your time with your doctor. Here are important questions to consider asking a nurse anesthetist.
What type of anesthesia do you recommend for my procedure, and why?
What are the risks specific to my health conditions, and how will you manage them?
Have you provided anesthesia for this type of procedure before, and how often?
What monitors will you use during my procedure to ensure my safety?
What can I expect when I wake up from anesthesia, and how long will recovery take?
Will you be present throughout my entire procedure?
What should I do if I experience complications after going home?
Are there alternatives to general anesthesia for my procedure?
How will my pain be managed during and after the procedure?
What medications should I stop taking before surgery, and when should I stop them?
Pro Tip
Write down your questions before your appointment and bring them with you. Don't hesitate to take notes during your visit or ask for written instructions.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Know when symptoms require immediate attention versus a scheduled appointment.
While most conditions can wait for a scheduled appointment with a nurse anesthetist, certain symptoms require immediate emergency care. Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you experience:
- Severe difficulty breathing or inability to breathe after anesthesia - may indicate airway obstruction or allergic reaction requiring immediate intervention
- Signs of malignant hyperthermia: rapidly rising body temperature, severe muscle rigidity, rapid heart rate during or after anesthesia - this is a life-threatening emergency
- Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis): hives, swelling of face/throat, difficulty breathing, sudden drop in blood pressure
- Signs of local anesthetic toxicity: ringing in ears, metallic taste, confusion, seizures, or cardiac arrest after regional anesthesia or nerve block
- Excessive bleeding at surgical or injection site that does not stop with pressure
- Sudden severe headache after spinal or epidural anesthesia (may indicate post-dural puncture headache or more serious complications)
EMERGENCY
Call 911 or nearest ER
URGENT
Doctor or urgent care
NON-URGENT
Regular appointment
Nurse Anesthetist vs. Other Specialists
Understanding the differences between medical specialists helps you choose the right provider for your needs.
Nurse Anesthetist vs. Anesthesiologist
An anesthesiologist is a physician (MD or DO) who completes medical school plus a 4-year anesthesiology residency. A CRNA is an advanced practice nurse who completes nursing education, critical care experience, and a 3-4 year graduate nurse anesthesia program. Both provide the full spectrum of anesthesia services. Research shows equivalent patient outcomes between CRNAs and anesthesiologists. CRNAs may practice independently or as part of care teams depending on state laws and facility policies. CRNAs are often the sole anesthesia providers in rural areas.
Nurse Anesthetist vs. Pain Management Specialist
Pain management specialists (who may be physicians, CRNAs, or other providers) focus primarily on diagnosing and treating chronic pain conditions through medications, interventional procedures, and comprehensive pain programs. CRNAs provide anesthesia for surgical procedures and may also perform pain management procedures. Some CRNAs specialize in pain management and focus their practice on interventional pain procedures rather than operating room anesthesia.
Nurse Anesthetist vs. Surgeon
Surgeons perform the actual surgical procedure, making incisions and repairing or removing tissues. CRNAs work alongside surgeons to keep patients comfortable, unconscious (if under general anesthesia), and safe during surgery. While surgeons focus on the operative procedure, CRNAs manage all aspects of anesthesia including airway, breathing, circulation, and pain control. The surgeon and CRNA work as a team, each focusing on their specialty expertise.
Not sure which specialist you need?
Your primary care physician can help determine the right specialist for your condition and provide a referral if needed.
Sources & References
Information about nurse anesthetists is sourced from peer-reviewed medical literature and authoritative organizations.
Last updated: March 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about certified registered nurse anesthetist (crna) specialists
What is the difference between a nurse anesthetist (CRNA) and an anesthesiologist?
An anesthesiologist is a physician (MD or DO) who completed medical school followed by a 4-year anesthesiology residency. A CRNA is an advanced practice registered nurse who completed a nursing degree, gained critical care experience, then completed a master's or doctoral nurse anesthesia program. Both provide the full range of anesthesia services and can work independently or in teams. Research consistently shows that anesthesia outcomes are comparable between CRNAs and anesthesiologists. CRNAs are the primary anesthesia providers in many rural and underserved areas. The choice between a CRNA or anesthesiologist often depends on availability, facility practice models, and patient preference rather than safety considerations.
Will I wake up during surgery or feel pain?
Awareness under general anesthesia is extremely rare, occurring in only about 1-2 cases per 1,000 anesthetics. CRNAs use multiple monitors to ensure adequate anesthesia depth, including brain wave monitors (BIS) in high-risk cases. They continuously assess vital signs for any indication of inadequate anesthesia and adjust medications accordingly. If you've had awareness during previous anesthesia or are concerned, tell your CRNA during your preoperative consultation - they can take extra precautions. With regional anesthesia (spinal, epidural, nerve blocks), you may feel pressure or movement sensations, but you should not feel pain. If you feel any discomfort, tell your anesthesia provider immediately - they can give additional medication.
How do I know which type of anesthesia is best for my procedure?
Your CRNA will recommend the most appropriate anesthesia based on several factors: the type and duration of surgery, the surgical site, your medical conditions and risk factors, your preferences, and the surgeon's requirements. Some procedures are best done under general anesthesia (complete unconsciousness), while others are suitable for regional anesthesia (numbing a specific body area) or sedation. For example, cesarean sections are typically done under spinal anesthesia so mothers can be awake for delivery, while abdominal surgery usually requires general anesthesia. Your CRNA will discuss options, explain the pros and cons of each, and work with you to develop the best plan for your situation.
What are the risks of anesthesia, and how are they minimized?
All anesthesia carries some risk, but serious complications are rare due to modern monitoring, medications, and training. Common side effects include nausea/vomiting (managed with anti-nausea medications), sore throat from breathing tube, temporary confusion in elderly patients, and mild discomfort at IV sites. Rare but serious risks include allergic reactions, aspiration (breathing stomach contents into lungs - prevented by fasting rules), nerve injury with regional anesthesia, and cardiac or respiratory complications. Your CRNA minimizes risks by thorough preoperative assessment, choosing appropriate anesthesia techniques, continuous monitoring during the procedure, and being prepared to manage any complications. Informing your CRNA about your complete medical history, including previous anesthesia problems and all medications, helps ensure the safest care.
Why do I need to fast (not eat or drink) before surgery?
Fasting before anesthesia prevents aspiration, which occurs when stomach contents enter the lungs during anesthesia when protective reflexes are suppressed. This can cause serious pneumonia or lung damage. Standard guidelines typically require no solid food for 6-8 hours before surgery and no clear liquids for 2 hours before surgery (these times may vary based on your specific situation). CRNAs take fasting requirements seriously because aspiration, while preventable, can be life-threatening. In emergencies when patients haven't fasted, special precautions are taken including rapid sequence intubation. Always follow the specific fasting instructions given by your surgical team, and if you accidentally eat or drink, tell your anesthesia provider immediately - your surgery may need to be delayed for safety.
Medical disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions about a medical condition. If you have a medical emergency, call 911. Our editorial standards