CRNA Programs in Pennsylvania

There are 15 accredited CRNA programs in Pennsylvania (DNP (13), DNAP (2)): Cedar Crest College Nurse Anesthesia Program, Drexel University Nurse Anesthesia Program, Duquesne University, Geisinger/Bloomsburg University Nurse Anesthesia Program, Independence Health System School of Anesthesia, La Roche University Nurse Anesthesia Program, La Salle University, St. Luke's University Health Network/DeSales University, Thomas Jefferson University Nurse Anesthesia Program, University of Pennsylvania Nurse Anesthesia Program, and 5 more.

2 of the 13 Pennsylvania CRNA programs that publish a GRE policy require it, and 11 do not: Cedar Crest College Nurse Anesthesia Program, Drexel University Nurse Anesthesia Program, Duquesne University, Independence Health System School of Anesthesia, La Roche University Nurse Anesthesia Program, La Salle University, Thomas Jefferson University Nurse Anesthesia Program, University of Pennsylvania Nurse Anesthesia Program, University of Pittsburgh Nurse Anesthesia Program, University of Scranton Nurse Anesthesia Program, York College of Pennsylvania Nurse Anesthesia Program. The remaining 2 of 15 programs do not publish a GRE policy.

Published minimum GPAs for Pennsylvania CRNA programs range from 3.00 to 3.20, averaging 3.10 (based on the 14 of 15 programs that publish this). The most common minimum is 3.00, required by 7 programs. A minimum is a floor, not a competitive target — admitted students typically exceed it.

In-state tuition ranges from $93,915 to $175,850 (based on the 15 of 15 programs that publish this). Out-of-state tuition ranges from $93,915 to $178,384 (based on 15 programs). The lowest published in-state figure belongs to La Salle University at $93,915. Published figures are not always directly comparable — some schools quote per-year cost and others quote total program cost, so verify with the program before you compare.

7 of the 13 Pennsylvania CRNA programs that publish a CCRN policy require CCRN certification: Cedar Crest College Nurse Anesthesia Program, Drexel University Nurse Anesthesia Program, Independence Health System School of Anesthesia, La Roche University Nurse Anesthesia Program, UPMC Hamot/Gannon University Nurse Anesthesia Program, Villanova University Nurse Anesthesia Program, York College of Pennsylvania Nurse Anesthesia Program. The other 6 do not require it, though it remains strongly recommended. 2 of 15 programs do not publish a CCRN policy.

Pennsylvania CRNA programs require between 1 year and 2 years of critical care experience (based on the 15 of 15 programs that publish this), with 1 year being the most common minimum. This is a floor — admitted applicants often have more.

3 of the 12 Pennsylvania CRNA programs that publish an ICU-type policy accept ER experience: Drexel University Nurse Anesthesia Program, Independence Health System School of Anesthesia, UPMC Hamot/Gannon University Nurse Anesthesia Program. ER experience is usually accepted alongside, not instead of, adult ICU time — confirm with the program.

7 of 11 Pennsylvania programs that publish a policy accept NICU experience: Duquesne University, Geisinger/Bloomsburg University Nurse Anesthesia Program, Independence Health System School of Anesthesia, Thomas Jefferson University Nurse Anesthesia Program, University of Pennsylvania Nurse Anesthesia Program, UPMC Hamot/Gannon University Nurse Anesthesia Program, York College of Pennsylvania Nurse Anesthesia Program. 9 of 11 accept PICU experience: Drexel University Nurse Anesthesia Program, Duquesne University, Geisinger/Bloomsburg University Nurse Anesthesia Program, Independence Health System School of Anesthesia, Thomas Jefferson University Nurse Anesthesia Program, University of Pennsylvania Nurse Anesthesia Program, UPMC Hamot/Gannon University Nurse Anesthesia Program, Villanova University Nurse Anesthesia Program, York College of Pennsylvania Nurse Anesthesia Program.

15 of 15 Pennsylvania CRNA programs publish an application deadline. The earliest is University of Scranton Nurse Anesthesia Program on September 1, 2025. Deadlines shift year to year — check the program's site before you rely on a date.

The average class size is about 23 students (based on the 12 of 15 programs that publish this).

University of Pittsburgh Nurse Anesthesia Program has the highest published NCE (National Certification Exam) pass rate in Pennsylvania at 100% (based on the 12 of 15 programs that publish this).