Nursing: Nurse Anesthesia FAQ

What is a Nurse Anesthetist?
A Nurse Anesthetist, or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), is a licensed advanced practice nurse.  After completing extensive education and training, CRNAs become nationally certified. CRNAs administer approximately 65% of the 26 million anesthetics administered in the United States each year. They practice in a variety of settings in the private and public sectors and in the U.S. military, including traditional hospital surgical suites and obstetrical delivery rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, pain clinics, and physicians' offices.

Why should I consider Drexel University’s Nurse Anesthesia Program?

• The ability to take MSN Core Courses prior to the start of the program will ease the burdens of a rigorous program.
• The separation of class from clinical days is beneficial to allow the student to prepare adequately for either class or clinical. 
• Lectures may delivered in class (synchronously) or on -line at the student’s convenience (asynchronously) to incorporate flexibility within the program.   All nurse anesthesia and pathophysiology lectures are archived which enables the student to review the lecture material after it has been presented.
• The basic simulation experience provides the student with a “hands on” experience prior to the start of the clinical practicum.  An advanced simulation experience includes a pediatric induction lab and an alternative airway workshop
• The NAP currently has 22 premier clinical sites in the tri -state area enabling students to exceed the Council on Accreditation required number cases for graduation.
• The Nurse Anesthesia faculty is very approachable and is committed to the student’s learning and success. 
• The program aids the student to prepare for the national certification examination by sponsoring an on-campus review course in the final quarter.

Do I need to have Bachelor of Science in Nursing?
Yes. A B.S. N. is required. Applicants with non-nursing bachelor degrees are required to complete the RN-BSN-MSN Bridge program. Please access the following link for more information. http://www.drexel.edu/cnhp/nursing/undergrad_rn_bsn.asp

What is the tuition?
Tuition increases on an annual basis. Please access the following link for more information. http://www.drexel.edu/em/grad/cnhp/financialaid/tuition.html

Do I have to buy malpractice insurance?
No. Drexel University provides malpractice insurance, free of charge that covers the student during the clinical practicum rotations.

Will I have the summers off?
No. The Nurse Anesthesia program is a fulltime course of study. Drexel University’s academic calendar operates on the quarter system which consists of four 11 week quarters. Typically students have one week off between quarters (usually March, June, September and December). Students are off for most major holidays, unless assigned an on-call shift as part of the clinical practicum.

Can I work during the program?
It is strongly recommended students do not work because the fulltime program is a very rigorous course of study with an average weekly commitment of 56 hours/week. Very few students are able to work on a regular basis.

Do you offer a distance program?
Yes. A distance learning option provides a convenient alternative for students at affiliated clinical institutions located in the Williamsport and Chambersburg Pennsylvania area.

Do you offer online courses?
Yes. All of the graduate nursing core courses for the Nurse Anesthesia Program are offered online with some blended virtual class requirements. All nurse anesthesia core courses are delivered in class and broadcasted for the students enrolled in the distance option, via an interactive video teleconferencing program, which allows for live interaction and student participation during lectures.

What types of critical care experience are accepted?
A minimum of two years in a critical care setting that provides experience with critically ill and unstable patients, invasive hemodynamic monitoring, ventilatory care, and pharmacologic management is required for admission. Preferred areas include SICU (Surgical Intensive Care), MICU (Medical Intensive Care) CVICU (Cardiovascular Intensive Care). PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit) and a Level I Emergency/Trauma Unit are also acceptable provided the applicant has sufficient experience in managing mechanical ventilation, invasive monitoring and administration and management of vasoactive medications.

What is the minimum score required for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)?
A compiled score of 1000 on the verbal and quantitative sections and a 4.0 on the written analytical section are desirable.

How many applicants are accepted each year? Approximately 20-24 registered nurse anesthetist students are admitted annually in January.

Do I need to shadow a CRNA?
 It is strongly recommended that you shadow a CRNA to observe current nurse anesthesia practice to ascertain that you are choosing to pursue a career that is compatible with your interests . The program is unable to provide this experience for potential applicants and recommends that you contact the anesthesia department at your place of employment or a nearby hospital that employs CRNAs to make such arrangements.

What is the application deadline?
There is no application deadline. The Nurse Anesthesia program utilizes a rolling admission process, with interviews being conducted throughout the year. Candidates who meet the admission criteria are invited for a personal interview with the program’s admission committee.

How long is the program and when does it start?
The program is 28 months and starts the first week in January.

What is the tuition?
   Bursars Office

Can I work during the program?
It is strongly recommended students do not work because of an average weekly commitment of 56 hours/week to the program. Very few students are able to work on a regular basis.

Will I need a car or can I use public transportation to get to clinical sites?
Yes. Clinical sites range from 0-90 miles from the university.  A reliable vehicle is necessary and parking is available at all clinical sites.  Some clinical sites offer free student housing.

Do you interview all applicants?
No. Interviews are offered to the most qualified applicants.  Admission into our program is very competitive so meeting all the admission criteria does not guarantee admission to the program. Applications are reviewed relative to the admission criteria (GPA, GRE/MAT score, professional experience, reference letters, and the personal statement). The interview includes a detailed overview of the clinical and academic curriculum, interviews with three Nurse Anesthesia Program faculty and faculty  members from the CNHP, and an opportunity to meet with current students. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the program.

What is the accreditation status of the Nurse Anesthesia Program?
Drexel University’s Nurse Anesthesia program received the maximum 10 year accreditation in 1999.  The next accreditation review will be in 2009.

Will I need a computer?
Yes, a personal computer (or laptop) with DSL internet access is mandatory. (Link to drexel IRT)  Students are expected to be proficient with word processing, electronic mail, and online literature searches.

Do I need to have a full year of critical care experience before I submit my application?
No. You can apply to the program if you are currently employed in critical care and will have the necessary two years of full time experience before the start of the Nurse Anesthesia Program.

Can I attend the program on a part time basis?
No, the program is 28 months long and is designed for full-time study.

I already have a Masters of Science in Nursing, Do I have to get a second graduate degree in nursing?
No.  You are eligible for a post masters certificate option.

Is financial aid available?
Bursars Office
Scholarships and tuition assistance are available through the AANA Foundation (American Association of Nurse Anesthetists) and through your individual state associations. 

Where will I complete my clinical requirements?
The Nurse Anesthesia Program has twenty two clinical sites in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.

Where can I get a copy of the course descriptions?

Course Descriptions

Where are classes held?
Classes are held at the Drexel University, Center City Campus, during the first quarter.  Students enrolled in the distance learning option may make housing arrangements privately or through the university.