Top 25 Certified Nurse Anesthetist Schools In Texas (2026)

Texas is home to a robust and highly competitive landscape for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist education, featuring programs that are consistently ranked among the best in the nation. These doctoral-level programs prepare critical care nurses for one of the most demanding and well-compensated roles in healthcare.

With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 38% growth rate for advanced practice nurses from 2022 to 2032 and Texas facing significant anesthesia provider shortages, the state’s CRNA schools are essential for meeting healthcare needs . It is important to note that all CRNA programs in Texas are at the doctoral level, primarily offering a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.

Top 25 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Schools In Texas

1. Baylor College of Medicine (Houston)

Baylor College of Medicine’s Nurse Anesthesia program is nationally recognized as one of the premier CRNA schools in the country, tied for #4 in a recent national ranking . The program offers two DNP tracks: one for BSN-prepared nurses and another for master’s-prepared CRNAs seeking a doctoral degree.

It is highly selective, receiving around 150 applications annually and admitting only 30 students to its BSN-to-DNP track. The program has a stellar 100% overall pass rate on the national certification exam, with a 94% first-time pass rate over the past five years, and boasts a 94.8% graduation rate.

2. Texas Christian University (TCU) (Fort Worth)

TCU’s Nurse Anesthesia program is a perennial top-ten program, ranking #9 in the nation according to the 2026 U.S. News & World Report peer assessments, marking its third consecutive year in the top 10% of the country’s 148 CRNA programs.

The program is highly respected for its focus on leadership and advanced clinical practice, and consistently ranks among the best in the state. Its strong national reputation makes it one of the most sought-after programs in Texas .

3. US Army Graduate Program in Anesthesia Nursing (USAGPAN) (Fort Sam Houston)

This unique program, offered in partnership with Baylor University’s Louise Herrington School of Nursing, is one of the most distinctive CRNA pathways in Texas, tied for #4 in a recent national ranking . It combines advanced doctoral education with military service, providing tuition-free training and a salary while in school in exchange for a service commitment.

The program is designed to prepare CRNAs for leadership roles in both healthcare and the armed forces. It offers access to diverse clinical experiences in military and civilian settings.

4. UT Health San Antonio

UT Health San Antonio launched the first nurse anesthetist program in South Texas, with its inaugural cohort starting in fall 2024 .

This three-year, full-time BSN-to-DNP program was established to address the critical demand for anesthesia services, particularly in underserved rural areas where Texas has the largest rural population of any state. The program received over 130 applicants at its first information session, highlighting strong interest in the region .

5. Fairfield University (Austin Campus)

Fairfield University’s Austin campus offers the only accredited DNP Nurse Anesthesia concentration in Central Texas, with its first cohort starting in a recent year . It was established to help ease the critical shortage of anesthesia providers in the region, where demand for CRNAs is projected to grow by 30.9% by 2032.

Despite being a newcomer, the program is highly competitive, receiving more than 120 applications for only 15 spots in its first cohort, which boasted an impressive average undergraduate GPA of 3.7 and nearly 3.5 years of ICU experience.

6. The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston)

UTHealth Houston established its CRNA program in a recent year, leveraging its location in the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical complex in the world. This affiliation provides students with extensive clinical training opportunities in diverse healthcare settings.

The program benefits from being part of one of the leading health science centers in the country.

7. University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) (Galveston)

UTMB launched its CRNA program in a recent year, offering a BSN-to-DNP pathway for aspiring nurse anesthetists. The program stands out for its location within a leading academic medical center, providing access to a wide range of clinical experiences. UTMB is a well-established institution with a long history of excellence in healthcare education and patient care.

8. University of Texas at Tyler

UT Tyler received approval for its Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia program in a recent year. This three-year, post-baccalaureate program is designed to address the critical need for anesthesia providers in East Texas and the broader region. It features a hybrid format combining online and in-person classes and will prepare graduates for dual certification as adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners and certified registered nurse anesthetists .

9. Texas Wesleyan University (Fort Worth)

Texas Wesleyan University offers the largest CRNA program in the country, operating with a hybrid learning format to accommodate a large cohort of students. This program is a significant contributor to the Texas workforce, consistently mentioned as one of the leading institutions for nurse anesthesia education in the state.

10. Texas A&M University – Pre-CRNA Advising

Texas A&M University provides a pre-CRNA pathway for undergraduate students through its pre-professional advising program. Students can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and receive guidance on the prerequisites and competitive application process for CRNA programs. The university advises students to maintain a strong GPA and gain significant critical care experience to be competitive for doctoral-level anesthesia programs. This pathway serves as a foundation for future nurse anesthetists.

11. University of Texas at Austin – Pre-CRNA Advising

UT Austin offers pre-health advising for students interested in the CRNA career path. The university guides students through the necessary steps, which include earning a BSN, gaining critical care experience, and applying to accredited doctoral programs. With its location in the state capital, UT Austin provides students access to a wide range of academic and clinical resources to prepare for a career as a nurse anesthetist.

12. West Texas A&M University – Pre-CRNA Advising

West Texas A&M University offers a pre-CRNA specialization designed for students aiming to become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists. The program advises students on the required pathway: earning a BSN, passing the NCLEX, working as an RN, and then applying to an accredited MSN or DNP program with a CRNA specialization. The university recommends consulting with pre-nursing advisers for specific guidance on varying program prerequisites .

