Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) are registered nurses (RNs) who have advanced education and clinical training in anesthesiology. CRNAs work with anesthesiologists, surgeons, dentists, and podiatrists in administering anesthesia during medical procedures.

A CRNA must graduate from a program accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs and pass a certification examination administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists.

CRNAs are licensed by the states in which they practice.