Nurse Anesthetists programs in Canada?

Can anyone refer me to any University in Canada, preferably in Toronto, that has a nurse anesthesia educational program? I've been searching for quite a while now and still, I didn't find any. 

What Members Are Saying (AI-Generated Summary)

Members are discussing the availability of nurse anesthesia programs in Canada, specifically in Toronto. Some users mention that nurse anesthetists do not exist in Canada, while others point out that the University of Toronto has a program. There is confusion about the accreditation of Canadian programs and the ability to transfer education to the US for job opportunities. Additionally, users highlight the differences in healthcare systems and salary between Canada and the US for nurse anesthetists.

17 Answers

In order to be certified by the Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists (CCNA) you must sucessfully pass the certification exam. In order to take the exam you must hold an RN license in one of the states/territories and graduate from an Accredited program. The program must be accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. So the answer to your questions are no they will not "credit your education" and no you will not be eligible to take the exam.

Jasoneks said:
but if you study in canada and find a job in the US they will still credit your education right? you only need to pass the exam right?

CRNA does not exist in Canada, here its assistant. 

Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

The info I found online indicated that U of T has a program, but no nurse anesthetist jobs actually exist in Canada.

So what is the point of having a program when their are no jobs available in Canada? Unless it is a private college. I don't really know why they would subsidize a program that will ship graduates out of the country.

The Canadian program is for techs. They don't independently administer anesthesia. CRNAs in the US make more than anesthesiologists in Canada. They have a social healthcare system. Canada is a great place, but their healthcare careers are very low paying.

Specializes in Anesthesia.
zeenakhan said:
I am a resident of Canada, and I am thinking about becoming a CRNA. My question is can I finish my studies in Canada and apply for a job in the U.S.?

My understanding is that they are two totally different programs so you would not be able to transfer from Canada to the you.S.

I would visit the Council of Accreditation website for their list of "approved" nurse anesthesia programs. Your program submits your paperwork to the council in order to allow you to sit for the certification exam.

There is a possibility to get a US license. I did some research, and it depends on which state you would like to apply some requirements will be asked. The mandatory requirement is NCLEX in all states.

I have Canadian ICU RN friends. No such thing as CRNA in Canada, sadly. Any type of education you would receive there would be different than independent anesthesia providers in America, so you wouldn't be eligible to sit for our boards. You can come to America with your Canadian RN license, take the NCLEX, and then work in an ICU here. I'm not sure if, at that point, you'd be eligible to apply to CRNA school here in America.

Specializes in Anesthesia.
https://bloomberg.nursing.utoronto.ca/news/canadas-first-nurse-practitioner-in-anesthesia-care-program-celebrates-recent-graduates It isn't quite the same, but there is now a nurse anesthesia training program in Canada.
Specializes in ICU, NICU.

I am a Canadian nurse and also studied at the University of Toronto. The program only ran for about two years and is no longer available.

Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

There is a nurse anesthetist program at the University of Toronto.

+ Join the Discussion