If you reside in Maryland and have thought about pursuing a career as a CRNA, this is a great place to begin your research. Maryland is home to two schools which offer CRNA programs. The first is the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences located in Bethesda which offers Doctor of Nursing Practice or Master of Science in Nursing degrees for active duty Uniformed Service Officers. The second is the University Of Maryland School Of Nursing located in Baltimore, which offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. Choosing to pursue a CRNA career path and finding the right CRNA school for you are two very important life decisions. This page can help you in your decision-making process as it will explain some of the basics of being a Maryland CRNA as well as some of the differences you may find between CRNA schools.
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Maryland CRNAs
At the most fundamental level, the job of a CRNA in Maryland is to administer and maintain anesthesia to a patient undergoing a medical procedure. The type of pain management needed can vary from patient to patient. Some may require a local anesthetic to numb a small portion of the body, while some may require general anesthesia, which not only numbs the body but also causes a loss of consciousness and memory. Part of the job of a CRNA may be to determine what type of anesthetic will be the most beneficial and how and when to administer it. It may also be the job of a CRNA to watch a patient closely throughout the procedure or surgery and to assure that he or she is remaining comfortable and responding well to the anesthesia. The job tasks of a CRNA can be very detail-oriented and often require quick critical thinking skills and high levels of concentration. Maryland CRNAs are entrusted with healthcare tasks that may affect the successful outcome of diagnostic and surgical procedures and the overall physical and mental well-being of the patients they serve.
Different Aspects of CRNA Programs
There are many different aspects to consider when comparing CRNA programs. Below are just a few things to consider as you research potential schooling options.
Program Length: CRNA programs are generally expected to last between 24-36 months. Individual schools will vary so it is best to check the specific programs offered by various schools you may be interested in attending.
Program Type: One major difference between CRNA programs is the difference between front loaded and integrated programs. Front loaded programs have the student complete the majority of academic and classroom work in the first part of the program and then complete clinical work during the second part. An integrated program will combine classroom and clinical experience throughout the duration of entire program.
Application Deadlines: The school year for CRNA programs frequently begins in the months of January, January, or August with application deadlines occurring sometimes up to a year in advance. It is important to start looking at the individual application deadlines for your school(s) of choice as soon as possible as they do differ.
Application Process: While most CRNA schools have similar requirements, they can and do differ on the basics. Some schools require letters of recommendation or prerequisite coursework. Some look for specific nursing certifications, GPAs, or GRE scores. Many schools have an online application process as well as an in-person interview process. It may be helpful to narrow down your school choices and then look into the details of each school’s application process.
CRNA Jobs in Maryland – Salary Information
Attending a CRNA program and working to become a CRNA can be a very demanding and challenging experience. While you are busy working through school, it may be encouraging to be able to consider the future benefits of becoming a CRNA in Maryland. In a January 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics report, the state of Maryland was found to be the fourth highest paying state in the nation for CRNAs, coming in behind Nevada, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. This is good news if you are interested in working in Maryland as a CRNA. Of course, averages do not guarantee any future individual salaries, but the average annual wage reported for a CRNA in Maryland in 2024 was $196,690. Part of the reason for the high average in Maryland may be because the metropolitan area of Baltimore-Towson had the fifth highest average pay for a metropolitan area with an average annual wage of $192,950. At the time of the BLS report, the state of Maryland had approximately 500 employed CRNAs.
Listing of CRNA Programs in Maryland
The following is a list of CRNA schools in Maryland including the University of Maryland CRNA Program.
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences- *Military Nurse Anesthesia Program
4301 Jones Bridge Road, Building E
Bethesda, MD 20814
* This program is for active duty Uniformed Services Officers selected by their Services for this program. Attending this program requires an active duty commitment to the military.
- Degree Awarded: Doctor of Nursing Practice or Master of Science in Nursing (Entry Level)
- Average Program Length: 36 months (DNP), 30 months (MSN)
- Start Month: January (Both DNP and MSN)
- Clinical Sites: 29 (DNP) 31 (MSN)
University of Maryland School of Nursing Graduate Programs Nurse Anesthesia
655 West Lombard Street, Suite 365
Baltimore, MD 21201
- Degree Awarded: Doctor of Nursing Practice (Entry Level)
- Average Program Length: 36 months
- Start Month: June
- Clinical Sites: 16