Professional Licensure Disclosure Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologist (CRNA)

The Idaho State University Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Program received national accreditation from the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) on May 20, 2025.

DNAP Program Mission Statement: The Idaho State University, Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Program within the ISU School of Nursing is dedicated to preparing competent, safe and compassionate independent practicing Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologists (CRNAs) for rural and diverse populations through the integration of formal didactic instruction, advanced simulation labs, and extensive clinical instruction.

We are proud to be Idaho’s first CRNA program. Following full accreditation, the first cohort began courses in August 2025.

Upon completion of the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Program at Idaho State University, graduates who comply with all state requirements for current and unrestricted licensure as a registered professional nurse in all states in which they currently hold an active license may apply to take the National Certification Examination (NCE). The NCE is administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). A passing score on this exam must be achieved within two years following graduation to receive CRNA licensure.

CRNAs practice in all 50 states, delivering anesthesia in various settings, often as sole providers in rural areas. This program has a unique focus on the independent practice aspect of the profession.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologist(CRNA) Preparation Requirements

Prior to enrolling in an accredited CRNA program, the applicant must complete the following minimum requirements:

● A baccalaureate or graduate degree in nursing or an appropriate major.
● An unencumbered license as a registered nurse and/or an APRN in the United States or its territories or protectorates.
● A minimum of 1 year of full-time critical care experience, or its part-time equivalent, as a registered nurse in a critical care setting.
https://www.aana.com/about-us/about-crnas/become-a-crna/ 

CRNA programs in the US are highly competitive, and most applicants have a minimum of 2-3 years of high-quality critical care experience. The ISU DNAP Program average years of experience for students accepted into our 3-year program is 4.5 years.
All current nurse anesthesia programs in the United States are at least 36 months. Upon graduation, students receive a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

To begin a career as a CRNA, following graduation from an accredited program, students need to take and pass the National Certification Examination (NCE). Before taking the NCE, The National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) recommends taking the Self-Evaluation Examination (SEE). Following national certification and prior to practice in any state, the student must receive registered nurse (RN) licensure in that state as well as advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) licensure. Contact the individual state board of nursing for licensure requirements.

Idaho State RN Licensure Requirements: Required before an APRN license can be issued in any state. The state board of nursing issues it: https://dopl.idaho.gov/bon/ 

Idaho APRN Licensure: The advanced practice license that authorizes you to practice as a CRNA in that state. A separate application from the RN license, with its own requirements and timeline: https://dopl.idaho.gov/bon/ 

For more information, please contact Shad Westover: shadwestover@isu.edu