Is CRNA School Hard? The Three Biggest Challenges You’ll Face

How hard is CRNA school? CRNA school is renowned for its intensity. But what does “hard” really mean in this context? For some, it might be the avalanche of advanced pharmacology and complex physiological concepts that seem like drinking from a firehose.

For others, it’s the emotional roller-coaster of managing stress and expectations while balancing personal life with demanding studies. Each student’s struggle is unique, but the essence of the challenge often boils down to the sheer volume of knowledge to be mastered and the high standards expected.

By understanding what makes CRNA school demanding, and recognizing your personal definitions of “hard,” you can better prepare for and navigate this rigorous educational path.

Let’s dive into what challenges you may face on your way to CRNA success, and tips to best prepare for them.

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Embarking on the journey to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is one of the most significant decisions you can make in your nursing career. It’s a path that promises a rewarding future, but it also demands a considerable amount of dedication and perseverance. 

In this post, I’ll walk you through what makes CRNA school so challenging and give you some practical tips to not just survive but thrive in your journey. Let’s jump in!

What Does “Hard” Really Mean?

When we talk about something being “hard,” it means different things to different people. For CRNA school, “hard” could mean the intense studies, the emotional roller-coaster, or the juggling act you do with your personal life. 

The path to CRNA isn’t really “easy” at all; from the competitive nature of programs to the intense CRNA interview process, there’s no doubt that by the time you gain that coveted CRNA school admission, you’ll already have overcome a lot of hard challenges.

But the challenges of being a Nurse Anesthesia Resident are different.

Understanding and preparing for these challenges can make the difference between feeling overwhelmed and successfully navigating your way through a program.

Also, understanding what “hard” means to you will be important. This is why some CRNA schools, as well as our coaching inside CRNA School Prep Academy, consider emotional intelligence to be a strong indicator of potential success- even more so than standardized tests like the GRE.

You may find the academic pressure to be hard, while another student struggles with the demanding schedule.

Determining your strengths, understanding your boundaries and preparing for potential pitfalls in advance are all great strategies to help you tackle the rigors of any nurse anesthesia program. 

So what are some of the challenges you may face during CRNA school?

Intellectual Challenges

CRNA programs are rigorous and intensive. You’re expected to grasp complex concepts ranging from the pharmacodynamics of anesthesia drugs to advanced human physiology. 

During my time in CRNA school, the sheer volume of information felt like drinking from a fire hose, and I’ve heard others express this analogy, too. 

Imagine trying to absorb detailed mechanisms of drugs, physiological responses, and surgical considerations—all while maintaining a high standard of academic excellence.

Most programs expect you to maintain a high grade point average- Cs will not get degrees in this instance! 

Tip: Strengthen your foundational knowledge in critical care, pharmacology, and physiology before entering CRNA school, while you’re working in the ICU. This preparation can ease the transition into the program’s demanding curriculum.

Also, if you read this article while still in the planning phase- consider researching whether the program(s) you’re interested in have mental health support for their students, or even remediation opportunities should you accidentally bomb an exam or other “life” circumstances come up while in school. 

Knowing that there’s support coming from within your program can be just as helpful as the support you’ll need from those outside of school, too. 

Emotional and Psychological Stresses

CRNA school is not just academically demanding—it also tests your emotional resilience. The pressure to perform consistently well in both classroom and clinical settings can be daunting. 

Personally, the stress manifested physically at times, with sleepless nights and anxiety before exams and clinical rotations. Some students have even reported hives, insomnia, panic attacks and more. 

Tip: Develop a strong self-care plan and build a healthy support network. Having tools to use when feeling overwhelmed will be priceless. Mental wellness is crucial while in school. 

This may look different for everyone but it could include things like exercise, healthy eating, even planned “down time” like meditation or reading a book for pleasure, not school.

Is CRNA School Hard: Mental wellness is crucial while in school. Develop a strong self-care plan and build a healthy support network.

Family, friends, and peers can also help provide some of the emotional backing you may need if you’re struggling. Lastly, please don’t hesitate to seek professional help if the stress becomes unmanageable.

The Balancing Act

Managing CRNA school with a personal life is like trying to keep a bunch of plates spinning. You’ve got school, perhaps kids, family, friends—all demanding your time.

This was one of the hardest parts for me, trying to be there for my husband and family while also hitting the books hard.

