6
Accredited Programs
$72K - $125K
Tuition Range
16%
Avg Acceptance Rate
$236K
Avg CRNA Salary
Texas CRNA Programs Overview
Texas offers 6 accredited Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist programs across major metropolitan areas including Houston, Fort Worth, Galveston, and Tyler. With tuition ranging from $72,000 to $125,000 and an average CRNA salary of $236,220, Texas provides excellent opportunities for aspiring nurse anesthetists.
The state's large population (30+ million), diverse healthcare systems, and numerous Level 1 trauma centers create consistent demand for skilled CRNAs. Texas programs offer both DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) and DNAP (Doctor of Nursing Anesthesia Practice) degrees, with most following the standard 36-month curriculum.
Why Choose Texas for CRNA Training?
- Strong Job Market: Multiple major metropolitan areas with Level 1 trauma centers
- Competitive Salaries: Above-average compensation with regional variation
- No State Income Tax: Keep more of your earnings
- Diverse Clinical Settings: Urban hospitals, rural facilities, and specialized centers
- Growing Healthcare Sector: Expanding population driving demand
- Lower Cost of Living: Affordable housing in many areas compared to coastal states
Considerations
- High competition for spots at prestigious programs like Baylor College of Medicine
- Texas Board of Nursing requires continuous competency for license renewal
- Some rural areas face CRNA shortages, offering recruitment incentives
- Summer heat can be intense in clinical training environments
All Texas CRNA Programs
CRNA Career Outlook in Texas
Salary Information
CRNAs in Texas enjoy competitive salaries that reflect the state's robust healthcare economy. According to recent data, the average CRNA salary in Texas is $236,220 annually, with significant regional variation based on location and practice setting.
San Antonio
$262,560
Highest in state
Houston
$242,012
Texas Medical Center
Dallas-Fort Worth
$239,417
Large metro area
Texas Average
$236,220
State-wide
Job Market Analysis
Texas presents exceptional opportunities for CRNAs due to several key factors:
- Population Growth: Texas is one of the fastest-growing states, with healthcare demand increasing proportionally
- Major Medical Centers: The Texas Medical Center in Houston is the world's largest medical complex, employing hundreds of CRNAs
- Rural Opportunities: Underserved rural areas offer loan repayment programs and signing bonuses to attract CRNAs
- Trauma Centers: Multiple Level 1 trauma centers across major cities provide advanced practice opportunities
- Independent Practice: Texas allows CRNAs to practice with varying degrees of physician collaboration depending on facility
- Military Presence: Large military installations offer additional CRNA positions
Practice Settings
Texas CRNAs work in diverse environments including:
- Large academic medical centers (UT Southwestern, Baylor, MD Anderson)
- Community hospitals across urban and rural areas
- Ambulatory surgery centers (growing sector)
- Pain management clinics
- Obstetric anesthesia units
- Military facilities (Fort Hood, Fort Bliss, Joint Base San Antonio)
Texas RN License Requirements
Before applying to CRNA programs in Texas, you must hold an active RN license. Here's what you need to know:
Requirements for Texas RN License
- Graduate from an approved nursing education program
- Pass the NCLEX-RN examination
- Complete fingerprint-based criminal background check
- Submit official transcripts directly from nursing school
- Pay application fee: $139
- NCLEX exam fee: $200
Texas-Specific Features
- 120-Day Temporary License: Texas offers temporary practice permit while waiting for permanent license
- Compact State: Texas participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing practice in multiple states
- Fast Processing: Electronic applications typically processed within 2-3 weeks
- Continuing Education: No mandatory CE hours for renewal, but 20 hours recommended every 2 years
Timeline
- Application Submission: Submit online to Texas Board of Nursing
- Background Check: Complete fingerprinting (1-2 weeks)
- NCLEX Authorization: Receive ATT within 2-3 weeks
- Take NCLEX: Schedule and pass exam
- License Issued: Typically 2-3 weeks after passing NCLEX
Total Timeline: Approximately 6-10 weeks from application to licensure
Contact Information
Texas Board of Nursing
Website: www.bon.texas.gov
Phone: (512) 305-7400
Address: 333 Guadalupe, Suite 3-460, Austin, TX 78701
Financial Aid & Scholarships in Texas
Texas-Specific Programs
- Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program: For students with military connection, covers full tuition
- Texas Medical Board Loan Repayment Program: Up to $160,000 for practicing in underserved areas
- Nurse Educators Loan Repayment Program: For nurses pursuing advanced degrees
National Programs Available in Texas
- HRSA Nurse Anesthetist Traineeship (NAT): Federally funded program for CRNA students
- NHSC Loan Repayment Program: National Health Service Corps program for rural practice
- Indian Health Service: Loan repayment for service at IHS facilities
- AANA Foundation Scholarships: Various awards from American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
Employer Sponsorship
Many Texas hospitals and healthcare systems offer:
- Tuition reimbursement programs for current employees
- Contractual agreements for post-graduation employment
- Loan repayment assistance as recruitment incentive
- Signing bonuses ($10,000-$50,000) for new graduate CRNAs
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the cheapest CRNA program in Texas?
A: The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston offers the most affordable program at $72,000, followed closely by UT Health Science Center Houston at $75,000. Both are excellent public university programs with strong clinical training networks.
Q: Do I need to live in Texas to attend a Texas CRNA program?
A: No, Texas CRNA programs accept out-of-state students. However, public universities like UT schools may charge higher tuition for non-residents. Private institutions like Texas Wesleyan and TCU charge the same tuition regardless of residency status. Consider establishing Texas residency if attending a public program.
Q: Which Texas CRNA program is the most competitive?
A: Baylor College of Medicine in Houston has the lowest acceptance rate at 12%, making it the most competitive. The program is highly regarded for its affiliation with the Texas Medical Center and extensive clinical training opportunities. Expect to need a strong GPA (3.7+), high GRE scores, and at least 2 years of ICU experience.
Q: Can CRNAs practice independently in Texas?
A: Texas does not require physician supervision of CRNAs by state law, though individual facilities may set their own requirements. Many rural hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers allow independent CRNA practice. However, major medical centers typically operate with anesthesia care team models involving anesthesiologists and CRNAs working collaboratively.
Q: How long does it take to become a CRNA in Texas?
A: The path typically takes 7-8 years: 4 years for your BSN, at least 1 year (often 2-3 years) gaining critical care RN experience, and 3 years in a CRNA program. Most Texas programs are 36 months full-time, with some offering part-time options that extend the timeline. Front-loaded programs require 120-day temporary license while awaiting permanent RN licensure.
Q: Are there part-time CRNA programs in Texas?
A: Currently, most Texas CRNA programs are full-time only due to the intensive clinical training requirements. Some programs offer flexible scheduling for didactic coursework, but clinical rotations require full-time commitment. If you need part-time options, consider online didactic programs from out-of-state schools with Texas clinical placements, though these are rare and highly competitive.