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Why CRNA School is the Hardest Thing You'll Ever Do – And How to Conquer It

S

Sachi

CRNA, DNP

· Updated · 3 min read
Why CRNA School is the Hardest Thing You'll Ever Do – And How to Conquer It
In This Article (6 sections)

So when people say “CRNA school is the hardest thing I’ve ever done.” what do they actually MEAN by that? It’s kind of something you have to live to understand fully. I’m sure social media gives a small glimpse into the day to day life of a nurse anesthesia resident but what actually makes the process so difficult? Here’s just some of the challenges you face (and then conquer) during your time in school.

Quick Answer

CRNA school is challenging due to its rigorous academic and clinical demands. The CRNA Club notes that students often face 60-70 hour weeks. However, with determination and the right resources, success is achievable.

What Makes CRNA School So Challenging?

CRNA programs are known for their intensity and high expectations. Students must master complex subjects like pharmacology and physiology while gaining hands-on experience in clinical settings. The workload can be overwhelming, but it's designed to prepare you for the critical responsibilities of a CRNA.

Explore different CRNA programs to find one that fits your needs.

How Can You Manage the Stress of CRNA School?

Managing stress is crucial for success in CRNA school. Developing effective study habits, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and seeking support from peers and mentors can make a significant difference. Remember, it's okay to ask for help when needed.

Plan your application timeline effectively to reduce stress.

Not sure where you stand as a CRNA applicant?

Find out exactly what gaps to focus on to strengthen your application.

What Study Strategies Work Best in CRNA School?

Effective study strategies are essential for mastering the material in CRNA school. Active learning techniques, such as practice questions and group study sessions, can enhance understanding and retention. Consistent review and self-assessment help reinforce knowledge and identify areas needing improvement.

Compare CRNA schools to find the best fit for your learning style.

Why Is Clinical Experience So Important in CRNA Training?

Clinical experience is a cornerstone of CRNA training, providing students with the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. This hands-on practice is crucial for developing the skills and confidence needed to perform anesthesia safely and effectively.

Discover top CRNA schools known for their clinical training.

How Can The CRNA Club Help You Succeed?

Resources like The CRNA Club can help you bridge the gap between ICU knowledge and OR readiness. By providing valuable insights and tools, The CRNA Club supports students throughout their journey, making the transition smoother and more manageable.

What Should You Keep in Mind as You Approach Graduation?

As you near the end of your CRNA program, it's important to focus on preparing for the National Certification Examination (NCE). This exam is a critical step in becoming a certified registered nurse anesthetist. Utilize available resources and practice exams to ensure you're ready.

Plan your certifications with our free tool.

According to the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists, passing the NCE is essential for certification. Additionally, the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists provides resources to help you prepare.

Keep Reading

Key Features of CRNA Programs that I Wish I Knew When I Was Applying

Key Features of CRNA Programs that I Wish I Knew When I Was Applying

The way a school looks on paper can be far from your in-person experience. I always advise people to speak to local students, nurses, even CRNAs, of their perceptions of the program and students currently attend. A school could look amazing through the website and even through their national rankings and people could have not so favorable experiences with them in real life. Word of mouth, of course, has to always be taken with a grain of salt but fielding firsthand experiences of a program can prove to be invaluable. Speaking to current students could give you more insight into what a program is like outside of just the numbers which are often not influenced by student experience. 1. Student Expectations & Support The capacity of a school and class numbers relative to faculty are important to consider. Is there mentorship between classes available? I’ve found that some of the best advice about making it through my specific program has come from upperclassmen. They have insight specific to a professor or class that you can not find on social media. Mastering the knowledge is one thing but also performing well is another that is better suited with a more direct counsel. Do students have advisors available or how are student concerns addressed? These are questions that you may want to ask to figure out the kind of support you will have through school from faculty. Programs will expect you to know what supports you have outside of school whether that be it family or friends but knowing the academic support you have is another thing. 2. Consider the Academic Calendar This is something I wish I would have considered early on. Is your program on a quarter, trimester, or semester system? How many classes do students take per academic block? Considering the amount of work, you’ll need to juggle is important and will impact your day to day scheduling in school. Taking 5 classes on a quarter system is much different than 5 classes on a semester schedule. It’s worth understanding this before committing to a program at least to anticipate what will be asked of you. Understanding the academic calendar and whether there are any breaks built in will also help you plan your time to rest and recharge. As you become a SRNA so much of your life becomes revolved around school, so any insight to plan your non-school related activities beforehand, the better! 3. Type & Quality of Clinical Placements How are clinical placements decided? What kinds of practice models are at these sites? How far do students on average travel for clinical? Commuting to clinical will become a huge part of your life once you start clinical rotations. Seeing as students are the first to arrive and last to leave, understanding how these placements are made could largely impact your experience to come. Our school tracks the number of miles we must commute and on our next rotation we get to travel closer to home. Also considering that the financial aspect of moving for clinical or commuting is often the sole responsibility of the student this could add another expense to your already sinking funds. Important to consider, to some people that matters more than to others, you just don’t want to be blindsided by the cost when the time comes. Are they mostly large academic centers or is there room for seeing CRNA independent practice? When it comes to the clinical portion of school this is building the foundation for your career. Not only are these learning opportunities, but as you get more familiar with sites, you’ll learn that the anesthesia culture varies per location and practice model. If your training only exposes, you to one practice model it will be hard to have the foundation to be a versatile CRNA once you graduate. The goal of anesthesia training is to give you enough exposure so you can learn where you’d like to work once you graduate. To build that self-concept adequate exposure to all varieties of cases, practice models and healthcare settings is needed. As a nurse anesthesia resident, you are constantly challenged and fully expected to rise to the opportunity. When you’re interviewing for schools, they are trying to sell you an education as well as you are trying to decide what is the right fit. To come to that conclusion, it is important to consider all things and be able to make a sound and educated decision. You would never want to regret such a large investment in your future. Knowing and being able to map out some of the unknowns of school will also help to ease your anxiety and make sure you have the right fit school for you. Good luck out there!

September 26, 2025
Study Methods That Helped Me Thrive in CRNA School

Study Methods That Helped Me Thrive in CRNA School

From spaced repetition to the Pomodoro technique, discover four research-backed CRNA study strategies that will help you master complex concepts, avoid burnout, and stay ahead in anesthesia school.

August 13, 2025
What’s in My Clinical Bag

What’s in My Clinical Bag

Starting CRNA clinicals? You’re going to need more than caffeine and courage. From pen recommendations that won’t smudge mid-charting to the anesthesia apps that’ll save your sanity, here are the clinical bag must-haves every SRNA should know about. Bonus: snack hacks, badge tips, and why I’ll never bring an expensive stethoscope again.

July 24, 2025

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