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 of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) and pass a certification examination administered by the Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists. CRNAs are licensed by the state in which they practice.