M.S. in Nurse Anesthesia
The Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia program is for qualified Registered Nurses who wish to earn a Master of Science degree while pursuing education as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. The objective of the program is to prepare nurses for positions of leadership on the healthcare team.
Saint Mary’s University believes in building and developing on the baccalaureate base with emphasis on a strong scientific and technical background. Graduates will be prepared to practice in a wide variety of settings and in diverse methods of administering a safe anesthetic. The graduate is eligible to write the certification examination as offered by the Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthestists. Succesful completion of the examination entitles the graduate to be known as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.
Program Philosophy
The Master of Science Program in Nurse Anesthesia originated in response to the request of leaders in health care for graduate level education in the field of Nurse Anesthesia. With this need in mind, Saint Mary's University developed this program in affiliation with Abbott Northwestern Hospital. With a focus on meeting the needs of adult learners, the program's goal is to provide a positive and supportive learning environment, preparing the professional nurse in the art and science of anesthesia, meeting the societal need for safe and competent anesthesia care.
The program provides the student with a curriculum that includes formal and informal instruction in scientific principles, clinical practice and professional growth opportunities. A shared sense of responsibility exists between the faculty and the student to reach the goal of becoming a nurse anesthetist.
Program Accreditation
The Nurse Anesthesia Program enjoys full accreditation from the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. The Council is recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. (http://www.aana.com)
Affiliate Hospitals
- Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, MN
- Amery Regional Medical Center, Amery, WI
- Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center, Marshall, MN
- Children's Hospital and Clinics of MN, Minneapolis, MN
- Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare, Saint Paul, MN
- Glencoe Regional Health Center, Glencoe, MN
- Hess Memorial Medical Center, Mauston, WI
- Lake City Medical Center, Lake City, MN
- Memorial Medical Center, Neilsville, WI
- Mercy Hospital, Coon Rapids, MN
- Miller Dwan Hospital, Duluth, MN
- Owatonna Hospital, Owatonna, MN
- Phillip's Eye Institute, Minneapolis, MN
- Queen of Peace Hospital, New Prague, MN
- Regions Hospital, Saint Paul, MN
- Rice Memorial Hospital, Willmar, MN
- Ridgeview Medical Center, Waconia, MN
- River FallsArea Hospital, River Falls, WI
- Riverwood Health Care Center, Aitkin, MN
- Saint Cloud Hospital, St. Cloud, MN
- Saint Croix Falls Regional Medical Center, St. Croix Falls, WI
- Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital, Wabasha, MN
- Saint Joseph's Hospital, Marshfield, WI
- Saint Luke's Hospital, Duluth, MN
- Saint Mary's Medical Center, Duluth, MN
- Unity Hospital, Fridley, MN
Locations
Twin Cities Campus
Admission Contact
Twin Cities
Kristin Branlund-Girod
(612) 238-4529
Admissions
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs
2500 Park Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55404
tc-admission@smumn.edu (Letters for Reference, Resume and Personal statement can be sent via email to this address.)
Phone: Toll Free at (866) 437-2788 or (612) 728-5100
Degree Requirements
Students earn 64 semester credits in a 28-month (seven semesters) program by integrating clinical and academic experiences.
First Year
Semester I (Summer)
NA630 Professional Aspects of Nurse Anesthesia 3 credits
NA640 Chemistry & Physics 4 credits
NA606 Research Design and Statistical Analysis 3 credits
NA635 Professional Communication 3 credits
Semester II (Fall)
NA615 Principles of Anesthesia Practice I 6 credits
NA645 Anatomy & Physiology I 6 credits
NA651 Pharmacology for Nurse Anesthetists 3 credits
Semester III (Spring)
NA650 Anatomy & Physiology II 5 credits
NA661 Pharmacology 3 credits
NA620 Principles of Anesthesia Practice II 6 credits
NA770 Clinical Practicum I (150 hrs) 2 credits
Second Year
Semester IV (Summer)
NA781 Synthesis Paper Proposal 2 credits
NA771 Clinical Practicum II (480 hrs) 2 credits
NA780 Clinical Integration 2 credits
Semester V (Fall)
NA632 Professional Aspects of Nurse Anesthesia
Department Management 1 credit
NA783 Synthesis Paper 2 credits
NA772 Clinical Practicum III (480 hrs) 2 credits
Semester VI (Spring)
NA782 Comprehensive Exams 1 credit
NA773 Clinical Practicum IV (600 hrs) 3 credits
Third Year
Semester VII (Summer)
NA784 Synthesis Paper Presentation 1 credit
NA774 Clinical Practicum V (600 hrs) 3 credits
64 credits total
NA606 Research Design and Statistical Analysis (3)The course provides an overview of research methods commonly used in clinical anesthesia, nursing and medicine. Topics include research methodology, statistical analysis, probability, risk assessment, decision-making, use of computer software, data analysis, graphical techniques, and electronic communications. The course focuses on the interpretation and understanding of research and applied statistical procedures.
