Barry PhilipsIf you are a registered nurse interested in becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Texas is home to several established nurse anesthesia programs offering doctoral-level education. CRNAs play an important role in administering anesthesia, monitoring patients during procedures, managing pain, and providing advanced anesthesia care.
Choosing the right CRNA school requires more than looking at the university’s name. Prospective students should consider admission requirements, critical care experience, degree type, program length, clinical opportunities, tuition, location, and accreditation.
Texas currently has eight nurse anesthesia programs listed through professional and accreditation sources. These programs include universities and institutions in Houston, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Galveston, Tyler, and Dallas.
Below is a guide to the major CRNA schools in Texas and the requirements prospective applicants should understand.
Top CRNA Schools in Texas
1. Baylor College of Medicine – Nurse Anesthesia Program
Baylor College of Medicine in Houston is one of the major institutions offering nurse anesthesia education in Texas.
Its Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia prepares registered nurses for advanced practice in nurse anesthesia. The program combines doctoral-level nursing education with extensive anesthesia education and clinical preparation.
Students interested in Baylor should expect a competitive admissions process. Applicants generally need a bachelor’s degree, an RN license, critical-care experience, strong academic preparation, prerequisite coursework, professional references, and other application materials.
The Texas Board of Nursing’s 2025 graduate nursing data lists Baylor College of Medicine’s Doctor of Nursing Practice Nurse Anesthesia program among Texas graduate nurse anesthesia programs.
2. Texas Christian University School of Nurse Anesthesia
Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth offers a doctoral-level nurse anesthesia program designed to prepare students for advanced practice as nurse anesthetists.
TCU is one of the established nurse anesthesia programs in Texas, and its program is listed by the Council on Accreditation. The program combines classroom education with extensive clinical preparation.
Applicants should be prepared for a rigorous admissions process. Academic performance, registered nursing experience, critical-care experience, science preparation, professional certifications, references, and the applicant’s overall professional profile can all be important components of the application.
TCU’s nurse anesthesia program has continued accreditation through the COA, with the current accreditation listing showing a next review date in 2026.
3. Texas Wesleyan University Graduate Programs of Nurse Anesthesia
Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth has one of the best-known nurse anesthesia programs in Texas and has a long history of educating nurse anesthetists.
The Graduate Programs of Nurse Anesthesia offer doctoral-level nurse anesthesia education and extensive clinical preparation.
Prospective students should be prepared to demonstrate strong academic performance and substantial critical-care nursing experience. Typical application requirements include a nursing or appropriate bachelor’s degree, RN licensure, critical-care experience, prerequisite coursework, professional recommendations, and other admissions materials.
Texas Wesleyan’s nurse anesthesia program received continued accreditation for 10 years, with its current accreditation period extending to 2032.
4. UTHealth Houston – Cizik School of Nursing
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, commonly known as UTHealth Houston, operates the Nurse Anesthesia Division within the Cizik School of Nursing.
The program prepares nurses for advanced practice in anesthesia through doctoral-level education and clinical training.
Applicants should expect requirements involving previous nursing education, RN licensure, critical-care experience, academic prerequisites, references, and evidence of readiness for doctoral-level study.
UTHealth Houston is particularly attractive to applicants interested in studying within a major medical center environment because Houston provides access to a large and diverse healthcare ecosystem.
The Cizik School of Nursing Nurse Anesthesia Division holds continued COA accreditation, with the current listing showing the next review in 2032.
5. UT Health San Antonio Nurse Anesthesia Program
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio offers a nurse anesthesia program leading to doctoral-level preparation.
The program is designed for registered nurses seeking advanced education in nurse anesthesia and includes academic, simulation, and clinical components.
Applicants should generally have a bachelor’s degree, RN licensure, critical-care nursing experience, prerequisite coursework, and a competitive academic record.
The UT Health San Antonio Nurse Anesthesia Program received initial COA accreditation effective October 11, 2023. The program’s current accreditation listing provides for its next review in 2029.
6. UTMB Health – School of Nursing Nurse Anesthesia Program
The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice Nurse Anesthesia Program.
UTMB is associated with one of the major academic health systems in Texas, providing students with an environment focused on advanced healthcare education and clinical practice.
Applicants should expect to meet academic and professional requirements involving nursing education, RN licensure, critical-care experience, prerequisite coursework, and supporting application materials.
UTMB’s nurse anesthesia program received initial accreditation from the Council on Accreditation effective January 25, 2024. Its current accreditation listing shows the next review in 2030.
7. U.S. Army Graduate Program in Anesthesia Nursing
The U.S. Army Graduate Program in Anesthesia Nursing is another pathway available to qualified nurses interested in becoming CRNAs.
The program is associated with the U.S. Army and is designed around graduate-level nurse anesthesia education and military service.
