This article examines the 15 most affordable certified nurse anesthetist programs.
Certified registered nurse anesthetists provide pain management and assistance for surgical operations and other emergency treatment choices in hospitals, clinics, and urgent care centers.
In remote locations, these advanced practice nurses are frequently the sole providers of anesthesia services in operating rooms, clinical settings, and private medical offices. Certified nurse anesthetists are in high demand across the medical business and can command six-figure incomes in the majority of locations.
Students interested in pursuing a career in this rapidly growing and well-paid sector will profit greatly by locating the best cheap nurse anesthetist programs.
Below is our list of the top 15 most affordable certified nurse anesthetist programs:
List of the 15 Most Affordable Certified Nurse Anesthetist Programs
The following is a list of the Most Affordable Certified Nurse Anesthetist Programs:
1. Wake Forest Medical School
Charlotte, North Carolina
Wake Forest School of Medicine, one of the best nurse anesthetist schools, offers nurses a rigorous and diverse nurse anesthesia (CRNA) curriculum that is a recognized industry leader and worldwide health training hub.
This Affordable Certified Nurse Anesthetist Programs has strict entrance requirements and accepts only the best and most eligible applicants. Students are prepared for advanced practice with a curriculum centered on clinical experience.
According to U.S. News & World Report, Wake Forest’s nursing anesthesia program ranks #10 out of 177 peer-ranked institutions and programs, making it one of the top programs on our list. In addition, the institution reports a placement rate of 100 percent for graduates within one month of graduation.
Fees and Tuition for Graduate Study: $36,650
2. Rush Institution
Chicago, Illinois
This Affordable Certified Nurse Anesthetist Programs at Rush University is designed to equip a limited group of students to function as highly skilled nurse anesthetists in a variety of medical and clinical settings. Rush University has prepared nurses for this specific area of nursing for over fifty years.
Applicants must have one to two years of recent experience as a registered nurse in adult critical care. The curriculum is offered on-campus full-time for a duration of 36 months. The nursing anesthesia program at Rush is ranked well by prominent publications. In fact, according to the most recent ranking by U.S. News & World Report, Rush has the fourth-best nursing anesthetic programs.
Fees and Tuition for Graduate Study: $47,124
3. The University of Drexel
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Anesthesia program at Drexel University is a 28-month, full-time, on-campus and online program designed to prepare nurses with the skills necessary for success in the nursing anesthesia field of medicine.
This Affordable Certified Nurse Anesthetist Programs curriculum at Drexel provides comprehensive anesthesia case experience in renowned clinical centers in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey. Prior to full-time enrollment, the majority of MSN prerequisite courses are completed online.
The early master’s level section of the curriculum attracts working nurses to pursue this degree. After taking part-time studies, students eventually transition to full-time enrollment. The nurse anesthesia program at Drexel is ranked 43rd out of 177 programs reviewed by U.S. News & World Report.
Cost of Graduate Tuition and Fees: $70,335
4. Mercy University of Detroit
Detroit, Michigan
This Affordable Certified Nurse Anesthetist Programs at University of Detroit Mercy has been ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the tenth top nursing anesthesia program in the United States. The curriculum is accredited by COA and graduates are guaranteed employment within six months after completion.
This top-ranked program has a tremendously competitive admissions process. A bachelor’s degree in nursing from an authorized ACEN or CCNE nursing school, a minimum of one year of experience as a professional RN in a critical care setting within the past five years, and a solid undergraduate academic record with a minimum GPA of 3.0 are some of the entry requirements.
Tuition and Fees for Graduates: $28,422
5. Keiser University
Naples, Florida, north
The nurse anesthesia program at Keiser University consists of 28 months of intensive study separated into two sections – didactic and clinical. The didactic stage occurs during the first 12 months of the program, whereas the clinical stage occurs during the final 16 months.
