Prepare for your CRNA school interview with 55+ real questions from past applicants. Organized by category with expert tips.
CRNA school interviews can be intimidating, but preparation is everything. This collection of 55+ questions comes from real applicants who interviewed at programs across the country.
Questions are organized into 5 categories: Personal/Motivational, Behavioral/Situational, Clinical/Technical, Program-Specific, and Ethical/Professional. Most interviews include a mix of all five.
đź’ˇ Pro Interview Tips
Questions about your journey, motivations, and why you want to be a CRNA
8 questions
đź“ť Tips for Personal Questions
Why do you want to be a CRNA?
Tell us about yourself.
What is your favorite type of patient?
What is your greatest strength?
What is your greatest weakness?
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Why did you become interested in nurse anesthesia?
What is your definition of a successful student?
Questions about how you've handled past situations and challenges
8 questions
🎯 STAR Method for Behavioral Questions
Tell me about a challenging case you have had.
Tell me a time you had conflict with someone. What did you do?
Tell me about a mistake you made and what you learned from it.
How do you handle stressful situations?
Tell me about a time you worked effectively as part of a team.
What leadership experience do you have?
Describe a time when you had to advocate for a patient.
Tell me about a time you received critical feedback. How did you respond?
Questions testing your critical care knowledge and clinical reasoning
22 questions
🧠Approaching Clinical Questions
Explain the oxy-hemoglobin dissociation curve.
What do balloon pumps do and how are they beneficial for heart patients?
Why don't you give beta blockers to asthmatic patients?
Describe the different ventilator settings.
What experience do you have with CRRT and ECMO?
How would you calculate SVV (Stroke Volume Variation)?
A patient arrives with signs of shock. Walk me through your initial assessment and interventions.
Describe the mechanism of action of propofol.
What are the signs of malignant hyperthermia and how would you treat it?
Explain the difference between MAC and general anesthesia.
How would you manage a difficult airway?
What are the contraindications for neuraxial anesthesia?
Explain the Frank-Starling mechanism.
What happens physiologically during RSI (Rapid Sequence Induction)?
How do you interpret an ABG?
What is the mechanism of action of succinylcholine?
Explain the stages of anesthesia.
How do volatile anesthetics work?
What medications would you use for induction of anesthesia?
Describe the hemodynamic effects of common induction agents.
What is the difference between non-depolarizing and depolarizing neuromuscular blockers?
How do you reverse neuromuscular blockade?
Questions about your knowledge of the program and career goals
14 questions
🎓 Tailoring to Each Program
What is the difference between a CRNA and an Anesthesiologist?
Reported from: Midwestern University
What do you really know about CRNAs?
Why did you choose this program?
How are you financially prepared for this program?
What do you know about the current political landscape for CRNAs in this state?
What questions do you have for us about our program?
How will you handle the time commitment required by this program?
What research interests do you have related to anesthesia?
Why did you choose University of Pittsburgh for CRNA?
Reported from: University of Pittsburgh
How will you balance the rigorous academic demands of our program?
Reported from: University of Pittsburgh
Why Midwestern University?
Reported from: Midwestern University
What do you know about Ursuline College's CRNA program?
Reported from: Ursuline College
Why VCU for nurse anesthesia?
Reported from: Virginia Commonwealth University
What attracted you to Fairfield University's program?
Reported from: Fairfield University
Questions about ethics, professionalism, and decision-making
3 questions
⚖️ Handling Ethical Questions
How would you handle a situation where you disagree with the attending physician?
Describe an ethical dilemma you've faced and how you handled it.
What would you do if you saw a colleague make a medication error?
Remember:
Interviewers are looking for clinical competence, professionalism, and fit with their program. They want to know you'll succeed in their rigorous curriculum and represent their school well in clinical rotations. Be yourself, be confident, and show them you're ready for the challenge.
Badmouthing Past Employers or Coworkers
Even if you had a terrible experience, frame it positively. "I learned the importance of clear communication..."
Giving One-Word Answers
Expand on your answers with examples. "Yes, I have ECMO experience—in fact, last month we had a patient on VA ECMO for cardiogenic shock..."
Not Asking Questions at the End
Prepare thoughtful questions. It shows interest. Ask about clinical rotations, faculty mentorship, or program culture.
Being Arrogant or Overconfident
Confidence is good. Arrogance is not. Show humility and willingness to learn—you're a student, not an expert yet.
Focusing Only on Money or Job Security
Yes, CRNAs make good money. But that can't be your primary motivation. Talk about patient care, autonomy, clinical challenge.
Not Knowing Basic Program Details
"I don't know" when asked about program format, clinical sites, or program director is a red flag. Do your homework.
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We're constantly adding interview questions from recent applicants. Get notified when we update this database.