The state of Massachusetts is known for being rich in United States history and east coast culture. It is centrally located along the northeast coast which makes it a nice place to live or work if you are interested in visiting some of the other nearby northeastern states.
For those interested in going to CRNA Schools and Programs in Massachusetts, there are two in-state options. The first is the Boston College William F. Connell School of Nursing located in Chestnut Hill. The Boston College Nurse Anesthesia program offers a program to obtain a Master’s of Science in Nursing degree or a Post-Master’s Certificate. The second is the Northeastern University Bouve College of Health Sciences School of Nursing located in Boston. Northeastern University’s Nurse Anesthesia program offers Master of Science in Nursing degrees (Completion and Entry-Level) or a Certificate of Advance Graduate Study (an accelerated degree for those who already have a Master’s degree).
This page will provide details about the steps required to become a CRNA in Massachusetts, as well as give information regarding being employed as a CRNA in Massachusetts.
Becoming a CRNA in Massachusetts
According to the Massachusetts Association of Nurse Anesthetists, there are currently over 780 CRNAs working in surgical centers, hospitals, clinics, and offices all around Massachusetts. Each of these CRNAs is a highly trained and graduate- level educated advanced practice nurse. In order to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, one must complete several levels of education and work experience. Below is an outline of the typical steps towards becoming a CRNA:
- Become a Registered Nurse by obtaining Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing
- Hold a valid and unrestricted Registered Nurse license
- Gain work experience as an RN (In order to qualify for application to most CRNA schools this RN experience should be in an acute care environment like an ICU)
- Apply for and gain acceptance into a CRNA school or program and successfully complete the academic and clinical study necessary
- Apply to take the National Certification Examination (NCE) and receive a passing score
Once an RN has completed the NCE and the passing results have been verified by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists, he or she has officially become a CRNA.
Each individual nurse anesthesia program has a specific set of admission requirements. The individual requirements for each school can often be found on the website of the nurse anesthesia program or obtained by contacting the program directors of administrators directly. The above list contains the usual steps that may be involved in the process of becoming a CRNA in Massachusetts.
Being a CRNA in Massachusetts
If you are considering working as a CRNA in Massachusetts, you may be wondering what the average CRNA there would be paid and how the pay in Massachusetts compares to the rest of the country. The average annual salary for a CRNA in the United States is about $157,690. The average annual salary for a CRNA who is employed in Massachusetts is about $137,880. The average range of CRNA salaries in Massachusetts is $54,670-$144,980. This range puts the pay of Massachusetts CRNAs on par with other states such as Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, and Montana. The average CRNA pay in Massachusetts, in general, is a bit lower that that reported in the neighboring states of Connecticut, Vermont, and New York. This information is based upon the salaries of the 440 CRNAs working in Massachusetts at the time of the survey so it is simply an estimate and current figures could be very different. (All numbers taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics January 2024 Report on Nurse Anesthetists).
CRNAs working in Massachusetts can practice in every type of facility and provide anesthesia services for every type of medical procedure. CRNAs frequently practice alongside other CRNAs or anesthesiologists but are also able to work independently. Working towards becoming a CRNA will likely require intensive study as well as a significant investment of financial and time resources, but the hard work can lead to a significant and potentially rewarding career as a CRNA.
CRNA Schooling Options in Massachusetts
Boston College CRNA program is undoubtedly the most popular of the CRNA schools in Massachusetts.
Boston College William F. Connell School of Nursing- Nurse Anesthesia Program
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
- Degree Types: Master of Science in Nursing (Entry Level), Post-Master’s Certificate (Entry Level)
- Duration in Months: 27
- Start Month: January
- Number of Clinical Sites: 11
Northeastern University Bouve College of Health Sciences School of Nursing- Nurse Anesthesia Program
207 B Robinson Hall
Boston, MA 02115
- Degree Types Offered: Master of Science in Nursing (Completion and Entry-Level), Certificate of Advance Graduate Study (an accelerated degree for those who already have a Master’s degree)
- Duration in Months: MSN Completion- 24, MSN Entry Level- 32, CAGS- 32
- Start Month: September
- Number of Clinical Sites: 25