Attendance in class is required for certification eligibility and graduation. Private university Keiser University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the institution #56 among the South’s finest regional universities. Keiser University ranks first on our ranking in terms of affordability and academic rigor.However, it is also regarded as one the of the most Affordable Certified Nurse Anesthetist Programs.
Tuition and Fees for Graduates: $28,272
6. Medical College of Albany
Buffalo, New York
This Affordable Certified Nurse Anesthetist Programs at Albany Medical College is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) and is among our top recommendations for nurse anesthesia programs. This curriculum is distinguished by its clinical component and enhanced rotations at numerous off-campus clinical sites in New York. Students have access to nine off-campus clinical sites in New York and two in Massachusetts.
In addition, U.S. News and World Report ranks the nurse anesthesia programs as the 36th best in the nation out of 177 examined programs.
Tuition and Fees for Graduates: $28,992
7. Northeastern College
Boston, Massachusetts
The Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia program at Northeastern University prepares professional nurses to provide anesthesia. This three-year CCNE and COA-accredited program requires full-time participation.
This Affordable Certified Nurse Anesthetist Programs is suitable for registered nurses without an MSN degree. The first-time pass percentage for the National Certification Exam (NCE) is over 80 percent, whereas the second-time pass rate is one hundred percent. Northeastern is a prestigious institution with a good ranking. According to U.S. News and World Report, the nursing anesthesia program is tied for 22nd place among the top nurse anesthesia programs.
Fees and Tuition for Graduate Study: $20,225
8. College of New England
Biddeford, Maine
Since 2011, the COA has accredited the master’s in nursing anesthesia program at the University of New England. In accordance with COA standards, a transition to the entry-level DNP program is planned to begin on January 1, 2022.
A chosen group of graduate-level nurses will receive the greatest degree of didactic instruction, clinical site experiences, and simulation lab work through this program. According to U.S. News and World Report, the nurse anesthesia program at the University of New England ranks #88 out of 177 such programs. The University of New England tops our list of the most Affordable Certified Nurse Anesthetist Programs based on its affordability, ranking, and rigorous academics.
Cost of Graduate Tuition and Fees: $66,220
9. Texas Wesleyan College
Fort Worth is located in Texas
One of the largest nurse anesthesia programs in the country is also regarded as one of the best. Texas Wesleyan University boasts of its capacity to generate independent nursing practitioners. The front-loaded curriculum of the university is designed for completion in 28 months.
The first year is devoted to theory and classroom or online study; students then begin a 16-month clinical nurse anesthesia residency at one of 21 partner hospitals. In addition to being one of the largest programs, Texas Wesleyan provides affordability, accreditation, and high rankings in major magazines.
In fact, U.S. News and World Report puts the institution #64 among the finest regional universities in the West and #34 among the best value colleges.
Cost of Graduate Tuition and Fees: $46,698
10. Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan
The new DNP program at Michigan State University prepares students for careers as nurse anesthetists via two pathways. The BSN to DNP program is the first route to the DNP, followed by the MSN or MS to DNP. To facilitate one-on-one procedural and surgical education, cohort sizes are maintained small, averaging 12 students.
The website for the program advertises a first-time certification pass rate of 85% and an overall success rate of 92%. In addition, the employment rate within six months of graduation is 100 percent in 2019. The nurse anesthesia program at Michigan State University is ranked #29 out of 177 programs reviewed by U.S. News and World Report.However, it is also among the Affordable Certified Nurse Anesthetist Programs.
$18,132 for tuition and fees for postgraduate study.
11. Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia
This Affordable Certified Nurse Anesthetist Programs has one of the most economical nurse anesthesia programs on our list and is ranked first by U.S. News & World Report. The curriculum for the master’s degree at Virginia Commonwealth University includes the use of modern medical simulators for skill testing.
The availability of online courses provides further flexibility for working adults and nurses who are already juggling multiple duties. In addition, the program provides smooth access into the school’s DNAP curriculum. In addition to outstanding program rankings, U.S. News has recognized the institution. Virginia Commonwealth ranks #157 among the finest national universities and #80 among the best public institutions.
