Ursuline College to offer new Nurse Anesthesia doctorate track
Nov. 23—The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs has approved initial
accreditation for a new Nurse Anesthesia track at Ursuline College in collaboration with SNAP, Somnia Nurse Anesthesia Program.
The full-time, 36-month program prepares baccalaureate-educated nurses to become nurse anesthetists with a doctorate in nursing practice. As of 2022, new graduates from nurse anesthesia programs are required to have a terminal degree such as a DNP to enter practice.
The hybrid format includes online coursework with in-person simulated and clinical learning experiences across the United States at select locations. Students are required to travel to Ursuline College's Pepper Pike campus three times for simulation immersions, while studying in clinical practices in locations close to their homes, when possible.
"This format allows the majority of our students to study, learn and serve their local communities while ensuring that they receive a quality education to provide excellent
care to their patients as nurse anesthetists," Patricia A. Sharpnack, dean of Ursuline's Breen School of Nursing and Health Professions, stated in the release,
The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology reports approximately 2,400 CRNAs graduate each year, a number falling far short of the additional 7,600 positions needed by 2028, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics projections.
The bureau also notes that career growth for nurse anesthetists is expected to increase by 45% from 2020 to 2030.
"Earning COA accreditation is a significant accomplishment and demonstrates SNAP's commitment and that of Ursuline College to deliver quality nurse anesthesia education while meeting the nation's healthcare workforce needs." Stephanie B. Woodruff, program director of Ursuline College with SNAP, stated in the release.
The Nurse Anesthesia program is the second large-scale health education program that Ursuline has launched in a little over a year. Last year, the college welcomed its first students for its new physician's assistant program. Thirty more PA students will start in January along with the inaugural class of up to 25 nurse anesthesia DNP students, selected from almost 150 applications, according to the release.
