The popularity of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) is gaining ground, not only from hopeful CRNAs, but also from potential employers.
New research by RIVANNA®, shows the growth of search interest for CRNAs across the U.S.
We examined search trends across the U.S. using the Google search index score of 0 to 100, with 0 being low search interest and 100 being the highest.
Here’s what we found:
- Interest in CRNAs continues to rise, with 108% search growth in 2024 compared to 2019.
- Alabama and Louisiana lead in demand with a significant regional focus on CRNAs in the southern U.S. as well as in South Dakota.
The study indicates a rise in search interest for CRNAs across the U.S., revealing significant regional trends and growth over time. Understanding these patterns can inform the development of educational programs, policy initiatives, and resource allocation to support the CRNA profession.
Interest in the CRNA profession has fluctuated over the years, with specific periods experiencing higher interest levels, yet it has shown consistent, steady, long-term growth. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, 2024), the employment of nurse anesthetists is projected to grow by 10% from 2023 to 2033, faster than most other occupations.
CRNAs On Vanguard of Modern Healthcare Tools
CRNAs are at the forefront of patient care, frequently working independently in rural areas or as part of multidisciplinary teams in urban centers, supporting safe, effective, and increasingly accessible anesthesia administration.
As healthcare technology continues to evolve, CRNAs have the unique opportunity to lead the adoption of new tools and techniques — innovations that enhance patient outcomes while improving clinical workflows.
The fact is, given the rising costs of healthcare, it makes perfect sense that CRNA demand is growing. The market is at a place where new technological advances allow CRNAs to deliver fundamental procedures, such as central venous access and peripheral nerve blocks, to allow anesthesiologists to focus on more complex aspects of procedures.
This allows hospitals and clinics to better manage their anesthesiology needs and keeps costs down.
Delivering the Future of Anesthesiology
The future of anesthesiology lies in the integration of advanced technologies — such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) — that support clinical decision-making and patient monitoring.
Traditional ultrasound is emerging as a core skill that CRNAs should possess, however, imaging can be impacted by a patient’s body habitus, leading students to struggle with obtaining clear images on patients of different sizes and body shapes.
The complexity of traditional ultrasound can lead to early frustration for students who do not experience immediate success, hindering their motivation and confidence in the learning process.
A Seat — and a Voice — at the Table
New, available technologies provide CRNAs with the tools to personalize anesthesia care more effectively and prevent complications that arise with human error. AI-powered ultrasound guidance is a perfect example of improving the precision and safety of procedures for acute pain management like regional anesthesia and neuraxial blocks.
Ultrasound guidance offers anesthesiologists and CRNAs a way to visualize anatomy and reduce risks. However, traditional ultrasound equipment can be cumbersome, difficult to use, and limited in its effectiveness for neuraxial procedures.
Professor of Clinical Nursing and the Nurse Anesthesia Program Director at the University of Cincinnati Beth Clayton explains, “Ultrasound is a crucial skill for nurse anesthetists, but traditional methods can be intimidating for new learners due to the complexity of image interpretation and probe manipulation techniques.”
Clayton emphasizes, “The complexity of traditional ultrasound can be a barrier to student success, impacting their confidence in the clinical setting if they haven’t had sufficient opportunity to develop proficiency during their education.”
The Impact of Clayton Christensen’s Disruptive Innovation Theory(Opens in a new browser tab)
According to Beth Clayton, effective teaching tools play a critical role in this field. AI-enhanced neuraxial ultrasound, with features like image overlays to simplify spinal navigation, is particularly beneficial in educational settings. This technology reduces complexities and minimizes the need for extensive image interpretation. “These advancements create a supportive learning environment, boosting students’ confidence in the critical early stages of their training,” Clayton notes.
With demand for CRNAs on the rise, they’re in a much better position to advocate for new solutions that enhance patient care, lower hospital costs and improve efficiency.
By staying informed and actively participating in the evolution of anesthesiology, CRNAs can help shape the future of their field and ensure important innovations are implemented most effectively in clinical practice.
