How to become a nurse anesthetist

$236,590 median annual pay

Half of the people in this job earn more than the median and half earn less. Pay varies with location, industry and experience.

Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025, for the occupation Nurse Anesthetists.

This work involves administering anesthesia, monitoring a patient's vital signs, and overseeing the patient's recovery from anesthesia. A person in this job may assist anesthesiologists, surgeons, other physicians, or dentists. The person must be a registered nurse who has specialized graduate education.

• Manage patients' airway and lung status using intubation, ventilation, drugs, respiratory therapy, and extubation.
• Respond to emergencies with airway management, emergency fluids or drugs, and cardiac life support.
• Monitor patient responses like skin color, pulse, blood pressure, and urine output using invasive and noninvasive methods.
• Select, order, or give anesthetics, related drugs, fluids, or blood products as needed.
• Select, prepare, and use equipment, monitors, supplies, and drugs for anesthesia.
• Perform or manage regional anesthesia, including spinal, epidural, caudal, nerve, and intravenous blocks.

Start with an entry exam, then add more as your role grows.

1. 1

   Entry

   For people just starting out.

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2. 2

   Intermediate

   For people with some hands-on experience.

   • AACN CCRN (Adult) - Direct Care Eligibility Pathway CCRN exam prep 150 practice questions →