Because this is a military program, prospective applicants should understand that its requirements and obligations can differ substantially from civilian university programs. Applicants need to satisfy applicable military eligibility requirements in addition to the academic and professional requirements associated with nurse anesthesia education.
The Texas Association of Nurse Anesthetists lists the U.S. Army Graduate Program in Anesthesia Nursing among nurse anesthesia programs located in Texas.
8. University of Texas at Tyler Nurse Anesthesia Program
The University of Texas at Tyler offers a nurse anesthesia program for registered nurses seeking advanced education in nurse anesthesia.
The program is one of the newer additions to the Texas nurse anesthesia education landscape.
The University of Texas at Tyler Nurse Anesthesia Program received initial accreditation from the Council on Accreditation effective May 20, 2025. Its current accreditation listing gives a next review date of 2030.
Prospective students should carefully review the university’s current admission requirements because newer programs may update application cycles, prerequisites, clinical arrangements, and cohort structures as the program develops.
What Is a CRNA?
A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist is an advanced practice registered nurse who specializes in anesthesia care. CRNAs administer anesthesia, monitor patients throughout procedures, manage airways, respond to emergencies, and help patients safely recover from anesthesia.
Becoming a CRNA generally requires several stages of education and professional preparation. Applicants typically begin with a nursing degree and RN license, gain critical-care nursing experience, complete an accredited nurse anesthesia doctoral program, and then meet the requirements for national certification.
The Texas Association of Nurse Anesthetists identifies a bachelor’s degree, U.S. RN licensure, at least one year of critical-care experience, completion of an accredited nurse anesthesia program, and successful completion of the national certification examination among the major requirements for becoming a CRNA.
General CRNA School Requirements in Texas
Although requirements vary from one university to another, applicants should generally expect to need:
- A Bachelor of Science in Nursing or another appropriate bachelor’s degree
- An active registered nurse license
- At least one year of critical-care nursing experience
- A competitive undergraduate GPA
- Prerequisite science courses
- Statistics
- A current résumé or curriculum vitae
- Professional references
- A personal statement
- Interview participation
- Current certifications such as BLS and ACLS
- Completion of prerequisite courses
- Evidence of strong academic and clinical preparation
Many competitive programs may prefer applicants with more than the minimum amount of ICU experience.
The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) maintains the authoritative database of accredited nurse anesthesia programs and provides information on program requirements, tuition, class size, curriculum, and program length.
Common Prerequisite Courses for CRNA Programs
CRNA programs are academically demanding, so applicants should pay close attention to their undergraduate science preparation.
Common prerequisite or recommended courses may include:
Anatomy and Physiology
A strong understanding of human anatomy and physiology is fundamental to anesthesia practice. Applicants may need recent undergraduate coursework in anatomy and physiology.
Chemistry
Chemistry can provide important preparation for understanding medications, gases, acid-base balance, and physiological processes relevant to anesthesia.
Statistics
Graduate nursing programs frequently require statistics. Applicants should verify whether their previous statistics course satisfies the individual school’s requirements.
Microbiology
Microbiology may be required or recommended depending on the institution and the applicant’s previous nursing education.
Pathophysiology
Some programs require or strongly recommend pathophysiology because it provides a foundation for understanding disease processes and their effects on patients.
Pharmacology
Pharmacology is particularly relevant to nurse anesthesia because CRNAs work extensively with medications and their physiological effects.
ICU Experience Requirements for CRNA School
Critical-care experience is one of the most important requirements for nurse anesthesia programs.
The Texas Association of Nurse Anesthetists states that prospective CRNAs generally need at least one year of critical-care experience.
However, meeting the minimum requirement does not necessarily mean an applicant will be competitive.
Many applicants accumulate additional ICU experience before applying. Experience in settings such as a medical-surgical ICU, cardiovascular ICU, surgical ICU, neuro ICU, trauma ICU, or other high-acuity critical-care environment may provide useful preparation.
Prospective applicants should check each school’s definition of acceptable critical-care experience because programs can differ in what they consider qualifying experience.
GPA Requirements for CRNA Schools in Texas
GPA requirements vary by program.
A minimum GPA may be stated in an individual school’s admission requirements, but applicants should understand that the minimum is not necessarily the same as the GPA of a competitive applicant.
Science grades can be especially important because nurse anesthesia programs involve advanced physiology, pharmacology, pathophysiology, chemistry, physics, and other demanding subjects.
If your undergraduate GPA is lower than you would like, strengthening your academic profile through additional science coursework or graduate-level study may be worth considering, depending on the requirements of the programs you are targeting.
How Long Does CRNA School Take in Texas?
Nurse anesthesia education is intensive.
Modern nurse anesthesia programs generally lead to doctoral degrees and require several years of full-time study. Many programs take approximately three years once a student begins the nurse anesthesia curriculum.
The exact length varies by university and curriculum.
