California CRNA Schools
Did you know that California is home to some of the top-ranked CRNA schools in the country?
If you’re passionate about a career in Nurse Anesthesia, California offers a wealth of opportunities to pursue your dreams.
With a booming healthcare industry and a growing demand for qualified nurse anesthetists, the Golden State presents an ideal landscape to embark on this rewarding profession.
Quick answer: California has 6 COA-accredited CRNA programs (March 2026): USC, Loma Linda, Kaiser Permanente/CSU Fullerton, Samuel Merritt, National University Fresno, and UC Davis — the newest, accredited January 2025. All are doctoral (DNP or DNAP), run 36–39 months, and none requires the GRE.
Last updated: July 2026 · Facts verified against the COA accredited-programs list (March 6, 2026), each school’s own site, and BLS OEWS May 2025.
Key Takeaways:
- University of Southern California Program of Nurse Anesthesia — Los Angeles
- Loma Linda University School of Nursing — Loma Linda
- Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia/CSU Fullerton — Pasadena
- Samuel Merritt University Program of Nurse Anesthesia — Oakland
- National University Fresno Nurse Anesthesia Program — Fresno
- University of California, Davis Nurse Anesthesia Program — Sacramento
| School | City | Degree | Cost | Next Deadline | NCE First-Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USC (Keck) | Los Angeles | DNAP | $2,541/unit (~81–83 units)* | Aug 31, 2026 | 96% (2025) |
| Loma Linda University | Loma Linda | DNP | ≈$170,243 tuition+fees | July 1 (opens May 1, 2027) | 80% (2025) |
| Kaiser Permanente/CSU Fullerton | Pasadena | DNP | $9,338/sem + $15K fees* | July 31 | 86% (2025) |
| Samuel Merritt University | Oakland | DNAP | $203,624 all-in (guaranteed) | opens Aug 15 | 92% (2025) |
| National University | Fresno | DNAP | $13,600/term* | July 31 | 100% (latest cohort) |
| UC Davis | Sacramento | DNP | $154,998 total | Nov 1 (NursingCAS) | new — first grads 2028 |
*No published program total — rate shown as the school publishes it. Costs verified July 2026; deadlines are for the next open cohort. GRE: required nowhere in California. CCRN: required at Kaiser/CSU Fullerton and Samuel Merritt. Loma Linda runs 39 months; the rest run 36.
Top CRNA Programs in California
The field of nurse anesthesia is highly respected in California, and aspiring CRNAs have access to some of the best CRNA programs in the state. These programs offer top-tier education and training to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for successful careers as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists. The following are among the CRNA schools in California:
- University of Southern California Program of Nurse Anesthesia
- Loma Linda University School of Nursing
- California State Fullerton/Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia
- Samuel Merritt University Program of Nurse Anesthesia
- National University Fresno Nurse Anesthesia Program
These schools are renowned for their commitment to excellence and have established themselves as leaders in the field. Each program offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers the scientific, clinical, and professional aspects of nurse anesthesia.
Graduates from these accredited CRNA schools in California are well-prepared to meet the highest standards of practice.
Let’s take a closer look at these top CRNA programs in California:
University of Southern California Program of Nurse Anesthesia
The University of Southern California (USC) Program of Nurse Anesthesia is consistently ranked among the best CRNA programs in the nation.
It offers a rigorous curriculum that combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experiences.
The program focuses on providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver safe and effective anesthesia care. Its June 2025 outcomes show a 96% first-time NCE pass rate, with cohorts capped at 28.
Loma Linda University School of Nursing
Loma Linda University School of Nursing is another esteemed institution that offers a top-notch CRNA program.
The program emphasizes the integration of theory and practice to develop competent and compassionate nurse anesthetists.
Students benefit from state-of-the-art simulation labs and extensive clinical rotations in various healthcare settings. One heads-up: Loma Linda runs 39 months — a quarter longer than the other California programs — and posted an 80% first-time NCE pass rate in 2025 (93% in 2024).
California State University Fullerton/Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia
Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia has a long-standing reputation for producing highly skilled CRNAs.
The program provides students with a solid foundation in anesthesia principles and techniques through a mixture of classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical experiences.
