What do you look for in an applicant?
The typical successful applicant has an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 to 4.0, an average of 3 years nursing experience in a high-acuity surgical or medical intensive care unit, good references, and knowledge about what a CRNA does on a daily basis. It is not unusual, however, for an applicant to be admitted with less than 3 years of critical care nursing experience. We look at each applicant individually, and make a decision based on all the criteria.
How many applications do you get each year?
Each year we receive between 60-100 applications for the 10 available positions. It is not unusual for applicants to apply more than once before gaining acceptance into the nurse anesthesia area of study.
What kinds of clinical experience do you consider "critical care"?
We look for applicants who have experience in high-acuity critical care settings. Typically that means surgical or medical intensive care. Sometimes coronary care units are considered critical care, especially if those units take the post-op open hearts. Students adjust to nurse anesthesia easier if they have experience with patients on ventilators and vasoactive drips.
May I apply if I already have a master's degree in nursing?
Yes, we welcome applicants who already have a master's degree in nursing. You would not complete another master's degree, but would take the additional courses required by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA). The number of credits required to meet COA requirements is approximately 50 credits. Even though you already have a master's degree in nursing, the program would still be 24 months in length, as required by the COA. If accepted into the nurse anesthesia area of study, applicants with a non-nursing master's degree would be required to complete all coursework to obtain the M.S., major in nursing.
Who should complete the clinical performance reference forms?
The clinical performance references should be completed by your supervisors or colleagues who are familiar with your clinical skills.
When will I know if I am granted an interview?
Nurse anesthesia faculty review the applicant files in early September. Interviews are conducted in October. All applicants receive a letter informing them of whether or not they are granted an interview.
Do you interview all applicants?
We are unable to interview all qualified applicants. Typically, we interview 30 applicants for the 10 positions.
When do you select the class?
Shortly after the last interview, we make a class selection. The Graduate Admissions and Progressions Committee reviews all applicants and makes recommendations about admission. The Committee notifies all applicants of their status (admitted, wait list, not admitted), and sends recommendations to the Graduate School for final determination about admission.
Do you have a waiting list?
Yes, we have a waiting list for the each class. If you are on the waiting list, you will know your position on the list. The waiting list does not carry over to the next year.
Are there any classes I can take ahead of time?
If you are accepted into the nurse anesthesia area of study, you can take certain classes before the program actually starts in summer term. You could, for example, take N8100 or N8140. You are required to have a statistics course before taking N8170, so you may need to take that, as well.
What is your pass rate on the Certification Exam?
For the years 1994-2004, the first time pass rate is 95%.
Do students administer regional anesthesia in your program?
Yes, students administer regional anesthesia in this program. Students also insert arterial lines and central venous lines.
Does the program run year around?
Yes, the 24-month nurse anesthesia program runs year around. Students register for classes during the summer, fall, and spring semesters, and May intersession. Students get a 2-week winter break, 1-week spring break, and a 1-week summer break during the program.
Are there any required prerequisite courses?
There are no prerequisite courses required for application to the program. However, if you are admitted to the nurse anesthesia area of study, an inferential statistics course is required before registering for N8170 - Research in Nursing.