Students should also remember that becoming a CRNA requires preparation before entering graduate school. This includes obtaining a nursing degree, passing the NCLEX-RN, becoming an RN, gaining critical-care experience, completing prerequisites, and successfully navigating the admissions process.
Consequently, the complete journey from entering nursing school to becoming a practicing CRNA can take considerably longer than the graduate anesthesia program itself.
How Much Does CRNA School Cost in Texas?
The cost of CRNA school varies considerably depending on the institution, residency status where applicable, tuition structure, fees, equipment, textbooks, transportation, clinical expenses, and other costs.
Students should calculate the total cost of attendance rather than looking only at tuition.
Important expenses may include:
- Tuition
- University fees
- Books
- Laptop or technology requirements
- Clinical equipment
- Certification expenses
- Housing
- Transportation
- Health insurance
- Professional liability requirements
- Examination fees
- Living expenses
Because tuition and fees can change between admission cycles, applicants should use the current figures published by each university when preparing their financial plan.
How to Choose a CRNA School in Texas
Choosing a nurse anesthesia program should be based on your individual circumstances and career goals.
Accreditation
Accreditation should be one of the first things applicants verify. The Council on Accreditation maintains the authoritative database for accredited nurse anesthesia programs in the United States and Puerto Rico.
Clinical Training
Look carefully at the program’s clinical training opportunities. Strong clinical preparation is essential because CRNA education is not purely classroom-based.
Admission Requirements
Compare the minimum GPA, ICU experience, prerequisite courses, certifications, references, and other requirements before applying.
Program Format
Some programs may have different approaches to classroom, simulation, and clinical education. Consider which format fits your circumstances.
Location
Location can affect housing, transportation, family responsibilities, clinical placement, and overall cost.
Total Cost
Calculate the full cost of completing the program rather than comparing tuition alone.
Comparison Table: CRNA Schools in Texas
| CRNA School | Location | Degree/Program | Critical-Care Experience | Accreditation Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baylor College of Medicine | Houston | DNP Nurse Anesthesia | Required | COA accredited |
| Texas Christian University | Fort Worth | Nurse Anesthesia | Required | COA accredited |
| Texas Wesleyan University | Fort Worth | Graduate Nurse Anesthesia | Required | COA accredited |
| UTHealth Houston | Houston | DNP Nurse Anesthesia | Required | COA accredited |
| UT Health San Antonio | San Antonio | DNP Nurse Anesthesia | Required | COA accredited |
| UTMB Health | Galveston | DNP Nurse Anesthesia | Required | COA accredited |
| U.S. Army Graduate Program in Anesthesia Nursing | Texas | Graduate Nurse Anesthesia | Required | COA accredited |
| University of Texas at Tyler | Tyler | Nurse Anesthesia | Required | COA accredited |
The Texas Association of Nurse Anesthetists currently identifies the Texas programs listed above, while the Council on Accreditation provides current accreditation information for nurse anesthesia programs.
Frequently Asked Questions About CRNA Schools in Texas
How many CRNA schools are in Texas?
Current professional and accreditation listings identify eight nurse anesthesia programs in Texas. The number can change as new programs receive accreditation or existing programs change status.
Do I need ICU experience to become a CRNA?
Yes. At least one year of critical-care experience is a common baseline requirement, and the Texas Association of Nurse Anesthetists identifies one year as part of the general pathway to becoming a CRNA. Individual schools may have more specific requirements.
Do CRNA programs require a BSN?
A bachelor’s degree in nursing or another appropriate baccalaureate degree is generally part of the pathway. Individual programs determine their specific educational prerequisites.
Are CRNA programs difficult to get into?
Nurse anesthesia programs are academically and clinically demanding. Applicants should expect competitive admissions processes and should build strong academic and professional profiles before applying.
How long is CRNA school?
Many nurse anesthesia doctoral programs take about three years of full-time study, although exact program length varies by institution.
Are all CRNA schools in Texas accredited?
Applicants should verify the current accreditation status of any program before applying. The Council on Accreditation maintains the authoritative database for nurse anesthesia programs and publishes accreditation decisions.
Related
Conclusion
Texas offers several pathways for registered nurses who want to become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists. The state’s current nurse anesthesia programs include Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Christian University, Texas Wesleyan University, UTHealth Houston, UT Health San Antonio, UTMB Health, the U.S. Army Graduate Program in Anesthesia Nursing, and the University of Texas at Tyler.
Although there are not currently 20 CRNA schools in Texas, the available programs provide multiple options across major Texas healthcare centers.
Before applying, prospective CRNA students should carefully compare admission requirements, GPA expectations, critical-care experience requirements, prerequisites, accreditation status, clinical education, program length, location, and total cost.
The most important step is to verify requirements directly with the individual program before submitting an application because admission policies, deadlines, tuition, prerequisites, and other requirements can change from one application cycle to another.