13. University of North Texas – Pre-CRNA Advising

UNT provides pre-health advising for students planning a career as a CRNA. The university offers the prerequisite courses needed for a BSN and provides guidance on competitive application strategies. Students are advised to gain significant critical care experience and maintain a high GPA to be competitive for the limited number of spots in CRNA doctoral programs.

14. Texas State University – Pre-CRNA Advising

Texas State University offers a pre-CRNA pathway through its pre-professional advising office. Students are guided through the necessary steps, including earning a BSN, gaining experience in a critical care setting, and applying to doctoral nurse anesthesia programs. The university’s advising team helps students understand the rigorous and competitive nature of CRNA program admissions.

15. University of Houston – Pre-CRNA Advising

The University of Houston provides pre-health advising for students interested in the CRNA career path. The university helps students plan their undergraduate coursework to meet the prerequisites for BSN programs and offers guidance on the admissions process for doctoral nurse anesthesia programs. Students are advised to focus on strong academic performance and clinical experience.

16. Texas Tech University – Pre-CRNA Advising

Texas Tech University offers pre-health advising for students pursuing a career as a CRNA. The university provides a strong foundation in the sciences and guides students through the requirements for BSN programs and subsequent application to doctoral nurse anesthesia programs. The university’s health professions advisors are a resource for students navigating the competitive admissions process.

17. Baylor University – Pre-CRNA Advising

Baylor University provides pre-health advising for students interested in the CRNA career path. The university’s strong science programs and dedicated pre-health advisors help students prepare for admission to competitive doctoral nurse anesthesia programs. Students are encouraged to maintain a high GPA, gain critical care experience, and prepare for the GRE.

18. Southern Methodist University – Pre-CRNA Advising

SMU offers pre-health advising for students pursuing a career as a CRNA. The university’s location in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex provides students with access to numerous shadowing and clinical observation opportunities. Advisors help students build competitive applications for doctoral nurse anesthesia programs.

19. University of Texas at Arlington – Pre-CRNA Advising

UTA provides pre-health advising for students on the CRNA career path. The university’s strong nursing program and pre-health advisors help students meet the prerequisites for BSN programs and competitive admissions to doctoral nurse anesthesia programs. Students are advised to gain extensive critical care experience.

20. Texas Woman’s University – Pre-CRNA Advising

TWU offers pre-health advising for students interested in becoming CRNAs. The university is known for its commitment to nursing education and provides guidance on the competitive admissions process. Students are advised to focus on strong academics and clinical experience.

21. University of Texas at San Antonio – Pre-CRNA Advising

UTSA provides pre-health advising for students pursuing a career as a CRNA. The university’s location in San Antonio, a growing medical hub, offers students access to diverse clinical environments. Advisors help students prepare for the rigorous doctoral programs in nurse anesthesia.

22. University of Texas at El Paso – Pre-CRNA Advising

UTEP offers pre-health advising for students interested in the CRNA path. The university provides a strong foundation in nursing and the sciences and helps students understand the requirements for doctoral nurse anesthesia programs. Advisors guide students through the competitive application process.

23. Angelo State University – Pre-CRNA Advising

Angelo State University offers pre-health advising for students planning a career as a CRNA. The university provides guidance on prerequisites, including a BSN and critical care experience, and helps students build competitive applications. Students are encouraged to maintain a strong academic record.

24. Sam Houston State University – Pre-CRNA Advising

SHSU provides pre-health advising for students on the CRNA career path. The university’s pre-professional advisors help students navigate the requirements for doctoral nurse anesthesia programs, including BSN completion and gaining critical care experience.

25. Stephen F. Austin State University – Pre-CRNA Advising

SFA offers pre-health advising for students interested in becoming CRNAs. The university provides guidance on prerequisite coursework and helps students prepare for the competitive admissions process. Advisors emphasize the importance of strong academic performance and clinical experience.

Comparison Table

Success Tips for Application

Start by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and obtaining a current, unencumbered Registered Nurse license in Texas or a compact state.

Gain a minimum of one year of critical care experience in an ICU setting, though many accepted applicants have an average of 2.9 years of ICU experience.

Achieve a strong undergraduate GPA, as many programs have high standards; for example, Fairfield’s Austin cohort had an average GPA of 3.7, and Baylor’s average is also 3.7 .

Most BSN-to-DNP programs require the GRE; Baylor recommends scoring at or above the 50th percentile in each section.

Prepare thoroughly for the competitive interview process, which is a major factor in admissions decisions.

Apply to multiple programs, as they are extremely selective; Baylor admits 30 out of 150 applicants (20%), and Fairfield admitted 15 out of over 120 applicants (12.5%).

Finally, choose a CCNE-accredited program approved by the Texas Board of Nursing.

Closing

Texas offers a robust and dynamic network of CRNA education, featuring programs that are nationally top-ranked, highly selective, and essential for addressing the state’s critical anesthesia workforce shortages. From the top-tier programs at Baylor, TCU, and USAGPAN to the new, regionally focused programs at UT Health San Antonio, Fairfield University, UT Tyler, and UTMB, the state is investing heavily in training the next generation of nurse anesthetists.

For aspiring CRNAs, the path is demanding but rewarding, requiring a strong academic background, significant clinical experience, and a commitment to providing high-quality anesthesia care. Note that all information, including program details, is subject to change, so it is essential to verify current details directly with each institution.