The length of CRNA programs, typically 36 months, requires a long-term commitment that can affect your personal life and relationships. Balancing school with family life and personal responsibilities often leaves students feeling like there’s never enough time.

Tip: Get good at planning your time; effective time management will be crucial. And be upfront with your loved ones about what this journey means, your availability and even discuss the need for additional help with tasks, household chores for example, as needed. 

You’ll need their support, and they’ll need to know you’re not always going to be available.

I’ve talked in past podcast episodes about how hard it was to say “no” to events & outings while I was in school. Many conversations with my then-new-husband were had to ensure we felt supported by one another during my program, even though we didn’t have as much time together.

Remember, sometimes it’s about finding quality moments rather than quantity. Schedule a once-a-month date night, or book a family vacation somewhere fun that you can look forward to together during school. 

Why Do People Struggle in CRNA School?

1. Complex Material: The advanced level of study necessary for anesthesia care is a significant step up from general nursing courses. It’s no longer about memorizing, it’s understanding the “Why” and “How” within complex medical scenarios & systems.
2. High Expectations: CRNA programs have stringent academic and clinical performance standards to ensure competence in high-stakes environments. In some instances, getting a “C” can be cause for remediation or even dismissal. Having strong study habits is key.
3. Personal Sacrifices: The time and energy commitment can strain personal relationships and lead to sacrifices in many areas of your life. Learning how to balance school and self-care will be critical. 

Overcoming the Hurdles

CRNA school was the hardest challenge I’ve faced in my professional life, but also the most rewarding. It taught me not just about anesthesia, but also about resilience, dedication, and the importance of mental and physical well-being.

Here’s how you can prepare and succeed:

• Understand the demands: Speak with current students and faculty to get a realistic idea of the workload and expectations.
  • Consider the culture of the program(s) you’re interested in. Are they student-wellness focused (if this is important to you)?
• Organize your life: Adjust your personal and financial life before starting. Consider aspects like childcare, budgeting for tuition, and reduced to non-existent work hours.
  • Some programs may allow you to work part-time during the initial semester(s), but many programs ask that you not work while in school. 
  • Consider paying off credit card debt before starting your program- you won’t believe how much money it can save you!
• Stay health-conscious: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep are non-negotiable for maintaining your health under stress.
• Build your support system: Whether it’s family, friends, or a mentor, having a robust support system can provide both emotional and practical help.

Final Thoughts

So, is CRNA school hard? Absolutely. But with the right preparation and mindset, it is entirely manageable and incredibly rewarding. 

In fact, it’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. It’s about growth, pushing your limits, and coming out stronger on the other side. If you’re up for the challenge, it can be an incredible journey. 

The effort you put in can lead to a fulfilling career that you’re passionate about. Remember, every CRNA has faced these challenges, and with determination & grit, so can you.

Ready to jump into the world of CRNA? We’re here to support you every step of the way. Check out CRNA School Prep Academy for resources, advice, and a community that understands exactly what you’re going through. Let’s make those CRNA dreams come true together!

That’s all for today, future CRNA. Thanks for reading, and be sure to come back soon for more expert advice for your career as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

Myself and the entire CSPA team are cheering you on!

-Jenny Finnell, MSN, CRNA
Founder and CEO of CRNA School Prep Academy

PS- Have you joined Circle yet? CSPA offers a FREE community on this great platform where you can connect with our team plus program faculty mentors and of course, fellow nurses who are on the front-line, and in the trenches, with you.

Create your free account here: https://www.cspaedu.com/community

Is CRNA School Hard: CSPA offers a FREE community where you can connect with our team plus program faculty mentors and fellow aspiring CRNAs

Don’t forget to download their app! It’s available on Apple and Google Play.

Cheers to your future! 

Important Links

Join the Free CSPA Community! Connect with a network of Aspiring CRNAs, Nurse Anesthesia Residents, practicing CRNAs and CRNA Program Faculty Mentors here: https://www.cspaedu.com/community

Download our FREE 8 Steps to CRNA Planning Guide: https://www.cspaedu.com/howtocrna

Get access to application & interview preparation resources plus ICU Educational Workshops that have helped thousands of nurses accelerate their CRNA success. Become a member of CRNA School Prep Academy: https://cspaedu.com/join

Get CRNA School insights sent straight to your inbox! Sign up for the CSPA email newsletter: https://www.cspaedu.com/podcast-email

Book a mock interview, resume or personal statement critique, transcript review and more: www.teachrn.com