If you live in the state of Illinois or are hoping to go to school in Illinois, and would like to become a CRNA, there are many options available to you. This page will help you understand what type of training and education is necessary in order to become a CRNA in Illinois, as well as give you some specific information on being a CRNA in Illinois.
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CRNA Training
The education and training process necessary to become a CRNA will probably require a lot of personal dedication and motivation. In general, in order to be qualified for acceptance into a typical CRNA program, students must: obtain a Bachelors of Science degree in nursing (or another similar field), obtain a RN license, practice as an RN for at least one year in a critical care facility, and meet other specific certification requirements as well as obtain certain scores on the GRE or have a 3.0 GPA in undergraduate work. These particular requirements vary by school so it is best to look at each individual program to see whether you qualify to apply.
Once a student is accepted into a CRNA program, he or she must complete the rigorous course of study in order to be eligible to take the National Certification Exam. Passing the NCE completes the journey of becoming a CRNA. After that, you are able to apply for CRNA jobs in Chicago or other parts of IL and work as a CRNA.
Illinois CRNA Jobs and Responsibilities
If you are interested in working as a CRNA in Illinois, you may be wondering what types of things will generally be expected of you as a CRNA. The Illinois Association of Nurse Anesthetists (IANA) has a “Code of Ethics” for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists which they expect their members to adhere to. Looking at some of the specifics in this Code of Ethics may help you better understand the types of roles and responsibilities you might have as a CRNA in Illinois.
The IANA expects a CRNA to be responsible to their patients by doing things such as practicing without bias and keeping their patients from harm as well as protecting their patient’s rights and keeping their information confidential. They also expect that a CRNA is competent in the field and that they accomplish this by continuing to maintain their RN licensure, maintaining their CRNA certification, and practicing continuing education throughout their career. The professional responsibilities of a CRNA include taking responsibility for individual judgments and practicing in accordance with professional standards. A CRNA is also expected to be responsible to society by working together with other health care providers and professions in order to meet the health needs of the public and provide safe healthcare.
Although the main and most important responsibility of a CRNA in Illinois is to work hard to provide safe and effective anesthesia to their patients, there are many other roles and responsibilities that a CRNA may undertake on a day-to-day basis.
CRNA Salary for Chicago and other parts of IL
CRNAs have a wide range of roles and responsibilities, which can occasionally make their profession a stressful one. Stress is a natural part of many healthcare professions because healthcare providers work closely with people in uncertain and sometimes life-threatening situations. Working as a CRNA is no different. CRNAs encounter people who may be facing diagnostic surgeries or procedures that are worrisome. CRNAs provide emotional and physical care to their patients and, as a result, give a lot of themselves to their job. If you are thinking about entering the demanding field of CRNA work, you may be wondering what the potential salary could be. The Bureau of Labor Statistics released a report in 2024 which listed the average CRNA salary Chicago, Illinois range as $145,202-$158,840. This range is similar to that of many other states, including Missouri, Ohio, Oregon, and Tennessee.
A RAND research health report called “Is There a Shortage of Anesthesia Providers in the United States?” was published in 2024. In this report, it was found that there was a general shortage of CRNAs in the Midwest and that the state of Illinois specifically had a shortage of CRNAs. This shortage could limit access to anesthesia services and cause problems for people who need anesthetic care quickly, especially if they live in an area with a shortage of providers. Getting into a career field that may be experiencing a shortage of providers is a good way to ensure that your services will be valued and appreciated.
Listing of CRNA Schools in Illinois
Below is a listing of CRNA schools and programs located in the state of Illinois.
North Shore University Health System School of Nurse Anesthesia DePaul University
2650 Ridge Avenue, Rm G603-C
Evanston, IL 60210
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science Nurse Anesthesia Program
3333 Green Bay Road
North Chicago, IL 60064
Rush University College of Nursing Nurse Anesthesia Program
600 South Pauline St.
Armour Academic Center #1034
Chicago, IL 60612
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing Anesthesia Nursing Specialization
Campus Box 1066
Edwardsville, IL 62026
The Millikin University and Decatur Memorial Hospital Nurse Anesthesia Program
2300 North Edward Street
Decatur, IL 62526