Objective To establish the core competence curriculum for Chinese nurse anesthetists based on the competence model and to train nurse anesthetists to meet the needs of clinical anesthesia nursing. Methods The draft of core competence curriculum for Chinese nurse anesthetists was prepared by literature review, theoretical analysis, and expert interview. The curriculum was determined by the Delphi method. Results Two rounds of Delphi consultation were conducted and 15 experts were involved. All questionnaires of two rounds of expert consultation were valid (100%). The creditability value was 0.77 and the P value of coordination coefficient test was less than 0.05. Fifty-nine recommendations were raised by the experts and 51 were accepted. Then the core competence curriculum for Chinese nurse anesthetists was determined, which included 8 courses, i.e. anesthesia pharmacology, airway management, liquid management and blood transfusion, physiology and nursing of pain, anesthesia theory and nursing, anesthesia assessment, anesthesia monitoring and nursing, and anesthesia and monitoring equipment. Each course contained three dimensions, i.e. knowledge, skill, and attitude. Conclusion The core competence of nurse anesthetists is presented in three dimensions, i.e. knowledge, skill and attitude for the first time. Attention to the attitude is essential to cultivate nursing talents. It is scientific to establish curriculum based on relevant documents and policies at home and abroad. The core competence curriculum for Chinese nurse anesthetists can provide reference for establishing degree courses of nursing.