Healthcare Resource
Massachusetts CRNA License 2026: APRN Requirements, Practice Model, Salary
In brief
How to get your CRNA license in Massachusetts 2026. MA Board of Registration in Nursing requirements, CRNA practice model in Boston, and top CRNA salary data by city.
Steps at a glance
Complete CRNA program and obtain NBCRNA certification
Graduate from a COA-accredited nurse anesthesia program and pass the NBCRNA NCE. Massachusetts requires current CRNA certification for APRN advanced practice licensure.
Obtain Massachusetts RN license
Massachusetts is NOT a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). All CRNAs practicing in Massachusetts must hold a Massachusetts-issued RN license. Apply by endorsement through the MA Board of Registration in Nursing if you hold a valid RN license from another state.
Submit MA Board of Registration in Nursing APRN application
Apply online through the MA eLicensing portal. Submit RN license verification, CRNA certification documentation, anesthesia program verification, and the $160 advanced practice licensure fee.
Begin practice under employer's anesthesia model
Massachusetts CRNAs practice in both ACT and CRNA-independent models depending on the institution. Major academic medical centers in Boston use the ACT model; community and critical access hospitals use CRNA-only. No state-mandated supervision agreement form is required beyond the institutional credentialing process.
In this article
Massachusetts CRNAs are licensed as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) by the MA Board of Registration in Nursing. Massachusetts is not an NLC compact member, a Massachusetts RN license is required before applying for the APRN/CRNA credential. Boston's major academic medical centers (Mass General Brigham, Beth Israel Deaconess) operate ACT models, while community hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers frequently use independent CRNA practice. Massachusetts CRNA salaries are among the highest nationally, driven by Boston's healthcare research complex and high cost of living.
Practice Model
- Both ACT and independent CRNA models in use; institution-dependent
- Major Boston academic centers (MGB, BIDMC, Boston Medical Center, Tufts MC): ACT model predominant
- Community hospitals, ASCs, and rural facilities: CRNA-independent model common
- Massachusetts has NOT opted out of the federal Medicare CRNA supervision requirement, Medicare-certified hospitals must maintain supervision unless an exception applies
- State law does not require a separate written supervision agreement beyond standard credentialing
Application Requirements
- Active Massachusetts RN license (MA-issued; NLC compact licenses not valid)
- Current NBCRNA CRNA certification
- Official nurse anesthesia program documentation
- Completed MA eLicensing application + $160 fee
- CORI (criminal background) check
Processing Timeline
Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing processes APRN applications in 6-10 weeks from complete submission. The non-compact RN endorsement process adds 4-8 weeks prior to the APRN application, plan 10-18 weeks total if you are not yet licensed in Massachusetts.
CRNA Salary in Massachusetts (2026)
| Market | Avg CRNA Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boston | $225,000-$260,000 | Mass General Brigham, BIDMC, BMC; ACT model; academic research premium |
| Worcester | $205,000-$235,000 | UMass Memorial, Saint Vincent; lower COL than Boston |
| Springfield | $198,000-$225,000 | Baystate Health; Pioneer Valley; competitive rural CRNA market |
| Burlington / Lowell | $210,000-$240,000 | Lahey Hospital; Lowell General; suburban Boston market |
| Cape Cod / South Shore | $200,000-$228,000 | Cape Cod Healthcare, South Shore Health; community CRNA roles |
Top Employers in Massachusetts
- Mass General Brigham, Boston; largest health system in New England; ACT model; CRNA leadership positions available
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston; academic ACT model; strong CRNA compensation package
- UMass Memorial Health, Worcester; regional academic center; active CRNA hiring
- Baystate Health, Springfield; Pioneer Valley; mix of academic and community CRNA roles
- Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Burlington; strong surgical volume; competitive CRNA packages
What We See at Ava Health
Massachusetts is a premium CRNA market. Boston salaries are among the top 5 in the nation, though Massachusetts housing costs (Boston median home $700K+) are the primary equalizer. The non-compact status adds 3-4 months to out-of-state CRNA relocation timelines, candidates should begin the RN endorsement process as soon as a position is identified. Western Massachusetts (Springfield, Northampton) offers strong CRNA compensation with substantially lower cost of living.
Related: CRNA License New York 2026, CRNA Salary by State 2026, NP License Massachusetts 2026.
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