How Many Hours Should You Shadow a CRNA?

If you’re thinking about becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), **shadowing a CRNA** is one of the best ways to understand the career before committing to it. It gives you a behind-the-scenes look at what the job entails, how CRNAs interact with patients and surgical teams, and the clinical environment they work in.

But how many hours should you shadow a CRNA?

Let’s break down what’s required, what’s recommended, and how shadowing can strengthen your CRNA school application.

What Do CRNA Schools Require?

Most nurse anesthesia programs require or strongly recommend shadowing a CRNA. However, the number of hours required can vary significantly between schools.

Some programs don’t specify an exact number of hours — they just want to see that you’ve shadowed at least once. Others may ask for 8–16 hours, while a few competitive schools might expect more substantial exposure — think 24 hours or more.

At CRNA Mentor, we’ve spoken with dozens of students and admissions committees. From that experience, here’s what we suggest:

Aim for at least 16 hours of shadowing.

This gives you a full picture of the CRNA role. A single day is helpful, but two or three shifts will expose you to different types of procedures, anesthesia techniques, and patient populations. It also shows programs that you’re serious about understanding the role before applying.

Why Shadowing Is More Than a Checkbox

Even if your school doesn’t require a set number of hours, shadowing is still one of the most valuable things you can do. It helps in three big ways:

1. It confirms (or questions) your interest. You might love the idea of being a CRNA — but until you’ve seen the job in action, you’re guessing. Shadowing helps you understand the pace, responsibility, and challenges of the job. For many, it’s motivating. For some, it’s a reality check. Both are useful.
2. It gives you something to talk about in your application. Admissions committees appreciate applicants who have taken the time to explore the field. Shadowing gives you real-life experiences to talk about in your personal statement or interview. Mentioning a specific interaction or patient case you witnessed can make your application more memorable.
3. It helps you build relationships. Some students stay in touch with the CRNA they shadowed. That relationship can turn into mentorship or even a letter of recommendation. That connection might also be the one who helps you land your first clinical site or even a job someday.

How to Make the Most of Your Shadowing Hours

It’s not just about the time — it’s about how you spend it. Whether you shadow for 8 hours or 30, here’s how to get the most value:

• Ask questions when appropriate. You might wonder what drugs they’re giving, how they manage patient anxiety, or why they chose a specific technique. Be curious, but respectful of patient care and timing.
• Reflect on what you see. After each session, write down your thoughts: What surprised you? What challenged you? What confirmed your interest in anesthesia?
• Learn from different settings. If possible, shadow more than one CRNA or facility. A day in an outpatient surgery center is very different from a Level 1 trauma hospital. This diversity of experience helps round out your understanding.

What If You Can’t Find Shadowing Opportunities?

We get it. Shadowing can be tough to arrange. Hospitals have strict policies, and some CRNAs may not be allowed to host students due to liability or COVID-era restrictions.

If you’re struggling, try this:

• Start with your current job. If you’re already working in a hospital or ICU, ask if a CRNA would be open to letting you observe. Even a few hours is better than nothing.
• Use professional connections. Ask nurses, physicians, or other staff if they know any CRNAs you could talk to or shadow.
• Join CRNA-focused communities. At CRNA Mentor, we have a Facebook group with thousands of future and current CRNAs. Many members are open to hosting or connecting students with opportunities.
• Look for virtual options. Some schools or mentors may accept virtual shadowing or observation of anesthesia-related procedures via Zoom or recordings, especially if in-person access is limited.

Final Thoughts

There’s no magic number of hours that guarantees CRNA school admission. But shadowing for at least 16–24 hours gives you a solid foundation and shows commitment. The more time you spend observing, the better your understanding of the role, and the stronger your application will be.

More importantly, shadowing helps you make an informed decision about your future. Becoming a CRNA is a major commitment. The time you spend now — watching, learning, and asking questions — can help you feel confident that you’re on the right path.

At CRNA Mentor, we’re here to help you take the next step — whether it’s finding a shadowing opportunity, preparing for interviews, or just connecting with a supportive community. Reach out if you need help.