For over 150 years, CRNAs have been the backbone of safe and effective anesthesia care, delivering vital services in diverse settings—from hospitals and outpatient centers to military healthcare facilities and underserved rural areas.
This year, National CRNA Week, celebrated January 19–25, 2025, shines a spotlight on the indispensable contributions CRNAs make to patient care across the country.
At Interim Physicians, we are proud to partner with these exceptional professionals who exemplify clinical excellence, compassion, and innovation. As the primary anesthesia providers in many underserved and rural communities, CRNAs address critical gaps in care while upholding the highest standards of safety and quality.
A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation
The CRNA profession has a storied history, rooted in the resilience and resourcefulness of nurse anesthetists who first served on Civil War battlefields. That same spirit endures today, driving innovation and shaping the future of anesthesia delivery.
In modern healthcare, CRNAs administer over 50 million anesthetics annually, representing more than 50% of the American anesthesia workforce. Their scope of practice encompasses general and regional anesthesia, sedation, pain management, and postoperative care. CRNAs are indispensable in rural communities, where they deliver over 80% of anesthesia services, ensuring equitable access to care coast to coast.

Driving Growth and Shaping the Future
Amid increasing surgical demand and evolving patient needs, CRNAs remain indispensable. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an impressive 38% growth in CRNA roles by 2032. This year also marks a landmark shift for the profession. Starting in 2025, all newly certified CRNAs will be required to hold doctoral degrees—a testament to their dedication to advanced education and clinical excellence.
CRNAs practice in diverse settings, including hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, dental offices, and the military. They also embrace cutting-edge technologies, such as tele-anesthesia and remote monitoring, to expand access to care and improve patient outcomes.
Beyond the clinical realm, CRNAs serve as educators, researchers, and policy advocates, shaping the future of advanced practice nursing and championing equitable access to anesthesia services.
Overcoming Challenges, Embracing Opportunities
While the profession offers significant rewards, it also presents challenges, such as adapting to regulatory changes and maintaining a work-life balance. CRNAs must engage in lifelong learning to stay abreast of technological advancements and evidence-based practices.
Moreover, interprofessional collaboration with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare providers is essential for seamless patient care. Despite these challenges, CRNAs continue to set a benchmark of excellence in healthcare.
Celebrating CRNA Excellence
National CRNA Week is an opportunity to honor the dedication, expertise, and influence of CRNAs nationwide. At Interim Physicians, we extend our gratitude to these extraordinary professionals. Whether working as locum tenens providers or permanent team members, CRNAs inspire trust and confidence with every patient they serve.
To the remarkable CRNAs shaping the future of healthcare: thank you for your commitment to patient well-being and leadership in advancing anesthesia care. Your contributions are invaluable, and we are proud to celebrate you during National CRNA Week 2025 and beyond.