Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Program
At a Glance
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Accreditation
Council on Accreditation (in process)
Format
Hybrid (online courses plus six
Students Per Cohort
20 (Year 1); 25 (Year 2); 30 (Year 3)
Semester Credit Hours
90
Average Tuition Cost Per Year
$54,000*
* All stated financial information is subject to change.
In response to escalating healthcare costs and clinician shortages in the Pacific Northwest – particularly in rural areas – George Fox University will launch a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) program in the fall of 2025.
Program Format
The 90-credit program will employ a hybrid model consisting of online courses, face-to-face immersive learning experiences, simulation, and clinical residencies. The program takes three years to complete with no summers off.
The program’s modified front-loaded model will allow students to complete first-year courses almost entirely online. Two- to four-day immersions for clinical labs and simulation will be required in Semesters 1-6 at the university’s Portland Center.
The Role of a CRNA
CRNAs are essential anesthesia providers in both rural and urban surgical settings. Their responsibilities typically include:
- Analyzing a patient and their medical history to determine the appropriate course of anesthesia
- Administering anesthesia to patients before procedures
- Educating patients and their families about anesthesia and its effects
- Monitoring patients during and after anesthesia
- Performing additional treatments, including epidural and pain management
A doctorally-prepared CRNA practices with full independent scope of practice and can manage anesthesia care for most surgical and obstetrical cases.
Anesthesia care managed by CRNAs is more affordable than physician anesthesiologist care, and produces comparable patient outcomes.
Why George Fox?
George Fox is committed to training healthcare professionals who are both professionally competent and who fulfill the university’s mission – to produce graduates who think with clarity, act with integrity and serve with passion. Beyond rigorous academics, we emphasize compassion, servant leadership, resilience and empathy in our healthcare programs.
We recognize there is a critical shortage of clinicians in the region. In response, in the past 20 years we have expanded our healthcare offerings to include degrees in nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, clinical psychology, counseling and social work.
State-of-the-art and dedicated clinical precepting and mentoring are foundational to the education of CRNA students. The George Fox CRNA program will include five rotations per student in a variety of clinical settings.
Degree Requirements
The standard for nearly all nursing specialty roles is now a doctoral degree. While a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is currently the minimum degree requirement, the profession will require a doctoral degree by 2025, per the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA).
Addressing a CRNA Shortage
The Pacific Northwest is in dire need of CRNAs. The shortage is exacerbated by rising demand, insufficient numbers of MD anesthesiologists, low numbers graduating from existing programs, and impending retirements. Yet many rural states lack CRNA programs entirely.
Urgent solutions are needed to expand access to surgical care, particularly in underserved rural areas. According to the Oregon Association of Nurse Anesthetists, more than 80% of rural Oregon’s anesthesia care is provided by CRNAs. To address shortages and high costs, increasing the number of well-prepared CRNAs is critical.
The Need in the West
Oregon and a number of western states are considered the most desirable states for CRNA practice in the country. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), states with the highest projected 10-year workforce deficits are (in order) Arizona, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, California, New York, Oregon, Florida, Georgia and Maryland.
Employment Outlook
According to the BLS, there were 44,900 CRNAs practicing in the U.S. in 2019. By 2029, that number is forecasted to reach 51,000, representing 6,200 new job openings over that 10-year period, a 14% increase in total employment.
In Oregon, BLS projects a 28% increase in CRNA openings between 2018 and 2028. The State of Oregon Employment Division reports that, in 2021, there were 293 CRNAs practicing in Oregon, with a projected demand of 359 by 2031 – a 22% increase in demand.
Average Salary
According to 2022 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national average CRNA salary is $205,770. In Oregon, the average salary is between $188,440 and $204,920. Wyoming currently has the highest average CRNA salary in the U.S. at $243,310.
Contact Us
Doctor of Nursing Practice Admissions Team
CRNA@georgefox.edu
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