If you would like to attend school in Alabama and are considering becoming a CRNA, there are multiple options for schooling that are quite accessible. Below you can find detailed information about CRNAs in Alabama and also a list of the CRNA programs and schools which have locations in Alabama.
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Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists – Overview
CRNAs are highly trained nurse specialists. The basic role of a CRNA is to administer adequate anesthetic care for pain management during surgeries or medical procedures. CRNAs can provide anesthesia to all types of patients in many different settings and locations. A CRNA oversees pre-anesthetic preparation and evaluation, anesthesia induction and maintenance, post-anesthesia care, and also offers peri-anesthetic and clinical support.
CRNAs can work collaboratively with other anesthesia providers, such as in an anesthesia department in a hospital or under the guidance of an anesthesiologist. CRNAs can also work independently, such as in a plastic surgery or dental clinic. CRNAs are not limited to one particular type of facility or patient and are trained to meet the wide variety of anesthesia needs patients today may require.
Alabama State Information
The general requirements for those wishing to become a CRNA in Alabama, listed by the Alabama Association of Nurse Anesthetists (ALANA), are similar to those in other states and include obtaining a bachelor’s degree in nursing, holding an unrestricted license as an RN, having one year of critical care experience, graduating from a CRNA program, and successfully completing the National Certification Examination. According to the ALANA, in Alabama CRNAs are authorized to practice under the direction of any licensed physician or dentist and there is no requirement for a CRNA to be directly supervised by an anesthesiologist. The ALANA also reports that, in Alabama, CRNAs are the only administrators of anesthesia care (meaning there are no anesthesiologists on-staff or readily available) in 18 of the state’s counties.
CRNA Jobs in Alabama
A RAND Health report released in 2024 showed that Alabama had a shortage of CRNAs and predicted a continued shortage of anesthesia providers for several years. CRNAs in Alabama play a very important role in healthcare as, without them, many residents could find themselves in need of anesthesia care, but having to travel a very long distance to receive it. When an ill patient is in need of a surgery or procedure, it is critical that quality anesthesia care is available within a reasonable distance. CRNAs are helping this situation as they are making it possible for smaller hospitals and rural facilities in Alabama to offer a wider and more convenient range of surgery and procedure options as they make pain management available.
CRNA Salary in Alabama
The average salary for CRNAs varies widely depending upon the type and location of the facility in which a CRNA practices. It is necessary to remember that there can be large differences in salary range between different geographic locations, urban and rural areas, and in private clinics, large hospitals, or government run hospitals. There is, however, general information available as far as average CRNA salary ranges by state. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean salary range for CRNAs in Alabama was $145,020-$158,840 in January of 2024. While these numbers can and do fluctuate, they can also help give you an idea of the potential salary for CRNAs in Alabama.
List of CRNA Schools Located in Alabama
Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing Samford University – Department of Nurse Anesthesia
800 Lakeshore Drive
Birmingham, AL 35229
- Degree Offered: Master of Science in Nursing (Completion or Entry-Level)
- Duration in Months: Completion- 20 months, Entry-Level- 28 months
- Start Month: Entry-Level-January
- Number of Clinical Sites: 28
The University of Alabama at Birmingham Nurse Anesthesia Specialty Track, MSN Program
1701 University Blvd.
NB Suite 1007
Birmingham, AL 35294
- Degree Offered: Master of Science in Nursing (Entry-Level)
- Duration in Months: 27
- Start Month: August
- Number of Clinical Sites: 34
Texas Wesleyan University- Distance Program (Requires some time on-campus in Fort Worth, Texas. The locations in Alabama are in Mobile and Fairhope.)
Graduate Programs of Nurse Anesthesia Building
1201 Wesleyan Street
Fort Worth, TX 76105