Top 15 CRNA Schools In Texas (2026)

Texas offers a growing landscape for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) education, featuring programs that are consistently ranked among the best in the nation. These doctoral-level programs prepare experienced critical care nurses for one of the most demanding and well-compensated roles in healthcare.

With a projected 30.9% growth in demand for CRNAs in Texas by 2032, the state’s programs are essential for meeting healthcare needs, particularly in rural areas . 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 15 CRNA Schools In Texas

1. Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston

Cizik School of Nursing offers the first BSN to DNP Nurse Anesthesia track at a public university in Texas. The program boasts the highest certification pass rate in the southern United States and has an outstanding record with 100% of its 2025 graduates passing the National Certification Exam.

Ten of its past 11 graduating classes have achieved a 100% first-time pass rate . Located in the world-renowned Texas Medical Center, the program provides unparalleled clinical experiences across a wide variety of anesthesia delivery settings . The program is consistently ranked among the top 10 in the nation .

2. Texas Christian University (TCU)

TCU’s Nurse Anesthesia program is a perennial top-ten program, ranking No. 9 nationally according to the 2026 U.S. News and World Report peer assessments, marking its third consecutive year in the top 10% of the country’s 148 CRNA programs.

The program offers learning experiences in simulation and cadaver labs, where students learn from world-class faculty and can refine their skills in a realistic environment. TCU’s Harris College offers the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice program and advanced education options like the Advanced Pain Management Fellowship.

3. 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. 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 boasts a 100% overall pass rate on the national certification exam, with a 94% first-time pass rate over the past five years, and a 94.8% graduation rate. Competitive applicants are advised to have GRE scores at or above the 50th percentile and a strong GPA, with the average for BSN track applicants being 3.7.

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 regional interest. Applicants must hold a BSN, a current Texas RN license or compact license, and have a minimum of one year of critical care experience (with two years preferred).

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 recently. The 36-month program is ranked #29 in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. The program received more than 120 applications for only 15 spots in its first cohort. The cohort boasts an impressive average undergraduate GPA of 3.7 and nearly three-and-a-half years of ICU experience. Students have a minimum of 2,000 clinical hours and 650 cases at graduation, with clinical partnerships including Central Texas Veterans Health Care System and St. David’s HealthCare.

6. University of Texas at Tyler

UT Tyler received approval for its Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia program from the Council on Accreditation. 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 certifications as adult-geriatrics acute care nurse practitioners and certified registered nurse anesthetists. The program is designed to meet the needs of rural communities, where CRNAs often serve as the sole anesthesia providers.

7. Texas Wesleyan University (Fort Worth)

Texas Wesleyan University offers one of the leading CRNA programs in the state and is recognized as a significant contributor to the Texas workforce. The program operates with a hybrid learning format and is consistently mentioned among the top institutions for nurse anesthesia education in Texas. It prepares graduates for certification and practice as nurse anesthetists in a variety of healthcare settings.

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

West Texas A&M University offers a Pre-CRNA specialization 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. Students considering this path should consult with pre-nursing advisers for information regarding various schools and their particular requirements.

9. 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.

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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

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 or more of ICU experience.

Achieve a strong undergraduate GPA, as many programs have high standards; 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 COA-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 UTHealth Houston to the new, regionally focused programs at UT Health San Antonio, Fairfield University, and UT Tyler, 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.