A CRNA, or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, is an advanced practice nurse who has completed a two to three year post-graduate education in anesthesia, graduated from an accredited nurse anesthesia program and passed the national certification examination for nurse anesthetists.

CRNAs are qualified to independently perform all types of anesthesia including general, spinal, epidural, regional and local anesthetics. This specialty was recognized as a legitimate practice of nursing over 100 years ago. Currently, CRNAs participate in the administration of more than 65% of the anesthetics given in this country.