CRNA Programs in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is home to 2 accredited nurse anesthesia programs, spread across Arecibo, Hato Rey. These programs award the DNAP doctoral degree. 2 of the 2 programs carry confirmed COA accreditation review dates (shown on each card below).
Nationally, CRNAs earn an average of about $248,320 per year (BLS, May 2025), and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong demand for nurse anesthetists over the coming decade. Every program below is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA), the recognized accrediting body for nurse anesthesia education. For the full national picture, see how to become a CRNA and our salary-by-state guide.
Accredited Puerto Rico CRNA Programs
Cost and acceptance figures are estimates for comparison; accreditation review dates are sourced from the COA list current as of March 6, 2026. Always verify current details with each program.
CRNA Salary in Puerto Rico
The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not publish a separate average-wage figure for nurse anesthetists in Puerto Rico in its May 2025 data. Smaller state workforces are often suppressed in the survey to protect respondent confidentiality. As a benchmark, the national average is $248,320 per year.
CRNA pay is among the highest in advanced-practice nursing nationwide. See how Puerto Rico's neighbors compare in our CRNA salary by state guide.
Becoming a CRNA in Puerto Rico: Licensure & Practice
To practice in Puerto Rico, you'll hold an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license granted through the Puerto Rico Board of Nurse Examiners. After you graduate from one of the COA-accredited programs above and pass the National Certification Examination (NCE), you apply to the board for authorization in the nurse anesthetist role and renew on the state's cycle.
Puerto Rico has not opted out of the federal Medicare physician-supervision requirement, so CRNAs here most often work within an anesthesia care team that involves physician supervision or collaboration. The exact scope depends on the facility and employer. Always confirm current scope and licensure steps directly with the Puerto Rico Board of Nurse Examiners.
New to the field? Start with how to become a CRNA and our breakdown of CRNA vs. anesthesiologist roles.
How to Choose a CRNA Program in Puerto Rico
With 2 accredited programs to weigh in Puerto Rico, cost and acceptance rate are the easy comparisons — but the factors that most affect your success take a little more digging. Weigh each program on:
- Accreditation status — every program here is COA-accredited; check the next review date shown on each card.
- NCE board pass rate — ask each program for its first-time National Certification Exam pass rate.
- Attrition rate — what share of admitted students complete the program (the national average is low, around 4%).
- Total cost vs. cost of living — a lower sticker price in an expensive city may cost more overall.
- Clinical sites — case variety and volume shape the quality of your training.
- Acceptance rate — build a balanced list of reach and realistic programs.
Use our side-by-side comparison tool to line up Puerto Rico programs against each other, and the GPA calculator to gauge your competitiveness.
Getting Into a Puerto Rico CRNA Program
Admission requirements are consistent nationwide: a BSN, an unrestricted RN license, a minimum 3.0 GPA (3.4+ to be competitive), and at least one year of critical-care (ICU) experience. Most programs also expect the CCRN and three professional letters of recommendation, and about half require the GRE.
Before applying, you'll need an active Puerto Rico RN license — contact the Puerto Rico Board of Nurse Examiners for current licensure steps and timelines. Then work backward from each program's deadline using our resources:
Frequently Asked Questions
Puerto Rico has 2 accredited nurse anesthesia programs, located in Arecibo, Hato Rey. All are accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA).
Tuition for Puerto Rico CRNA programs varies and is set by each institution. Contact the programs directly for current cost figures.
Puerto Rico programs award the DNAP degree. Both the DNP and DNAP qualify graduates to sit for the National Certification Exam and are treated interchangeably by employers.
Like all U.S. programs, Puerto Rico schools require a BSN, an unrestricted RN license, a minimum 3.0 GPA (3.4+ competitive), and at least one year of ICU experience. Most also expect the CCRN and strong letters of recommendation. See our full CRNA school requirements guide for details.
BLS does not publish a separate Puerto Rico wage for nurse anesthetists in its May 2025 data. The national average is $248,320 per year; see our salary-by-state guide for regional context.
Puerto Rico has not opted out of the federal Medicare physician-supervision requirement, so CRNAs typically practice within an anesthesia care team that involves physician supervision or collaboration. Exact scope varies by facility; confirm current rules with the Puerto Rico Board of Nurse Examiners.
CRNA Programs in Other States
Explore nurse anesthesia programs in other major markets: