By aprileolson Discover who accredits CRNA programs and why it matters. Learn how accreditation impacts your career and how Ollivate can support your board prep and CE journey.
Who Accredits CRNA Programs?
Becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is a challenging but rewarding path. One of the first big decisions you’ll face is choosing the right nurse anesthesia program. So how do you know if a program meets the highest standards? That’s where program approval comes into play.
Why CRNA Program Approval Matters
Official recognition ensures a CRNA program follows national guidelines for quality and consistency. For SRNAs, it means your education supports current, evidence-based practices. For CRNAs, it confirms the credibility of your degree.
Completing a recognized program is also critical for:
- Taking the National Certification Exam (NCE)
- Getting licensed and finding a job
- Accessing federal financial aid and scholarships
In addition, certification and ongoing licensure rely on having completed an approved program and keeping your clinical skills sharp. Most CRNAs must go through recertification with the NBCRNA (National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists), which includes continuing education and hands-on practice.
Who Oversees CRNA Programs?
The Council on Accreditation (COA)
In the U.S., the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) is the official authority. It’s recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The COA makes sure every approved nurse anesthesia program maintains top-tier standards.
The COA evaluates:
- Entry-level Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) programs
- Post-master’s programs that offer a doctoral degree
- Specialized training and fellowship programs in nurse anesthesia
To check if a program is approved, visit the COA’s official website.
These programs prepare nurse anesthetists for full-time roles involving delivering anesthesia and providing safe, evidence-based patient care in a variety of settings.
How the COA Ensures High Standards
The COA uses a detailed review process, including:
- Curriculum checks
- Faculty background reviews
- Evaluations of clinical training sites
- Student outcomes and performance
Programs must show they’re always improving and staying up to date with best practices in anesthesia and education.
Succeeding Beyond the Program: How Ollivate Helps
While COA approval is essential, real success as an SRNA or CRNA comes from ongoing learning. That’s where Ollivate fits in.
For SRNAs: Pass Your Boards with Confidence
Ollivate offers expertly built review tools made just for nurse anesthesia students. Our study questions, clinical scenarios, and learning modules are tailored to match approved program content and exam outlines—so you can study smarter.
Whether you’re getting ready for the Self-Evaluation Examination (SEE), National Certification Exam (NCE), or sharpening your knowledge in clinical practice, Ollivate keeps you on track.
For CRNAs: Stay Sharp with CE Credits
Ollivate also provides CE courses to meet your recertification needs. They’re up-to-date, easy to fit into your full-time schedule, and relevant to your practice. Whether you’re exploring new topics or keeping up your certification with the NBCRNA, Ollivate makes continuing education simple.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a CRNA program that’s officially recognized by the COA is the first step to building a respected, lasting career in anesthesia. And when you’re ready to take the next steps—whether it’s board prep, clinical skills, or continuing education—Ollivate is here to help.
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