Concurrent enrollment in NA635 required.
NA615 Principles Of Anesthesia Practice I (6)This course begins an in-depth study of the administration of anesthesia. Introductory principles of anesthesia equipment, monitoring, documentation, patient assessment, basic patient care, and infection control are examined. Detailed studies of anesthetic techniques for different surgical procedures and for patients with acute and chronic diseases are included. Concepts of perioperative and psychosocial assessment, care plans, and anesthesia techniques are explored in detail. Anesthesia principles are applied to clinical scenarios.
Prerequisites:
- NA635 Professional Communication
- NA640 Chemistry and Physics
Concurrent enrollment in NA651 required.
NA620 Principles of Anesthesia Practice II (6)This course is a continuance of Principles of Anesthesia Practice I. Differing patient populations, acute and chronic disease states are explored along with concepts of both anesthetic technique and advanced monitoring. Perioperative patient assessment, care plans general and regional anesthesia techniques are taught. Applications of principles to individual patients is stressed.
Prerequisites:
- NA615 Principles Of Anesthesia Practice I
NA630 Professional Aspects of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (3)This course presents material concerning issues surrounding the discipline of Nurse Anesthesia as a profession. Topics include the qualifications and capabilities of the Nurse Anesthetist, professional roles and responsibilities, committing to professional involvement, the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists as a professional organization, the governmental and non-governmental regulation of Nurse Anesthesia practice, Standards of Care, professional reimbursement, health care marketplace trends, influencing health care policy, assessing and selecting CRNA practice settings, the American Legal System and its impact on CRNA practice, the anatomy of malpractice litigation, clinical competency, continuous quality improvement, cultural competency, ethical issues and decision making.
NA632 Professional Aspects of Nurse Anesthesia Departmen (1)The management section of Professional Aspects provides an overview of Anesthesia Department management from the perspective of the CRNA manager. The management role and responsibilities will be described and real-life case studies will be used to develop a pragmatic approach to department management.
Prerequisites:
- NA630 Professional Aspects of Nurse Anesthesia Practice
NA635 Professional Communication (3)This course introduces the student to the expectations and conventions of graduate writing and research in the medical field. Topics include: modes of professional communication, AMA standards and conventions, essential elements of medically related reports such as clinical case studies, insurance and quality assurance reports; professional correspondence, integrative and systematic reviews, library research tools and methods, and meta-analysis. The ethical and legal ramifications of professional communication are addressed.
Concurrent enrollment in NA606 is required.
NA640 Chemistry and Physics (4)Aspects of inorganic and organic chemistry, biochemistry and physics, which are applicable to the science and practice of anesthesia, are presented. Topics include: the chemistry and physics of anesthetic agents, accessory drugs, therapeutic agents, explosion hazards and electrical safety.
NA645 Anatomy & Physiology I (6)This course is the first in a series of two courses. The course will concentrate on the anatomy and physiology of cells, muscles, the central and peripheral nervous systems, and the cardiovascular system.
Prerequisites:
- NA640 Chemistry and Physics
NA650 Anatomy & Physiology II (5)This course is a continuation of Anatomy and Physiology I. The focus is on the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal, and endocrine systems. Concepts in immunology are also addressed.
Prerequisites:
- NA645 Anatomy & Physiology I
NA651 Pharmacology for Nurse Anesthetists (3)This course introduces basic principles of pharmacology and focuses on those drugs most often used in the practice of anesthesia. The course provides an overview of drug actions, interactions, metabolism, methods of administration, dosages, side effects, precautions, and contraindications.
