About The Profession
Unlocking CRNA Shadowing: Non-Traditional Paths to CRNA Experience
A
Ashley, CRNA
CRNA
· Updated · 5 min read
In This Article (5 sections)
Having a difficult time finding shadowing opportunities? Unlocking CRNA shadowing opportunities can be challenging, but non-traditional paths do exist to help you gain experience and insight into the profession. The CRNA Club suggests reaching out to state associations and CRNA programs as effective starting points. Shadowing is how you find out whether you actually want this before you spend three years and six figures finding out the hard way. If you're just starting your journey, our guide on How to Become a CRNA breaks down every step you’ll need to take.
Quick Answer
57 of the 149 programs in The CRNA Club's database that state a shadowing policy actually require it. The other 92 don't, but shadowing still gives you the specifics that make an essay and an interview land, and almost no program will find a CRNA for you. Your two best starting points are contacting your state nurse anesthesia association and emailing program directors directly to ask about observation opportunities.
Why is Shadowing Essential for CRNA Applicants?
When I was in the early stages of forming my applications for CRNA school, I knew that shadowing would be a important piece of the package. Not only did I want to showcase to potential programs that I was serious about the profession, but I also wanted to make sure this was exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life! After all, anesthesia school is a huge commitment. 3+ years of your life, hundreds of thousands of dollars… okay okay I’m not here to talk about the demands of CRNA school (that’s for a different post wink) But what I am here to tell you is that gaining shadowing experience IS possible, even if you seemingly have no connections or leads. As I mentioned earlier, I chose not to shadow at the hospital I was working at due to fear of backlash. Another reason I decided against trying to shadow at my hospital was because they did not hire CRNAs. I knew that I wanted to at least start with shadowing a CRNA to give me that familiarity and insight to the exact path I wanted to take before I (if ever) reached out to MDAs. Learn more about the challenges of CRNA school—if you’re curious what schools are really looking for, we actually talked about this on the podcast (Ep 1: "What CRNA Schools are REALLY looking for in an applicant" on Apple Podcasts).What Are Non-Traditional Methods to Secure CRNA Shadowing Experience?
- Contact Your State Nurse Anesthesia Association
A quick Google search for “Nurse Anesthesia Association” should do the trick. I scoured the webpage for information for students and prospective applicants and emailed them via the Contact Us page. They were able to provide me with some information on people and places I could reach out to for shadowing opportunities. - Reach Out to CRNA Programs
There were 2 schools in my state that helped help with shadowing for prospective applicants. This is an excellent route, especially if one of the programs is in your top choices! If you want to compare schools and their requirements, our CRNA School Requirements page is a great resource. - Research Local CRNA Practices
I literally took this to Google! These were far and few to come by given my geographical location, but I reached out to almost all of them. I even found emails on job board postings for CRNAs via Google jobs, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter. I also looked on the coveted GasWork.com site to see if they listed any places that were currently hiring CRNAs, and then reached out to those organizations. THIS, ladies and gentlemen, is how I landed my (first) shadowing experience! Instead of cold-calling places, I cold-emailed them, and I still LOL whenever I say this term. Explore CRNA programs to find shadowing opportunities, and don’t forget, we covered things we wish we’d done before applying in Ep 2: "3 things I would have done differently BEFORE applying to CRNA school" on Apple Podcasts.
What Was My Personal Journey to Gaining CRNA Shadowing Experience?
While this list isn’t overly extensive (or exhaustive by any means), these were the steps I took to finally gain some shadowing experience. And I gained 2 additional shadowing days at another facility seeing different types of anesthesia, all from that first day. One of my letters of recommendation to the school I was later accepted to was even from one of the CRNAs I shadowed! If you want to compare programs side by side, our free School Database lets you see requirements at a glance. Use our school comparison tool to find the right CRNA program for you. If you’re curious about the different types of anesthesia and the history of the profession, our CRNA History + Types of Anesthesia lesson in the Learning Library at The CRNA Club is a great place to start.How Can You Overcome Challenges in Finding CRNA Shadowing?
All this to say that shadowing can be difficult to obtain sometimes, but there are ways, albeit some non-traditional, that can help you on your path. The greatest takeaway from shadowing for me was that it provided GREAT experiences/talking points for my essays/personal statements and interviews. So, get out there, put yourself out there, and start shadowing! If you’re wondering about salary and career outlook, we did a whole episode on this—Ep 4: "CRNAs make HOW MUCH?!" on Apple Podcasts—and you can also check out the Salary lesson in our Learning Library at The CRNA Club. Discover why we love being CRNAs.For more information, check these trusted resources: American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA), Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Our Final Thoughts
Finding CRNA shadowing opportunities can feel overwhelming, especially if traditional routes don’t seem accessible. But with creativity and persistence, as well as resources like The CRNA Club, you can carve your own path toward gaining invaluable experience. If you want to learn more about the profession itself, our Profession Overview lesson at The CRNA Club offers a comprehensive introduction. Remember, shadowing not only strengthens your application but also confirms your passion for this rewarding career. Keep pushing forward. you’ve got this!Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best non-traditional ways to find CRNA shadowing opportunities when I have no connections?
57 of the 149 programs in our database that state a shadowing policy require it, and the rest still benefit from it, yet almost none will arrange it for you. The CRNA Club recommends starting with your state nurse anesthesia association and emailing program directors directly. Contact your state association through their website's student resources section, as they often provide lists of CRNAs willing to mentor prospective students. Research local CRNA practices through Google, job boards like Indeed and GasWork.com, and even reach out to facilities currently hiring CRNAs. Cold-emailing proves more effective than cold-calling for initial contact.
Should I try to shadow CRNAs at the hospital where I currently work as a nurse?
Shadowing at your current workplace isn't always the best option, especially if they don't employ CRNAs or you're concerned about potential workplace complications. Starting with facilities that actually utilize CRNAs gives you authentic exposure to the profession's daily realities. Many nurses avoid shadowing at their own hospitals due to fear of backlash or workplace politics. Instead, focus on hospitals and surgery centers that employ CRNAs full-time. According to the AANA, shadowing helps applicants understand the profession's true demands and responsibilities before committing to the rigorous educational path.
How do I contact CRNA programs directly to ask about shadowing opportunities for prospective students?
Contacting programs directly works, and it's free. When our writer did this, two of the schools in her state helped connect her with shadowing opportunities, though how many do this varies enormously by state and we can't promise a number. Email program directors and ask specifically about observation opportunities, especially at schools on your target list, and check each program's website for student or prospective-applicant resources first. Some programs maintain relationships with local CRNAs who welcome students. Either way, you'll need to be the one who asks.
Why is CRNA shadowing experience considered important for school applications?
Shadowing demonstrates serious commitment to admissions committees while helping you confirm this career path aligns with your goals. Programs want applicants who understand anesthesia's daily responsibilities, stress levels, and workplace dynamics. Shadowing provides firsthand exposure to patient interactions, emergency situations, and the technical aspects of anesthesia delivery. This experience strengthens your application narrative and helps you articulate specific reasons for choosing nurse anesthesia during interviews.
Can I find CRNA shadowing opportunities by researching job postings and hiring websites?
Job boards are a genuinely useful way to find shadowing contacts, since they show you which facilities in your area actually staff CRNAs. Searching Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and GasWork.com reveals facilities currently employing CRNAs. Look for CRNA job postings and contact information, then reach out to those organizations about shadowing opportunities. Many facilities hiring CRNAs are open to hosting nursing students interested in the profession. This method requires persistence but often yields results, as hiring managers understand the importance of exposing potential future colleagues to the field.