Tuition and Fees for Graduates: $16,824
12. Westminster College
Utah’s Salt Lake City
The only private liberal arts college in Utah that offers nursing programs is a private liberal arts college. Westminster College is renowned for its emphasis on experiential education and practical training for students. This institution’s nurse anesthesia master’s degree program is meant to be completed in 29 months, commencing with coursework in August and clinical rotations in September of the following year.
Fewer than twenty students are admitted year, making this a highly competitive arena for these advanced healthcare degrees. According to U.S. News and World Report, Westminster College is the twentieth best regional university in the West.
$43,552 for tuition and fees at the postgraduate level
13. College of South Carolina
Capital of South Carolina
In this hands-on nurse anesthesia program at the University of South Carolina, nurses begin working with patients in the first semester. The 27-month program, designed to give nurses entering the anesthesiology sector with the necessary knowledge and practical experience, collaborates with Palmetto Health Richland and Greenville Hospital System to provide students with additional teaching.
Students enrolling in this advanced nursing degree program have a 92 percent employment rate and a 92 percent certification examination pass rate, according to the institution. The University of South Carolina, founded in 1901, has a long history of academic distinction. This Affordable Certified Nurse Anesthetist Programs University is ranked #106 among the best national universities and #145 among the best value schools by U.S. News and World Report.
Tuition and Fees for Graduates: $12,244
14. Saint Vincent College
Latrobe, Pennsylvania
Saint Vincent College, a distinguished successor to the Benedictine heritage of education, provides a master’s degree in nursing anesthesia in partnership with Excela Health. This very demanding program welcomes applicants from all areas of nursing practice and admits only 30 students annually.
Throughout the roughly 27.5-month duration of this program, students can have close interaction with their instructors due to the small class sizes. Currently, this Pennsylvania private college authorizes 23 clinical sites for nursing residencies. In addition to academic rigor and excellence, Saint Vincent College has a solid reputation among major publications such as U.S. News and World Report. Saint Vincent ranks #152 among the nation’s finest liberal arts colleges and also among the most Affordable Certified Nurse Anesthetist Programs.
Tuition and Fees for Graduates: $13,625
15. Tennessee’s University
Knoxville, Tennessee
The University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine is an established and reasonably priced nurse anesthetist school with high admissions requirements and is now only enrolling students for its doctoral degree in nurse anesthesia.
Applicants must hold a BSN or MSN from a college or university with regional accreditation and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Only applicants with a total GPA below 3.30 are required to take the GRE and achieve a minimum aggregate score of 297 or above on the two specified sections. ICU experience is also mandatory.
Students must have at least one year of current, full-time experience in adult critical care nursing. According to U.S. News and World Report, UT is the country’s 115th best national institution and 100th best value school. In addition, the UT’s nurse anesthesia program is ranked #51 among 177 programs and schools.
Tuition and Fees for Graduates: $21,538
16. Lourdes University
Sylvania, Ohio
This Affordable Certified Nurse Anesthetist Programs at Lourdes University, located in Sylvania, Ohio, is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis and offers a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum in addition to its nursing programs. 100 percent of students in the nurse anesthesia program at Lourdes University passed the certification exam on the first or second attempt, according to data provided by the university.
Additionally, the master’s degree program touts a 100 percent employment rate three months after graduation. In addition to post-graduation statistics, Lourdes University provides U.S. News & World Report nursing anesthetic rankings. Among fact, out of 177 universities assessed by peers, Lourdes is ranked #81 for strong academics in the top nursing anesthesia programs.
Cost of Graduate Tuition and Fees: $22,000
17. Downstate Medical Center of SUNY
Manhattan, New York
The Affordable Certified Nurse Anesthetist Programs at SUNY Downstate Medical Center admits students annually, and applicants must have at least two years of current critical care experience. The nurse anesthesia master’s degree program at SUNY Downstate Medical Center can be completed in 27 months of full-time study.
