Occupations: Nurse Anesthetists
Nurse Anesthetists
Overview of the profession:
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) play a critical role in the healthcare system by delivering anesthesia and pain management care to patients undergoing surgical and other medical procedures. As advanced practice registered nurses, CRNAs are highly trained professionals who, while collaborating with other care staff, can practice independently without the supervision of a physician. To become a licensed CRNA through the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), individuals must complete a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia program accredited by the Council on Accreditation. To be eligible to enter the doctoral program, individuals must have a Bachelor or Master of Science in Nursing and have at least one year of experience working in an intensive care unit. Upon graduation, CRNAs must pass the National Certification Exam to become certified through the National Board of Certification & Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists. Finally, LARA requires applicants to hold a valid Registered Nurse license to apply for CRNA licensure. Once licensed, CRNAs typically find employment in hospitals or surgical clinics but may also work in physician offices, outpatient care centers, and private practice. CRNAs' expertise contributes to successful surgical outcomes while making healthcare more cost-effective and accessible.
Policy Highlights
Includes recent proposed legislation
Current CRNA Workforce Data
We've provided the latest data from Lightcast below. Click on the images to enlarge them and review them in further detail.
2024 Hourly Wages
10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$86.28 | $93.26 | $119.69 | $115.30 | $167.01 |
Top Posted Job Titles
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Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists
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Anesthesia Assistants
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Respite Providers
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Hospitality Staff
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Nurse Anesthetists
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Arena Managers
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Locum Tenens Anesthesia Physicians
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Anesthesiology Residents
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Hospitalists
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Operating Room Registered Nurses
Index Ranking
Ranked 27th (out of 36) "healthiest" profession according to the 2024 Michigan Healthcare Workforce Index.
Learn more here.
2024 Employment: 2,218
Projected 2034 Employment: 2,335 (+5%)
Highlighted Workforce Initiatives
Name: Freshman Health Career Exploration Fair
Prosperity Region: 8
Description: The Freshmen Health Career Exploration Fair is hosted by Battle Creek Public Schools and its goal is to encourage high school freshmen to major in a health profession in college. Representatives from Grand Valley State University's College of Health Professions and GVSU's Kirkhof College of Nursing attend the Fair. The Fair familiarizes students with high-paying and intellectually stimulating careers in healthcare and it exposes them to community resources that can help them realize their goals of becoming healthcare professionals. Fair's funding comes from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
Name: Nurse Anesthetist Traineeship Grant- University of Detroit Mercy
Prosperity Region: 10
Description:The University of Detroit Mercy's Nurse Anesthetist program will improve access to health care for rural and underserved populations, focusing on combatting the opioid crisis. Nurse Anesthetist students will receive training grounded in the proper use of opioids and alternatives to opioids for surgery. To aid in cultural-competent and patient-centered care, the trainees will complete rotations in underserved and rural communities within the Detroit metropolitan area.
Name: Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) Program
Prosperity Region: 6
Description: UM-Flint’s DNAP degree program is designed for registered nurses who have earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing or another appropriate biological science from a regionally accredited institution. Building upon existing nursing knowledge and experience, this 36-month nurse anesthesia practice program increases candidate's credentials through a mix of didactic studies and clinical experiences.
By completing the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia program with the seven-semester clinical training, the candidate exceeds the minimum requirements established by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. They are also eligible to take the NBCRNA National Certification Examination, the final step to becoming an independent practicing CRNA.
Career Pathway
What is needed to become a licensed Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) in Michigan?
To become a licensed Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) through the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), individuals must complete an accredited Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia program, which requires individuals to have completed a Bachelor or Master of Science in Nursing and have at least one-year experience working in an intensive care unit. LARA
also requires licensure applicants to hold a current and valid Registered Nurse license in Michigan and possess certification from the National Board of Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists achieved by passing the National Certification Examination.
Are CRNAs considered advanced practice nurses in Michigan?
Yes, as of legislation passed in 2021, CRNAs are considered advanced practice nurses who can plan and deliver patient anesthesia and pain management care independently without physician supervision.
