How to Become a Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) in Idaho – A Complete Guide

How to Become a Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) in Idaho

If you’re reading this, you must be interested in becoming a CRNA in Idaho. 

Don’t fret, because we are here to help!

Becoming a CRNA is an incredibly rewarding career path for RNs, but you’ve got a long way to go before becoming a professional CRNA.

CRNAs have essentially the same function as anesthesiologists, so this entails a lot of specialized training. 

You will learn how to administer anesthesia for critical procedures such as surgeries, labor and delivery, and emergency care.

In this article, we will help you start your journey toward this fulfilling career.

We will equip you with everything you need to know about how to become a nurse anesthetist (CRNA) in Idaho with our 5-step guide. 

We’ll also answer questions you may be thinking of, such as:

  • Is it difficult to get into a CRNA program in Idaho?
  • What is the average salary of CRNAs in Idaho? 
  • What are the license renewal requirements for CRNAs in Idaho?

Are you ready? Great!

Let’s dive in. 

How to Become a CRNA in Idaho in 5 Steps

Become a CRNA in Idaho by following these steps:

  1. Complete Your Nursing Education Program and Become an RN
  2. Gain Relevant Nursing Experience
  3. Complete a Master’s or Doctorate Degree from an Accredited Nurse Anesthesia Educational Program
  4. Pass the National Certification Exam
  5. Get Your CRNA License and Keep It Active

Need more information? 

Let’s discuss it!

Step #1: Complete Your Nursing Education Program and Become an RN

Just like any other state, aspiring CRNAs are required to complete a bachelor’s degree in nursing and become an RN first. 

This is because CRNAs in Idaho must have a strong foundation in nursing to be able to provide high-quality care to their patients.

Check out this article for a complete guide on how to become an RN in Idaho.

In Idaho, you can choose from the following nursing education program to become an RN:

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

Want the fastest route to becoming an RN in Idaho?

You might consider choosing an ADN degree. This program only takes 2-3 years to complete.

However, if you take this route, you may have to take some prerequisite classes before you can enroll in a CRNA program. 

Because an ADN program is not as comprehensive as a BSN program, there may be essential subjects that you were not able to cover yet. 

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Many RNs in Idaho choose the path of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The reason is, it gives you lots of opportunities such as higher pay and chances of taking on leadership roles.

Completing a BSN program usually takes four years, but it provides a good foundation for you to proceed to a CRNA degree.

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)

Planning to switch degrees, even if your previous one is a non-nursing degree?

Then, the fastest path you can take is getting an ABSN degree. This program takes 14-16 months to complete. 

NCLEX-RN

After completing your nursing degree, you need to pass the NCLEX-RN to obtain your license by examination. 

Make sure you meet the requirements to be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN. 

You can also obtain your RN license by endorsement if you are already a registered nurse in another state and want to obtain an RN license in Idaho. 

A good standing record is one of the most important requirements to qualify for licensure by endorsement. 

Step #2: Gain Relevant Nursing Experience

Now that you have your RN license, you need to gain at least 1 year of relevant nursing experience before you can get into a CRNA program. 

Most CRNA programs prefer RNs who have experience in an acute healthcare setting. 

This experience is crucial because one of the responsibilities of a CRNA is to administer anesthesia to patients having surgery or other medical procedures. 

The skills and knowledge that you will learn as an RN will be valuable once you become a CRNA.

Step #3: Complete a Master’s or Doctorate Degree from an Accredited Nurse Anesthesia Educational Program

Another important requirement for CRNAs in Idaho is to complete a master’s or doctoral degree in nurse anesthetics to be eligible for certification. 

These programs provide a high level of training and education and are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide effective and safe anesthesia care to patients. 

Take note that by 2025, aspiring CRNAs will be required to complete doctorate degrees rather than Master’s degrees. So, if you want to stay ahead, we suggest you pursue a doctorate degree now. 

A nurse anesthesia educational program covers a wide range of topics including:

  • Techniques and Principles of Anesthesia Administration
  • Physiology
  • Anatomy
  • Pharmacology
  • Patient assessment

CRNA programs typically take 2 to 3 years to complete, depending on your chosen school. 

Earning your degree will demonstrate your commitment to professional development and ongoing learning, which are essential qualities of a competent and professional CRNA. 

Make sure you enroll in an accredited school or program. 

Step #4: Pass the National Certification Exam

Congratulations on coming this far!

All there’s left to do is to take and pass the National Certification Exam (NCE) to get your license.

The NCE is quite similar to the NCLEX-RN, but it’s specifically designed for CRNAs. 

To be qualified to take the NCE, you need to graduate from an accredited CRNA program.

According to the National Board of Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA), these are the list of requirements for taking the NCE:

  • Signed application with fee
  • Current active RN license
  • Transcript records and clinical experience from a CRNA program
  • Certification that your RN license has never been suspended, revoked, and restricted

The NCE will measure your knowledge, abilities, and skills as a nurse anesthesia practitioner. 

Below are the topics that may be covered in the NCE:

  • Pharmacology
  • Pediatric, Geriatric, and Obstetrical Anesthesia
  • The Basic Principles of Anesthesia Practice
  • Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology 
  • The Professional and Legal Aspects of Nurse Anesthesia
  • The Anesthetic Management of Surgical Specialty Procedures

Today, CRNA graduates have access to resources to help them prepare for the NCE such as study guides, practice exam software, and study courses.

Step #5: Get Your CRNA License and Keep It Active

Finally, after passing the NCE, you can get your CRNA license and start working as a professional CRNA in Idaho.

To get your CRNA license in Idaho, you need to submit the following documents to the Idaho Board of Nursing:

  • The application form in the nurse portal
  • Current and active Idaho RN or multi-state license
  • Proof of completion of an accredited APRN program
  • Verification of the national APRN certification
  • Transcripts of records from the APRN program
  • Full set of fingerprints for a criminal background check
  • Completion of 30 contact hours of pharmacotherapeutics, if applicable
  • The application fee of $118.25 (this includes the $28.25 criminal background check fee)

Lucky you, there are lots of job opportunities for CRNAs in Idaho. So, your job hunt won’t be as complicated.

Don’t forget to keep your RN and CRNA licenses active so you can continue practicing. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a CRNA in Idaho

Is it difficult to get into a CRNA program in Idaho?

Truth be told, CRNA programs are very competitive across the country. According to surveys, only 10% of applicants get accepted for the program.

That’s why your educational background and nursing experience is crucial when applying for a CRNA program. 

What is the average salary of CRNAs in Idaho? 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a CRNA in Idaho is $181,110.

What are the license renewal requirements for CRNAs in Idaho?

To renew your Idaho CRNA license, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Have a valid RN license
  • Complete 30 continuing education contact hours every two years (you must study 10 hours on pharmacology if you have prescriptive authority)
  • Have proof of current certification by a recognized organization
  • Have at least 200 working hours in your specialty field for the past two years
  • Participation in a peer review process

Conclusion

And there you have it! Your guide on how to become a CRNA in Idaho.

It may be a long and challenging road to become a CRNA but if you’re passionate about providing high-quality care to your patients, everything will be rewarding in the end. 

We hope this article will help you on your journey and that you will achieve your dreams in the end. 

We wish you all the best! 

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