After completing the university’s minimum 61 credit hours and 550 cases, students are entitled to take the certification exam and pursue their professional ambitions in this lucrative sector. The nurse anesthesia program at SUNY Downstate is ranked 100th out of 177 schools and programs reviewed by U.S. News and World Report.
Tuition and Fees for Graduates: $11,960
18. College of Scranton
Scranton, Pennsylvania
The Affordable Certified Nurse Anesthetist Programs provides prospective certified nurse anesthetists with graduate degrees that can lead to lucrative careers in the healthcare business. At the University of Scranton, students pursuing their nurse anesthetist certification can choose between two degree programs.
The master’s degree takes 63 credit hours and 550 cases; nurses who already hold a master’s degree in advanced nursing practice may enroll in a certificate program requiring 51 credit hours of instruction. The University of Scranton’s nursing anesthesia program is ranked #65 out of 177 institutions and programs reviewed by U.S. News & World Report.
Tuition and Fees for Graduates: $11,630
19. Florida State University
City of Panama in Florida
The curriculum of the 28-month MSN in nurse anesthesia program at Florida State University, which is accredited on a national level, is rigorous. The curriculum emphasizes numerous nurse anesthesia subjects and surgical techniques.
For immediate skill application, each student begins a one-on-one clinical practicum during the first week of class. This program is highly experiential. Graduates of the program have a roughly 98% NCE success record, attracting academically able degree candidates.
This indicates that the application process is quite competitive. In addition, U.S. News & World Report rates Florida State University among the nation’s best universities. In addition to its inexpensive tuition, Florida State University ranks first on our ranking.
Tuition and Fees for Graduates: $11,538
20. University of Michigan
lint, Michigan
The DNP program, offered jointly by Hurley Medical Center and the University of Michigan-Flint, trains students to become registered nurse anesthetists capable of providing superior anesthesia care.
Throughout the initial portion of the course, clinical experiences and classroom hours are blended to help students obtain a more comprehensive grasp of their future position in the medical setting and strengthen the MSN foundation.
With more than 25 clinical sites across Michigan, the program provides hands-on training in a diverse range of healthcare settings, including urban, rural, and independent CRNA settings. The school’s anesthesia program is ranked 22nd out of 177 programs by U.S. News and World Report.
Fees and Tuition for Graduate Study: $15,476
FAQs On Affordable Certified Nurse Anesthetist Programs
What is the shortest CRNA program?
Most nurse anesthetist programs (80% or more) are 36 months. The shortest is 24 months. Once all nurse anesthesia schools have transitioned to the DNP, they will all be a minimum of 36 months.
What is the lowest a CRNA can make?
According to the website Salaryexpert.com, an entry-level nurse anesthetist will command an annual salary of $120,581, while a senior CRNA will earn $220,557.
Is CRNA a hard degree?
CRNA school is extremely difficult, but for those who are determined to become CRNAs, it can be done. The CRNA program is very intensive, as it's a graduate level program. Students have a tremendous amount of information to remember in CRNA school.
How can I become a CRNA fast?
there is no fast-track option—nurse anesthesia programs require a BSN or another appropriate baccalaureate degree (the program determines "appropriate"), as well as an RN license and a minimum of one year of acute care nursing experience. Programs take 2–3 years to complete.
Is becoming a CRNA worth it?
Yes, becoming a CRNA is worth it.
As of May 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the mean annual average salary for nurse anesthetists in the United States was over $183,000 in a year. Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) are the highest paid of all nursing specialties.
See also
- 8 Great Advantages of Becoming A Male Nurse Practitioner
- Online Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs No GRE
- Nurse Practitioner Programs with no GRE
- Top 20 Accelerated BSN Programs For Non-Nurses
- Nurse Practitioner Online Programs
- Best CRNA Schools with Online Programs
- 10 Positive Aspects about the Future of Nursing Career
- 20 High Paying Nursing Specialty jobs
- 2-year Nursing Programs in NC
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