As with many different professions, there are a number of necessary steps to take before one can become a CRNA. One of the most time-consuming and potentially challenging parts of the process of becoming a CRNA is the schooling component. CRNA programs are known to be academically challenging and rigorous. If you are an RN in Missouri and have considered attending a CRNA program, you have likely already considered the time and financial commitment it may take. The good news is that if you do decide to pursue CRNA school, there are several options available in Missouri where you can obtain the necessary education to become a CRNA.
There are currently four schools located in Missouri which offer various CRNA degrees and programs: Goldfarb School of Nursing located in St. Louis, Missouri State University located in Springfield, Truman Medical Center School located in Kansas City, and Webster University located in St. Louis.
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Typical CRNA Programs in Missouri
Missouri offers a variety of options for you to choose from when deciding on a CRNA school. According to the Missouri Association of Nurse Anesthetists (MoANA), a nurse anesthesia education program from any school will likely include several similar components. First, a nurse anesthesia program will include a classroom curriculum with subjects such as anatomy and physiology as well as chemistry and physics. The classroom curriculums will likely focus on these broader subjects as they relate specifically to the field of anesthesia. Secondly, a nurse anesthesia program will also include a large clinical component. The clinical portion of schooling will be performed at any number of locations including hospitals or clinics and will give students a hands-on experience and training in anesthesia techniques. These two components form the foundation of most nurse anesthesia programs, but the way they are executed may look very different depending on the school you choose. Some CRNA programs have all of the classroom work done up-front, before any clinical rotations take place. Other CRNA programs will integrate the classroom work with the clinical rotations throughout the duration of the program.
Admission to CRNA Schools in Missouri
Regardless of which CRNA school you choose, you will first have to so through the application process. The admissions process can be intimidating, so it is a good idea to start looking into your schools of choice early in order to get an idea of what you may need to complete. The Missouri Association of Nurse Anesthetists offers the below list as a general idea of what may be required in order for you to apply to a CRNA program:
- A bachelor’s of science in nursing or other related degree
- A license as a registered nurse
- At least one year of acute care nursing experience
CRNA Jobs Missouri Offers
A CRNA in Missouri takes care of a patient before, during, and after a surgery or any medical procedure where anesthesia is requested (such as a biopsy or the delivery of a baby). They do this by completing a variety of different tasks. According to the MoANA, a CRNA in Missouri could care for a patient in many ways. A CRNA can do pre-surgery physical assessments, educate patients about anesthesia pre-operatively, administer anesthesia, maintain anesthesia during the operation, and oversee anesthesia recovery. A CRNA may also follow a patient throughout the course of their recovery to ensure that the anesthetics wear off properly.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics released a report in January of 2024 with some specific salary and employment data on Missouri CRNAs. CRNAs in Missouri make an average annual wage of $152,610. The Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers area of Missouri is ranked among the top ten highest paying metropolitan areas for CRNAs with an annual Salary (for CRNAs in that particular metro location) of $186,490. The areas of St. Louis and Kansas City Missouri rank among the top 10 in metropolitan areas with the highest employment levels of CRNAs. CRNAs in Missouri can work in many different types of locations in order to provide the specialized anesthesia services for which they have been trained.
Missouri CRNA Schooling Options
Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College Nurse Anesthesia Program
4483 Duncan Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63110
- Degree Offered: Master of Science in Nursing with Concentration in Nurse Anesthesia (Entry Level)
- Average Program Length: 28 months
- Start Month: August
- Clinical Sites: 3
Missouri State University School of Anesthesia
901 S. National
Springfield, MO 65897
- Degree Offered: Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (Entry-Level or Completion)
- Average Program Length: Varies- can be full or part-time
Truman Medical Center School of Nurse Anesthesia
2301 Holmes Street
Kansas City, MO 64108
- Degree Offered: Doctor of Nursing Practice (Entry Level)
- Average Program Length: 36 months
- Start Month: January
- Clinical Sites: 9
Webster University Nurse Anesthesia Program
470 E. Lockwood Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63119
- Degree Offered: Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia (Entry Level)
- Average Program Length: 30 months
- Start Month: August
- Clinical Sites: 12