It’s no wonder why so many people go into nursing. More than giving you the capacity to affect people’s lives, it’s also a way to provide for your loved ones.
The best thing about nursing is that there are many opportunities for career advancement — and becoming a CRNA is one of them.
Most people know that a CRNA is an Advanced Practice Nurse specialization. However, fewer are familiar with the process of becoming one.
So, we’ve mapped out the essential steps of how to become a nurse anesthetist (CRNA) in New Hampshire. These involve the following:
- Getting your RN License
- Gaining nursing experience
- Completing the required CRNA education
- Taking the National Certification Exam
- Applying for your CRNA License
We also came up with an FAQ section covering pertinent information about becoming a Nurse Anesthetist beyond the process of becoming one.
So, are you ready to go through everything? Let’s begin!
How to Become a Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) in New Hampshire in 5 Steps
You’ll need to set aside time and effort if you want to pursue your nursing career and specialize as a Nurse Anesthetist.
However, getting through the requirements is far from impossible.
The sections below give you the details for each step.
How to Become a CRNA in New Hampshire Step #1: Get Your RN License
Since a Nurse Anesthetist is an Advanced Practice Nurse specialty, you can’t become one without first getting your license as a Registered Nurse.
This step in itself involves several things. These include the following:
Earning Your Nursing Degree
You can go with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing BSN). Either will allow you to take the nursing licensure exam.
However, most CRNA programs require a BSN. And even if you find a school that allows ADN, you might have a hard time competing for admission against BSN graduates.
So, if you haven’t taken your degree yet, we recommend taking the 4-year BSN course.
Applying for your Nursing License
Aspiring New Hampshire nurses go through one of these processes:
Licensure by Examination
If you’ve never had a nursing license before, you must take the NCLEX-RN. You should begin your application process with the New Hampshire Board of Nursing and ensure you submit your requirements.
Once you’re eligible to take the NCLEX-RN, you’ll have to schedule your exam with Pearson VUE.
When you pass the exam, you will get your RN license.
Licensure by Endorsement
You don’t need to retake the NCLEX-RN if you’ve been a practicing nurse from a non-compact state and want to work in New Hampshire.
However, you will have to verify your current nursing license as part of your online application.
Nurses from compact states do not need to apply for a nursing license in New Hampshire if they hold a multistate license. New Hampshire is an NLC state.
How to Become a CRNA in New Hampshire Step #2: Gain Experience
After receiving your license, it’s time to enter the workforce.
In New Hampshire, you must have worked as a registered nurse in an acute care setting for at least a year to be admitted into a CRNA program.
These are healthcare facilities that provide active treatment for short-term needs.
Prime examples are hospital emergency rooms, ICUs, and urgent care centers.
The experience will equip you with the skills you need to be an effective nurse anesthetist.
How to Become a CRNA in New Hampshire Step #3: Complete Your CRNA Education
Because becoming a Nurse Anesthetist requires specialized knowledge and skills, you need to undergo a program focused on this specialty. The typical requirements for enrollment are as follows:
- A nursing degree
- An active RN license
- At least two years of nursing experience as a critical care nurse
It’s important to note that by 2025, all aspiring CRNAs will be required to graduate with a doctorate.
Although doctoral degrees may have slightly different curriculums, these often last for 3-4 years.
All nurse anesthesia programs include clinical training, often situated in community-based or university hospitals.
Unfortunately, there are no programs located in New Hampshire. However, you can find some in several nearby states.
For example, there are four in New York, two in Massachusetts, and one in Maine. Depending on which school you choose, it’s best to check their requirements since these may vary.
How to Become a CRNA in New Hampshire Step #4: Take the National Certification Exam
Yes, the process involves taking another certification exam!
Once you complete your CRNA program, your program provider must submit your records directly to the NBCRNA. It must contain the program provider and your signatures and show that you fulfilled all minimum education requirements.
You should receive notification of your eligibility for the National Certification Exam (NCE) from the NBCRNA through the email you provided on your application. It’s usually within five days of them receiving your education records.
The NCE has 100-170 questions divided into four categories:
- General Principles of Anesthesia (30%)
- Anesthesia for Surgical Procedures and Special Populations(30%)
- Basic sciences (25%)
- Equipment, Instrumentation, and Technology (15%)
How to Become a CRNA in New Hampshire Step #5: Apply for your CRNA License
The last step is applying for your license with the Board of Nursing. It involves the following:
- Ensure your CRNA program administrator sends your Official Graduate Transcripts to nursing@oplc.nh.gov
- Upload the following as part of your online application:
- A copy of your state-issued driver’s license
- Proof of national certification
- Fulfillment of the educational requirements
- Proof that you graduated from a CRNA program within the last two years; OR,
- Thirty hours of Continuing Education, five of which must be in Pharmacology. Three of those five must be on substance abuse disorder, pain management, or opioid prescription.
- Verify your RN licensure
- Pass a Criminal Background Check
Don’t forget that you must pay a $100 licensing fee in New Hampshire.
Once your application is accepted, you will FINALLY receive your CRNA license and can start working as a CRNA in New Hampshire!
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Nurse Anesthetist in New Hampshire
What is the primary job scope of a Nurse Anesthetist?
As their name implies, CRNAs administer anesthesia to patients during surgery. They also prepare the patients beforehand and ensure good recovery afterward.
Their skills allow them to work with surgeons, dentists, and podiatrists.
How much do Nurse Anesthetists in New Hampshire earn per year?
According to Incredible Health, New Hampshire is one of the top states where nurse anesthetists work. It ranks ninth in its list of states that pay CRNAs the most.
On average, Nurse Anesthetists earn $227,130 per year. That’s 12% higher than the national average of $202,470.
However, several factors may affect your pay. These include the following:
- Experience: CRNAs with more tenure tend to earn more than those newer in the field.
- Location: the demand for healthcare workers varies from city to city. The greater the need, the higher the pay (typically).
- Choice of employer: CRNAs in private practice usually earn less than those in hospitals or similar healthcare facilities.
What are the requirements to keep your CRNA License active in New Hampshire?
You must renew your CRNA license biennially — it expires every two years on your birthday.
However, to be eligible for a renewal, you must meet the following requirements:
- Four hundred hours working as a CRNA within the four years before your renewal application
NOTE: However, if you only received your license in the last two years, your coursework and clinical practice go towards your renewal.
- Sixty hours of Continuing Education
NOTE: 30 of those are for your RN License renewal. The remaining 30 must be in your specialty.
- Of the 30 specialty-related hours, five must be in Pharmacology.
- Of the five hours in Pharmacology, three must be in any of the following:
- Prescribing opioids
- Managing pain
- Substance Abuse Disorder
In Conclusion
And there you have it — everything you need to know about becoming a Nurse Anesthetist in New Hampshire.
Remember, the requirements vary between states, so it’s best to go through the details to see what you need in the Granite state.
Follow our guide to make sure you are on the right path. And just take it step-by-step so you won’t feel overwhelmed.
Yes, getting your CRNA license will take time and effort, but it also allows you to have a rewarding career.
Good luck!