The state of Montana is a large western state known for its open spaces and rugged backcountry. It is a great state for those who enjoy outdoor activities and adventures as well as those who enjoy beautiful natural scenery. Unfortunately, the state of Montana is not currently home to any CRNA schools located in-state. If you live in Montana and would like to attend school to become a CRNA, you will likely need to leave the state in order to find a program. Fortunately, several states located nearby offer CRNA programs including Washington, North and South Dakota, and Oregon.
If you go to school in another state to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist, you may be interested in returning to Montana once you receive your certification in order to work as a CRNA. Below you will find some information on working as a CRNA in Montana.
Montana CRNAs
According to the Montana Association of Nurse Anesthetists (MtANA), CRNAs are the sole anesthesia providers in 80% of all of Montana’s counties that offer surgical or obstetrical services. There are 24 counties in Montana that are served solely by CRNAs and only 6 counties which have the services of both anesthesiologists and CRNAs. CRNAs provide an important service in Montana. In order to perform and receive many types of diagnostic testing and almost any type of surgery, some sort of pain management service is required. Physicians rely on anesthesiologists or CRNAs to deliver that pain management in a safe and effective way through anesthetics. Without CRNAs working in those 24 counties in Montana, the residents there would not be able to have convenient access to anesthesia services for surgeries, medical procedures, or childbirth. CRNAs help makes it possible for many residents of Montana to receive their medical care closer to home.
As of January 2024, CRNAs working in Montana make an annual mean wage of $127,290, with a range of $54,670-$144,980, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This annual mean wage puts Montana CRNAs in the same wage range as CRNAs in the states of Kansas and New Mexico.
While Montana is not home to any CRNA schools or programs, the services which CRNAs provide are still needed in Montana medical clinics, surgical centers, and hospitals. Working as a CRNA to help bring critical anesthesia care to residents living in Montana could be a meaningful and rewarding career.