Choosing to become an advanced practice nurse can be challenging, especially because the process requires a lot of time, effort, and determination.
However, when you consider the benefits, it’s also hard not to move forward.
Whether you’re looking for a more meaningful role, job security, higher compensation, or flexibility, choosing the field of nursing anesthesia is a great choice!
This career path is rewarding and well-respected in the healthcare industry.
So, if you’re up for the challenge, we’ll walk you through how to become a nurse anesthetist (CRNA) in Michigan.
We’ll make it as simple and straightforward as possible so that you won’t be overwhelmed by the process.
We’ll also answer relevant questions, such as:
- What is the salary range for CRNAs in Michigan?
- Are CRNAs also considered anesthesiologists?
- What are the license renewal requirements for CRNAs in Michigan?
Ready?
Let’s begin!
How to Become a CRNA in Michigan in 5 Steps
Here is an overview:
- Complete Your Nursing Education and Become an RN
- Gain Experience in an Acute Care Facility
- Earn a Master’s or Doctoral Level Education
- Pass the National Certification Examination
- Get Your License and Undergo Recertification Every Two Years
Now, let’s take a closer look at each step!
Step #1: Complete Your Nursing Education and Become an RN
To kickstart your CRNA career in Michigan, you first need to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
This begins by completing an accredited RN degree.
There are two RN degrees you can choose from – a BSN or ADN degree. However, most CRNA schools prefer those with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing educational background.
This is because a BSN program gives you more intensive and comprehensive nursing training. BSN programs take four years to complete and focus on evidence-based research.
Another way to become a registered nurse in Michigan is to obtain an Associate Degree in Nursing or ADN. This is a two-year program where you will learn the basic medical procedures and duties of an RN.
Although an ADN is faster to complete, you may still be required to take prerequisite courses before you can enroll in a CRNA program, since the ADN training only focuses on more basic nursing training.
Apply for a License and Pass the NCLEX-RN
After completing your nursing education, you need to take and pass the NCLEX-RN.
To be able to take the exam, you need to apply for a license by examination and submit the required documents, such as the criminal background check, to the Michigan Board of Nursing.
In Michigan, you are given seven attempts to take the NCLEX-RN in case you do not pass on your first try.
The Michigan Board of Nursing also requires aspiring RNs to complete the required training for Implicit Bias and Human Trafficking.
If you pass the NCLEX and submit all the requirements, then you will receive your RN license!
License by Endorsement
Michigan is not part of the NLC or Nurse Licensure Compact.
However, if you’re an active RN from another state, you may still apply for a license by endorsement to get an RN Michigan license.
The Michigan Board of Nursing will just verify if you have an active, unencumbered license.
For a complete guide on getting your RN license in Michigan, check out this article.
Step #2: Gain Experience in an Acute Care Facility
One of the most crucial steps before becoming a CRNA is to gain at least one year of nursing experience in an acute care facility.
CRNAs are essential healthcare workers who administer anesthesia to patients undergoing therapeutic, diagnostic, obstetrical, and surgical procedures.
Moreover, CRNAs also provide care before and after these medical procedures as well as for emergency services and pain management.
Therefore, having experience in an acute care facility or ICU will make you better equipped in handling challenging and demanding situations.
Most CRNA training programs also require at least 1-2 years of experience before accepting you into their program.
Step #3: Earn a Master’s or Doctoral Nursing Degree
Now that you have relevant nursing experience, you need to invest in your education and get a relevant Masters’s or Doctoral degree in nurse anesthetics.
These are just the basic requirements you need to qualify as a CRNA in Michigan. Additional requirements needed for admission will depend on your chosen school.
Starting in 2025, all aspiring CRNAs must hold a doctorate in nurse anesthetics to be qualified for a CRNA license.
Since most programs take up to 36 months to complete, students will have to transition to a doctorate program by 2023 to meet the doctorate-level accreditation standards by 2025.
A doctorate makes a candidate a more competent and versatile healthcare specialist.
Compared to a master’s degree, a doctor’s degree include these additional subjects:
- Healthcare policy
- Systems management
- Organizational leadership
- The scientific foundation for Practice
- Application of evidence-based practice
- Advancing nursing practice
- Interprofessional collaboration and networking
Step #4: Pass the National Certification Examination
Believe me, you’re almost at the end of your journey toward practicing as a CRNA in Michigan.
The final hurdle is passing the National Certification Examination, or NCE, administered by the NBCRNA.
Do you remember the NCLEX-RN you took in the past?
The NCE is quite similar to that, it’s just that this exam is specifically made for aspiring CRNAs.
This exam will ensure that you meet the standards of becoming a nurse anesthetist.
So, what should you expect from the NCE?
Before you devise a study plan, you must know the details of the exam content. The overall content breakdown listed below will help you focus on which areas to study:
- Equipment, Instrumentation, and Technology (15%)
- Basic Sciences (25%)
- Advanced Principles of Anesthesia (30%)
- Basic Principles of Anesthesia (30%)
The good news is that you can take the Self Evaluation Exam or SEE by NBCRNA to help you gauge your readiness and prepare for your most-awaited exam.
Some CRNA programs require their students to take this.
Just a disclaimer, getting a high mark on the SEE won’t guarantee the passing of the NCE.
The NCE might be daunting, but once you’ve passed the NCE, you can finally get your CRNA license in Michigan.
Step #5: Get Your License and Undergo Recertification Every Two Years
Now that you are an RN, a graduate of a CRNA program, and a passer of the NCE, you can apply for your CRNA license from the Michigan Board of Nursing.
To get your CRNA license, you must:
- Complete the online application here
- Verify certification status
- Provide your Social Security Number
- Give information about your nursing education and NCE exam
- Pay the licensing fee (this will vary)
It’s also important to remember that to continue your career as a CRNA, you must maintain your certification credentials.
The Continued Professional Certification or CPC Program will help you maintain your current knowledge despite the constant changes in the healthcare industry and meet the credentialing requirements of every state Board of Nursing.
The program is based on two four-year cycles where each cycle has a required number of continuing education credits. At the end of every eight years, a written exam is given.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a CRNA in Michigan
What is the salary range for CRNAs in Michigan?
The salary of CRNAs in Michigan depends on which medical facility you work in and where you practice.
According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary range of CRNAs in Michigan is $189,655 to $283,958 as of January 2023.
Are CRNAs also considered anesthesiologists?
We get why there is confusion here.
Yes, both anesthesiologists and CRNAs administer anesthesia to patients, however, if you look closely at their educational backgrounds, you will notice the differences.
Anesthesiologists have completed either a Doctor of Medicine or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree.
On the other hand, CRNAs are RNs who completed a master’s or doctoral degree and passed the NCE for Nurse Anesthetists.
However, they perform similar functions.
What are the license renewal requirements for CRNAs in Michigan?
Your CRNA license is valid for 2 years.
When it’s time to renew your CRNA license, you must have an active RN license — that means renewing your RN license by completing 25 CE hours, with 2 hours on pain and symptom management.
Besides that, you must also maintain national certification.
You can renew your CRNA license in the Michigan Board of Nursing’s online portal.
Conclusion
That’s it.
As you can see, before you reach the top, you’ll go through a lot of ups and downs. And often, pursuing this nursing career path can be intimidating.
But, with commitment and dedication, we believe that you will successfully achieve your goals.
Just go through the process one step at a time and enjoy each moment. Even the difficult seasons are learning opportunities to make you a better professional.
We wish you all the best!