Updated June 2026 · 10 min read

CRNA Programs in Washington 2026

Part of the CRNA Career Hub — browse every related guide in one place.

Washington has exactly one accredited nurse anesthesia program — Gonzaga University in Spokane — and it's growing. For Washington ICU nurses that means a single in-state target plus a short list of strong out-of-state options. Here's how to build a competitive plan around it.

Accredited CRNA Programs in Washington (2026)

Gonzaga is Washington's sole accredited nurse anesthesia program. Every accredited U.S. program now awards a doctorate — the COA phased out master's-level CRNA entry on January 1, 2025. Confirm current accreditation status, tuition, credit counts, and clinical-hour requirements directly with the school, as the program is in an active expansion and relocation.

Gonzaga University DNAP

Gonzaga's program is operated in partnership with Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane and emphasizes leadership, systems thinking, and evidence-based practice. The 36-month curriculum integrates more than 2,800 hours of supervised clinical experience across regional sites in Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Oregon, preparing graduates for the National Certification Examination. The program has historically drawn a high volume of competitive applicants for a small cohort.

Two changes make 2026–2027 a notable window. First, Gonzaga is expanding each entering class from roughly 28 to 40 students — meaningfully more seats in a state that has only one program. Second, the program is moving into newly built space in the UW School of Medicine–Gonzaga partnership building in Spokane. Applicants should verify the current application cycle directly, as recent cycles have opened in mid-January with classes starting in May.

Strong Washington ICU Hospitals for CRNA Applicants

Where you accumulate critical care hours matters as much as your GPA. Washington offers several high-acuity systems ideal for CRNA candidacy:

Programs want sustained adult critical care managing ventilated patients on vasoactive infusions with arterial and central lines. A CVICU or trauma SICU role at one of these systems — especially Providence Sacred Heart, given the program partnership — is far stronger on a CRNA application than a step-down or community “ICU” that doesn't manage that acuity.

The One-Program Reality and Your Backup List

With a single in-state program, Washington applicants should plan to apply broadly. Oregon is the natural extension — Oregon Health & Science University in Portland is a well-regarded option within driving distance. Many Washington nurses also look to Gonzaga's regional clinical footprint in Idaho and Montana. Treat Gonzaga as your anchor, then add two or three out-of-state programs so your odds aren't tied to one small cohort, even with the expansion to 40 seats.