Graduates are well-prepared to excel in the dynamic field of nurse anesthesia. Cohorts run 30–35, adult CCRN is required before applying, and the 2025 first-time NCE pass rate was 86% (97% in each of the two prior years).
Samuel Merritt University Program of Nurse Anesthesia
The Samuel Merritt University Program of Nurse Anesthesia offers an exceptional educational experience for aspiring CRNAs.
The program’s curriculum focuses on evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and clinical proficiency. Students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in diverse clinical settings, allowing them to develop a broad skillset. Samuel Merritt now publishes a guaranteed all-in price — $203,624 — and its Class of 2025 passed the NCE at a 92% first-time rate with zero attrition.
National University Fresno Nurse Anesthesia Program
National University Fresno Nurse Anesthesia Program provides a comprehensive CRNA program with a strong emphasis on clinical practice.
Students receive extensive training in anesthesia administration and patient care, preparing them to become competent and compassionate anesthesia providers. The program’s collaborative learning environment fosters teamwork and professional growth. Its newest cohort passed the NCE 100% first-time — 24 of 24.
University of California, Davis Nurse Anesthesia Program
California’s newest program earned COA accreditation on January 22, 2025 and welcomed its first cohort that June at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing in Sacramento.
The 36-month DNP runs on a flat $154,998 total program fee — the same whether you’re a Californian or not — with hybrid coursework and June starts. Applications run through NursingCAS with a November 1 deadline.
These top CRNA programs in California offer exceptional education and training, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to make a significant impact in the field of nurse anesthesia.
Graduates from these accredited CRNA schools in California are highly sought after by healthcare institutions for their expertise and dedication to providing safe and quality anesthesia care.
CRNA Schools in Northern and Southern California
California offers numerous opportunities for aspiring Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) across its northern and southern regions.
With programs that emphasize comprehensive curricula and hands-on clinical experiences, students are equipped with the necessary skills for success in nurse anesthesia.
These programs, renowned for their educational excellence, prepare graduates for effective anesthesia care delivery.
Additionally, the flexibility of on-campus and online learning options caters to diverse student needs.
Whether in the vibrant cities of Northern California or the bustling regions of Southern California, the state presents ample avenues for CRNA career pursuits.
Pay is a big part of the draw: California nurse anesthetists average $283,780 a year, with a median of $292,410 — well above the national mean of $248,320 — and the state employs about 2,230 CRNAs (BLS, May 2025).
FAQ
Which are the top CRNA schools in California?
The six accredited CRNA schools in California are the University of Southern California (USC), Loma Linda University, the Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia/CSU Fullerton, Samuel Merritt University, National University in Fresno, and UC Davis in Sacramento.
What are the admission requirements for California Nurse Anesthesia Programs?
You’ll need a BSN (or equivalent baccalaureate), a current RN license, and full-time critical care (ICU) experience — at least one year at most California programs, though USC requires two years by program start and Samuel Merritt asks for 24 consecutive months. Kaiser/CSU Fullerton and Samuel Merritt also require the CCRN certification.
Are there any accredited CRNA schools in California?
Yes — all six programs (USC, Loma Linda, Kaiser/CSU Fullerton, Samuel Merritt, National University, and UC Davis) are accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA, March 2026 list). UC Davis is the newest, accredited in January 2025.
Can I pursue an online CRNA program in California?
No CRNA program is fully online — clinical training is always in person. Several California programs do run hybrid coursework, including Loma Linda, UC Davis, National University, and Samuel Merritt, which can reduce time on campus during the didactic phase.
Are there any affordable CRNA programs in California?
UC Davis publishes the lowest total: $154,998 for the entire program, the same for non-residents. Kaiser/CSU Fullerton runs on state-school tuition (about $9,338 per semester plus $15,000 in program fees) and is typically the least expensive overall, though it publishes no total. Samuel Merritt sits at the top with a $203,624 guaranteed all-in price.
Do California CRNA schools require the GRE?
No. None of California’s six CRNA programs requires the GRE — USC dropped the requirement in January 2024. Admissions weight is on your GPA, ICU experience, certifications like the CCRN, and the interview.
If you don’t see a program in California that is a good fit for you there is a List of CRNA Schools by State that you can find many resources to help you in your school search.