Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia

• The MSNA program has received full accreditation from the Council on Accreditation (COA). A second onsite visit to the program will be conducted in the Fall of 2012.

Overview

• The mission of the Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia (MSNA) program at Westminster College is to provide an academic environment, which allows nurse anesthesia students to master the intellectual and technical skills required to become competent in the safe administration of anesthesia.

• 29 month program, beginning each year in the last full week of August (Aug. 23, 2010), with clinical rotations beginning the first week of September the following year (Sept. 1, 2011). Graduation will be in mid-December, 2012.

• 64 credit hours,15 students selected annually, application deadline is October 31st each year. Early applicants with completed applications may be invited to participate in early interviews on October 29th. Additional interview will be held on November 5th, 12th, and 19th.

Program Goals

• Demonstates delivery of safe anesthetic with vigilant protection of patient and prevention of complications.
• Delivers individualized perianesthetic care throughout anesthetic continuum to patients of all ages and physical conditions. 
• Possesses skill and and knowledge necessary to function as resource person for airway and ventilatory management of patients in a variety of settings. 
• Demonstrates critical thinking during decision making and application of sound principle and research evidence to practice. 
• Demonstrates mastery of anesthesia concepts and skills by passing the NBCRNA exam in accordinance with Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Programs (COA) policies.
• Possess verbal, nonverbal, and written communication skills needed to effectively communicate with all individuals influencing patient care. 
• Demonstrates professional attributes and integrity necessary to accept responsibility and accountability of new anesthesia practice.   

Why Choose Westminster's Program?

• 91% first time board pass rate, 100% pass rate for repeat test taker(s). (2008 data)

• Long tradition of excellence in higher education

• Clinical sites that provide a wide variety of cases and experiences

• Nurse Anesthetist and Anesthesiologist clinical coordinators who are devoted to your education and who also practice in the clinical setting

• Small class size provides a more individualized learning model

• Extensive service-learning experiences in a variety of urban and rural academic/healthcare settings, including a semester capstone role immersion experience.
  

What Else?

• Clinical sites in Utah (Ogden, American Fork, Heber City, Layton, Payson, Salt Lake City, Timpanogos), Idaho (Montpelier, Soda Springs, Boise, Blackfoot), Nevada (Elko), Wyoming (Cheyenne, Evanston), Texas (El Paso), California (Fresno), Kansas (Garden City), and Colorado (Alamosa).

• State of the art classrooms, anesthesia simulator in operating room environment, gross anatomy lab

• Westminster CRNA faculty practice in the clinical setting