In the U.S., select certified registered nurse anesthetists are required to obtain a doctoral degree in 2025.
Here are five questions, answered:
1. What prompted this licensing requirement?
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, several nursing practice-focused doctoral degree programs emerged, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. In 2004, the AACN released a position statement in support of colleges transitioning to the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.
By 2007, the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology recommended that entry to practice degrees for nurse anesthetists be moved to the doctoral level by 2025.
2. When was this requirement decided?
In 2009, the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs voted to require CRNAs to complete a three-year doctoral program by 2025. Because a typical CRNA program lasts three years, the COA’s decision created a Jan. 1, 2022, deadline for U.S. schools.
3. What doctoral degrees are included?
The COA requires two degrees for U.S.-based entry-into-practice nurse anesthesia programs: the Doctor of Nursing Practice and the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice degrees.
As of July 2024, all 141 accredited nurse anesthesia programs in the U.S. and Puerto Rico were approved to award doctoral degrees for entry into practice.
4. What happens to practicing CRNAs who do not hold a doctorate?
The rule applies only to new CRNAs; those already in the workforce or who entered programs before 2022 are not affected.
5. How might this requirement affect the workforce? A white paper from Medicus Healthcare Solutions said the new licensing requirements may exacerbate the current CRNA shortage by delaying the entry of new CRNAs into the workforce. It also said the requirements could deter potential candidates from pursuing the profession.