Prerequisites:
- NA640 Chemistry and Physics
NA661 Pharmacology (3)This course focuses on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of major drug classifications. Their interactions with anesthetic agents are discussed.
Prerequisites:
- NA651 Pharmacology for Nurse Anesthetists
NA770 Clinical Practicum I (2 cr., 150 clock hours)Clinical Practicum I provides the student with opportunities to apply the didactic principles of anesthesia to patient care. Students must master the basic skills and routines associated with anesthesia practice and spend time observing anesthesia and surgery in an urban medical center.
Prerequisites:
- NA620 Principles of Anesthesia Practice II
NA771 Clinical Practicum, Summer Semester (2 cr., 480 clock hours)Clinical practicum provides the student with the opportunity to apply the principles of anesthesia to direct patient care. Students provide supervised care in a variety of settings. Students use advanced anesthetic techniques to challenge specialty rotations.
Prerequisites:
- NA770 Clinical Practicum I
NA772 Clinical Practicum, Fall Semester (2 cr., 480 clock hours)Clinical practicum provides the student with the opportunity to apply the principles of anesthesia to direct patient care. Students provide supervised care in a variety of settings. Students use advanced anesthetic techniques to challenge specialty rotations.
Prerequisites:
- NA771 Clinical Practicum, Summer Semester
NA773 Clinical Practicum, Spring Semester (3 cr., 600 clock hours)Clinical practicum provides the student with the opportunity to apply the principles of anesthesia to direct patient care. Students provide supervised care in a variety of settings. Students use advanced anesthetic techniques to challenge specialty rotations.
Prerequisites:
- NA772 Clinical Practicum, Fall Semester
NA774 Clinical Practicum, Summer Semester (3 cr., 600 clock hours)Clinical practicum provides the student with the opportunity to apply the principles of anesthesia to direct patient care. Students provide supervised care in a variety of settings. Students use advanced anesthetic techniques to challenge specialty rotations.
Prerequisites:
- NA773 Clinical Practicum, Spring Semester
NA780 Clinical Integration (3)In this course, the student integrates theory with practice by analyzing the anesthetic management of selected cases. Patient care plans are reviewed, compared and contrasted in light of actual or anticipated outcomes. Current research is used to support patient care decisions. In addition, students have the opportunity to explore current topics and trends in anesthesia, facilitated by guest lecturers.
Prerequisites:
- NA635 Professional Communication
Concurrent enrollment in NA771 is required.
NA781 Synthesis Paper Proposal (2)This course prepares students to critically analyze and develop their synthesis paper. Emphasis is placed on reviewing and analyzing the current literature, developing a relevant and timely research question, obtaining relevant references and formulating the proposal for the completion of the synthesis paper. References are analyzed in terms impacting the existing body of knowledge, applicability to the research question, interpretation of data, identification of variables and applicability to the body of current anesthesia literature.
Prerequisites:
- NA620 Principles of Anesthesia Practice II
- NA630 Professional Aspects of Nurse Anesthesia Practice
- NA635 Professional Communication
- NA661 Pharmacology
NA782 Program Comprehensive Exams (1)The student’s mastery of their anesthesia knowledge base is assessed via a series of comprehensive examinations. Examination topics include basic and advanced principles of anesthesia practice, basic sciences (anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, chemistry and physics), professional aspects of anesthesia practice, pharmacology, advanced monitoring, technology and equipment. There are five examinations in this series.
Prerequisites: All formal didactic coursework.
NA783 Synthesis Paper (2)Students demonstrate their understanding of applicable concepts by submitting a paper to be presented to communities of interest at a later time. Concepts from the student’s coursework, experiences and related fields are represented.
Prerequisites:
- NA781 Synthesis Paper Proposal
NA784 Synthesis Paper Presentation (1)Students demonstrate their understanding of applicable concepts by submitting a paper to be presented to communities of interest at a later time. Concepts from the student’s coursework, experiences and related fields are represented.
Program Staff
TC - Dean, Graduate School of Human Services, and Program Director, Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia Program
TC - Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia - Associate Director, TC - Nurse Anesthesia-SMU (MS) - Core Program Assistant
TC - Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia Program - Core Instructor
TC - Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia - Assistant Professor