CRNA Schools in Texas

CRNA Programs in Texas

Texas is a southern state widely known for having its own special version of southern charm and culture. This page may help provide you with answers to some of your questions about what is involved in the process of gaining a CRNA license and guide you in your search for top CRNA schools in Texas.

Texas is home to five schools offering CRNA programs. They are Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Christian University, Texas Wesleyan University, the University of Texas at Houston Health Science Center, and the US Army Graduate Program in Anesthesia Nursing. The primary step towards becoming a CRNA is researching and applying to a nurse anesthesia program, such as those listed above. Continue reading for more information on the additional steps it takes to become a CRNA as well as details about being a CRNA in Texas.

Education and Experience Required to Become a CRNA in Texas

Meeting certain educational as well as experiential requirements is required prior to becoming a CRNA. These include:

• A Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing
• A current license as a Registered Nurse
• At least one year of experience as an RN in an acute care environment
• Graduation from a nurse anesthesia educational program
• Passing the National Certification Examination following graduation

After completing a program from one of the CRNA schools in Texas, and accomplishing all of the above steps, you will likely then be able to apply for work as a CRNA. Once you are a practicing CRNA, you will also need yo acquire at least 40 hours of CEUs (continuing education credits) every two years, maintain state licensure, and certify that you have not developed any conditions that would keep you from practicing in order to keep your certification active.

CRNAs are highly trained and skilled advance practice nurses. The rigorous education and certification guidelines ensure that CRNAs are able to administer quality anesthesia to their patients. In fact, the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists released a study which showed that there was no difference in the quality of anesthesia care given by anesthesiologists verses that given by nurse anesthetists.

CRNA Jobs in Texas

According to the Texas Association of Nurse Anesthetists (TXANA), CRNAs in Texas can work as independent providers in Texas or as part of an anesthesia care team and can practice within hospitals, surgical centers, or as independent contractors for surgeons, MDs, or hospitals. In addition, CRNAs in the state of Texas are not required to be supervised by physicians in order to practice. The Board of Nursing for the State of Texas says that “CRNAs function independently and do not require supervision from a physician.” While a physician must order a particular anesthetic or anesthesia service for their patient, the CRNA can provide it without direct supervision. Because of this, each CRNA is liable and legally responsible for his or her own actions as a medical professional in the state of Texas.

TXANA also reports that “97% of all Texas counties with surgical or obstetrical services depend on CRNAs.” Certified registered nurse anesthetists are also the only available providers of anesthesia services in 66 of Texas’ rural counties. Only 5 counties in Texas rely on anesthesiologists to provide anesthesia service, the rest of them have CRNA anesthesia services available. The work of CRNAs is very important to the residents of rural Texas because, without them, these people would not have convenient access to crucial anesthesia services they may need in order to have surgery or a medical procedure, or in times of emergency.

CRNAs who work in Texas make an average annual salary of $162,090 .The state of Texas has the highest employment level of CRNAs in the United States and the Houston metropolitan area has the highest employment level of CRNAs of all metropolitan areas in the nation. In addition, the eastern rural portion of Texas is one of the highest paying nonmetropolitan areas in the nation with an annual mean wage of $212,900. (All statistics according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024). The state of Texas can be a good place to search for a CRNA education program and also a promising place to look for future employment as a CRNA. If considering CRNA schools in Texas, consult the list below for some of the best CRNA programs available.