Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice nurses who administer anesthesia and provide care to over 58 million patients in the United States each year. The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology created National CRNA Week to recognize more than 75,000 CRNAs and residents for their contributions.
CRNAs have served patients in the U.S. for over 150 years. This year’s theme, “The Heart of Anesthesia,” emphasizes their role in patient care and within communities. CRNAs deliver more than 80% of anesthesia services nationwide, and in some states, they are the only anesthesia professionals available at nearly all rural hospitals, including those in Idaho.
Idaho State University (ISU) recently launched the state’s first CRNA training program at its Meridian Health Science Center campus. The program selects about 25 students from a pool of over 350 applicants annually.
“We are so grateful that Idaho’s First CRNA Program has been embraced by Idaho and the region,” said Shad Westover, program director. “Our first cohort of nurse anesthesia residents truly understands the significance of being the beacon class for future generations of excellent anesthesia professionals who will make a significant difference in the health care of Idaho and communities in the region.”
To become a CRNA, candidates must gain experience as registered nurses in critical care before entering doctoral-level education focused on physiology, pharmacology, anesthesia principles, and extensive clinical training. This preparation enables them to manage complex patient needs across all ages and respond quickly to changing situations.
CRNAs remain with patients throughout procedures to ensure safety and comfort. They play key roles not only in surgery but also support labor and delivery care, serve military members, and improve access to pain management treatments.
At ISU, students observe firsthand how CRNAs affect patient outcomes—especially in rural settings where shortages can delay or limit access to care. Student Bethany Boyd shared her experience working on a rural Indian Reservation:
“During multi-trauma events, having a staffed CRNA allowed for rapid airway management and placement of central venous access, interventions that are otherwise dangerously delayed in a busy, single-provider run ER,” Boyd said. “Events such as caring for pediatric patients with difficult airways alongside one overwhelmed family practice physician with no CRNA to call for support gave me a deep understanding of anesthesia’s essential role in rural medicine.”
Boyd added that without enough providers like CRNAs, rural communities may face longer wait times or travel farther distances for medical attention.
“CRNAs play a vital role in rural regions simply by providing access to care, and my experience in critical access facilities illustrates the profound influence of a single anesthesia provider in underserved communities,” she said.
Maria Konen, president of the Idaho Association of Nurse Anesthesiology commented:
“We are especially proud to highlight Idaho State University’s DNAP program, the state’s first nurse anesthesia doctoral program,” Konen said. “Launched at the Meridian campus with its inaugural cohort in Fall 2025, this three-year full-time program prepares competent compassionate CRNAs to serve rural and diverse populations through intensive didactic education advanced simulation and extensive clinical training. By educating future providers locally ISU helps address Idaho’s anesthesia workforce needs and strengthens long-term access to exceptional care for all Idahoans.”
Westover invited community participation: “We invite you to join in celebration with us on February 2,” he said. “The future of nurse anesthesia practice in Idaho is bright, and we look forward to making a significant positive impact on the health of the region.”
