Arizona CRNA Mortgage — Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists Qualify
By Mike Certo, Cornerstone First Mortgage · NMLS #260555 ·
The most important fact for Arizona CRNAs
Most physician loan programs exclude CRNAs. Bank of America Doctor Loan, BMO Harris Physician, Truist (not in AZ anyway), and most national bank physician programs limit eligibility to MDs, DOs, and sometimes dentists. CRNAs typically aren't on the eligibility list.
The Redwood Sequoia Medical Professionals Program does include CRNAs. Mike originates this program through Cornerstone First Mortgage.
So if you're an Arizona CRNA and you've been told "physician loans aren't for you" by other lenders, that may not be the complete picture.
The 60-second answer for Arizona CRNAs
If you're a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist practicing in Arizona:
- $0 down up to $1.5M (680+ FICO) or $2M (720+ FICO)
- No PMI / no mortgage insurance At any LTV
- Nursing school IBR/PAYE actual payment counts Vs conventional's 1% of balance
- DTI up to 50%
- Same terms as MDs and DOs — no CRNA discount, no extra restrictions
Why CRNAs are typically excluded — and why Redwood Sequoia accepts you
The historical reason: many physician loan programs limit eligibility to doctoral-level designations (MD, DO, DDS, DMD, DVM, PharmD, DPM). CRNAs are master's level or DNAP doctorate (newer requirement) but historically master's level practice.
The compensation reality challenges that limitation: CRNAs in Arizona typically earn $200K-$250K (with rural and shortage premiums pushing higher). That's higher than many primary care MDs. The income justifies the same lending treatment as physicians.
Redwood Sequoia evaluates eligibility on degree credential AND demonstrated income capacity. CRNAs make the cut.
Eligible CRNA credentials
The Redwood Sequoia program accepts:
- CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) — current minimum credential
- DNAP (Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice) — newer doctoral credential, now required for new CRNA graduates as of 2025
Both qualify identically.
Common Arizona CRNA buyer profiles
New CRNA grad (Midwestern, Mayo, etc.)
A typical AZ new CRNA scenario: - 0-2 years post-CRNA training - $180K-$220K starting (varies by setting) - $150K-$300K nursing + CRNA school loans on IBR - Wants first home in Phoenix metro or Tucson
Physician loan math: 100% LTV with no PMI; IBR student loan payment counts vs conventional's 1%-of-balance phantom payment. Often determinative for qualifying.
Experienced hospital CRNA
A typical mid-career hospital CRNA: - 5+ years experience - $230K-$280K income - Established home or considering upgrade - Possible side-gig 1099 income (locum tenens)
Physician loan math: Strong qualifying; 100% LTV available; no PMI savings substantial.
CRNA in private anesthesia group
Group practice CRNAs: - W-2 from group or partner-track - $240K-$320K typical - Often higher because partner-track compensation
Rural / underserved CRNA
CRNAs in rural AZ (Yuma, Show Low, Sierra Vista, Page): - Premium pay for shortage-area practice - $260K-$340K - May qualify for nurse-specific loan forgiveness programs (separate from physician loan)
Locum tenens CRNA (1099)
Travel/locum CRNAs: - High income but 1099 structure - $280K-$400K+ annualized - Requires 2 years of 1099 history for conventional qualifying - Newfi Hercules 1099-only product provides alternative path
AZ CRNA training pipeline
Midwestern University — College of Health Sciences (Glendale)
- DNAP program
- One of AZ's primary CRNA training pipelines
Mayo Clinic Arizona — Nurse Anesthesia Program
- Mayo-based DNAP program
Out-of-state CRNAs relocating
Many AZ CRNAs are trained out of state and relocate to AZ for first or subsequent positions.
AZ major CRNA employers
Hospital systems (all employ CRNAs)
- Banner Health — multiple hospital + ambulatory sites
- HonorHealth — six hospitals + surgery centers
- Dignity Health (St. Joseph's, Chandler Regional, Mercy Gilbert)
- Mayo Clinic Arizona
- Phoenix Children's Hospital
- Tucson Medical Center
- Northwest Healthcare (Tucson)
- Yuma Regional Medical Center
Independent anesthesia groups
- Multiple AZ anesthesia partnerships (often hospital-affiliated)
Surgery centers (high-volume CRNA employers)
- Numerous AZ ambulatory surgery centers
Office-based anesthesia
- Dental anesthesia
- Plastic surgery anesthesia
- Cosmetic procedure anesthesia
Locum / staffing agencies
- Anesthesia Practice Consultants
- NAPA (North American Partners in Anesthesia)
- Multiple independent staffing options
Frequently asked questions
Is my CRNA income enough to qualify?
For typical AZ CRNA income ($200K-$280K), qualifying for $500K-$900K home purchases is straightforward subject to other debts. Run the calculator with your specifics. {#faq-crna-income}
What about my nursing school loans?
If on IBR/PAYE/REPAYE, the actual payment counts (often $200-$500/mo on $200K balance). If on Standard repayment, actual payment counts (~$2,100/mo on $200K). If unknown, conventional uses 1% of balance phantom payment. Get on IBR before applying. {#faq-nursing-loans}
Can I include my spouse's income?
Yes — your spouse's income counts as standard co-borrower income; you (the CRNA) qualify the loan under the physician loan program. {#faq-spouse-income}
What about CRNAs who are also Nurse Practitioners?
Some CRNAs hold dual NP licensing. CRNA credential is what qualifies you for the physician loan program; the NP credential is separate. {#faq-crna-np-dual}
What if I'm a CRNA student about to graduate?
Once you have a signed CRNA position offer (typically 150 days before start), some lenders will pre-approve based on the contract. Talk to Mike about your specific timeline. {#faq-crna-student}
What about Registered Nurses (RN) or Nurse Practitioners (NP) — same program?
The Redwood Sequoia eligibility list typically does not include RNs or NPs. CRNA is specifically included; RNs and NPs are typically not. Some specialty lenders have NP-specific programs (Laurel Road has one for NPs). Conventional FHA / VA always available. {#faq-rn-np}
What about other advanced practice nurses (CNS, CNM)?
Clinical Nurse Specialists and Certified Nurse Midwives are typically not on the physician loan eligibility list. Conventional, FHA, or specialty programs apply. {#faq-other-apn}
Talk to Mike about your CRNA scenario
Free 30-minute call. Bring your situation — CRNA year, current role (hospital W-2, group partner, locum 1099), AZ target neighborhood, student loan status.
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(480) 296-6513 · Mike Certo, NMLS #260555 · Cornerstone First Mortgage NMLS #173855
Sources
- Redwood Residential Acquisition Corporation — Sequoia Medical Professionals Program Eligibility Guide v1.1
- American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology — Career Center
Mike Certo NMLS #260555 · Cornerstone First Mortgage NMLS #173855 · Equal Housing Lender. Educational content, not a loan commitment. Loans subject to buyer and property qualification.