CRNA School Attrition Rates: Do Students Drop Out?

CRNA school is known for being academically and clinically demanding. As a result, many prospective applicants wonder: Do CRNA students drop out?

The short answer is yes — but far less often than many people assume.

In this guide, we take an honest look at CRNA school attrition rates, why students leave programs, and what applicants can do to reduce the risk of not finishing.

What Is Attrition in CRNA School?

Attrition refers to students who:

• Withdraw voluntarily
• Are dismissed for academic reasons
• Are dismissed for clinical or professionalism issues

Attrition is different from failing boards or leaving the profession after graduation. This article focuses only on leaving the program before completion.

What Are Typical CRNA School Attrition Rates?

CRNA programs generally report low attrition rates, especially compared to other graduate healthcare programs.

Most programs fall within:

• 5%–10% total attrition
• Some programs report even lower rates

This means the vast majority of students who start CRNA school do graduate.

Why Attrition Rates Are Relatively Low

Despite the difficulty of CRNA school, programs work hard to support student success.

Contributing factors include:

• Highly selective admissions processes
• Strong academic and clinical screening
• Early remediation and academic support
• Close faculty oversight

Programs aim to admit students they believe will finish.

Common Reasons Students Leave CRNA School

When attrition does occur, it is usually due to a small number of recurring factors.

Academic Difficulty

CRNA coursework is fast-paced and science-heavy. Students who struggle academically may be dismissed if remediation is unsuccessful.

Clinical Performance Issues

Difficulty applying knowledge in the clinical setting, unsafe practice, or inability to progress clinically can lead to dismissal.

Personal or Life Circumstances

Family emergencies, health issues, or major life changes sometimes force students to withdraw voluntarily.

Mismatch Between Expectations and Reality

Some students discover that anesthesia practice does not align with their interests or stress tolerance.

How CRNA Programs Address Struggling Students

Most programs attempt remediation before dismissal.

Support may include:

• Academic tutoring
• Modified clinical schedules
• Increased faculty oversight
• Performance improvement plans

Dismissal is typically a last resort.

What Applicants Can Do to Reduce Attrition Risk

Preparation matters.

Ways to reduce risk include:

• Building a strong ICU foundation before applying
• Addressing academic weaknesses early
• Understanding the demands of anesthesia practice
• Shadowing CRNAs thoroughly
• Ensuring strong personal support systems

Intentional preparation significantly improves outcomes.

Attrition vs Difficulty: Understanding the Difference

CRNA school is difficult — but difficulty does not equal failure.

Most students experience:

• Periods of stress
• Academic challenges
• Confidence fluctuations

These experiences are normal and do not predict attrition.

How Programs View Attrition Rates

Accrediting bodies closely monitor attrition.

Programs are incentivized to:

• Maintain low attrition
• Provide student support
• Graduate competent, safe practitioners

High attrition reflects poorly on programs, so prevention is a priority.

Where This Attrition Data Comes From

The attrition information in this article is based on:

• Program-reported outcomes published by CRNA schools
• Accreditation standards and reporting requirements
• National trends observed across nurse anesthesia programs
• Patterns reported by students and faculty across cohorts

Wise CRNA presents ranges and trends, not isolated statistics, to reflect program variability.

Final Thoughts

CRNA school attrition exists — but it is far lower than many applicants fear.

With proper preparation, realistic expectations, and strong support, the vast majority of CRNA students successfully complete their programs.

Wise CRNA exists to help you prepare honestly, strategically, and confidently for the journey ahead.