Healthcare Resource
Minnesota CRNA License 2026: APRN Requirements, Practice Model, Salary
In brief
How to get your CRNA license in Minnesota 2026. MN Board of Nursing APRN process, practice authority, and CRNA salary data for Minneapolis, Rochester (Mayo Clinic), and Duluth.
Steps at a glance
Complete CRNA program and obtain NBCRNA certification
Graduate from a COA-accredited nurse anesthesia program and pass the NBCRNA NCE. Minnesota requires current CRNA national certification for APRN licensure.
Hold or obtain Minnesota RN authority
Minnesota is not currently an implemented NLC jurisdiction. CRNAs should verify Minnesota RN and APRN authorization requirements with the state boards.
Submit Minnesota Board of Nursing APRN application
Apply online at mn.gov/boards/nursing. Submit CRNA certification documentation, RN license verification, anesthesia program verification, and the $105 application fee. Minnesota issues an APRN credential with CRNA specialty designation.
Confirm practice arrangement with employing institution
Minnesota CRNAs practice in both ACT and independent models. Mayo Clinic and large Twin Cities academic centers use ACT; rural facilities and critical access hospitals use CRNA-independent practice. State law does not require a written supervision document beyond standard credentialing.
In this article
Minnesota CRNAs are licensed as APRNs by the Minnesota Board of Nursing. Minnesota has full practice authority for CRNAs, no physician supervision or collaboration agreement is required by state law. Minnesota has opted out of the federal Medicare physician supervision requirement. The Twin Cities feature a mix of ACT and CRNA-independent models across major health systems; Rochester's Mayo Clinic is the region's dominant academic anesthesia employer.
Practice Model
- Full Practice Authority, no state-mandated supervision or collaboration requirement
- Minnesota has opted out of federal Medicare CRNA supervision requirement
- ACT model: Mayo Clinic (Rochester), M Health Fairview (Minneapolis), Children's Minnesota
- CRNA-independent model: community hospitals, ASCs, Sanford and Essentia rural facilities across northern Minnesota
- Greater Minnesota (outside Twin Cities metro) relies heavily on CRNA-only anesthesia for smaller surgical volumes
Application Requirements
- Active Minnesota RN license (compact or MN-issued)
- Current NBCRNA certification
- Official nurse anesthesia program documentation
- Completed mn.gov/boards/nursing application + $105 fee
- Criminal background check
Processing Timeline
Minnesota Board of Nursing processes APRN applications in 6-10 weeks from complete submission. Temporary authorization to practice is available in some circumstances, contact the Board when a specific start date requires expedited processing.
CRNA Salary in Minnesota (2026)
| Market | Avg CRNA Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis / St. Paul | $200,000-$228,000 | M Health Fairview, Allina Health, HealthPartners; both ACT and independent |
| Rochester (Mayo Clinic) | $205,000-$235,000 | Mayo Clinic dominates; ACT model; research-affiliated comp; benefits premium |
| Duluth | $195,000-$220,000 | Essentia Health, St. Luke's; Lake Superior regional hub |
| St. Cloud / Central MN | $193,000-$218,000 | CentraCare; mid-state regional health system |
| Greater MN / Rural | $198,000-$228,000 | Sanford, Essentia, Mayo Clinic Health System rural sites; CRNA-only; bonuses |
Top Employers in Minnesota
- Mayo Clinic, Rochester (and regional MN sites); dominant academic anesthesia employer; ACT model with strong CRNA program
- M Health Fairview, Minneapolis + University of Minnesota; academic ACT model with CRNA leadership tracks
- Allina Health, Twin Cities region; community and acute care mix; CRNA-focused model at most sites
- HealthPartners, Minneapolis + St. Paul; integrated care system; mix of ACT and CRNA-independent
- Essentia Health, Duluth + northern MN; CRNA-independent model; strong rural CRNA demand
- Sanford Health, Southern MN + Dakotas; CRNA-only at most rural and regional facilities
What We See at Ava Health
Minnesota is a stable, high-quality CRNA market. Mayo Clinic Rochester is a destination employer for CRNAs who value academic medicine and research affiliation. The Twin Cities offer strong compensation with better cost-of-living ratios than coastal markets. Rural Greater Minnesota, particularly the Iron Range, central lakes, and southwestern border counties, has persistent CRNA shortages that drive competitive recruitment packages from Sanford, Essentia, and Mayo Clinic Health System rural sites.
Related: CRNA Salary by State 2026, NP License Minnesota 2026, CRNA License North Dakota 2026.
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