Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? Get answers to some of our most common inquiries.
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What qualifies as critical care experience?
The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) defines critical care as “where, on a routine basis, the registered professional nurse manages one or more of the following: invasive hemodynamic monitors (e.g., pulmonary artery, central venous pressure, and arterial catheters), cardiac assist devices, mechanical ventilation, and vasoactive infusions.”
Is shadowing a CRNA required for application?
No, shadowing is not required, but is strongly encouraged.
Is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) required for application?
As of March 2022, the GRE is no longer a requirement for admission. However, if you are applying prior to having enough hours for the CCRN the GRE can be substituted as an equivalent.
Do I need to be certified in critical care nursing for my application to be considered (CCRN)?
Yes, all applicants must be CCRN, or equivalent (GRE), certified.
Can I submit a program application with outstanding prerequisites?
All outstanding prerequisites must be completed by June 30 of the application year. Admission offers are contingent upon successful completion of all prerequisite coursework.
Do students get personal leave/vacation?
The program prioritizes student health and wellness. First-year students follow the MSU academic calendar with observed holidays and breaks. Second-year and third-year students are allotted three days of personal clinical leave time. In addition, students are pre-approved professional activities throughout the program. Observed time off includes spring break, Thanksgiving break as well as two weeks in December and two weeks at the end of May.
Can a student be granted a leave of absence?
Leave of absence is granted with permission of the program director and on a case-by-case basis.
Is health insurance available?
Magers Health is available to all students for routine health care. Personal health insurance is not required, but recommended.
Is malpractice insurance provided?
Professional liability insurance coverage is provided by MSU for all students during the program.
Is housing or transportation provided?
Housing and transportation are the responsibility of the student throughout the duration of the program. Students will be required to travel to clinical sites outside the Springfield area.
Is financial assistance available?
Financial assistance information is available through MSU's Office of Student Financial Aid and private scholarships.
What time commitment should I expect?
According to the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia, students will not be required to commit more than 64 hours per week. This time commitment includes the sum of the hours spent in the classroom and clinical setting. This does not include time spent studying for course work which is dependent on the student.
Will I take call?
Students are assigned to take call with a CRNA instructor only following the completion of basic orientation.
How many clinical sites will I be rotating through?
Clinical rotations are 3-6 months with a minimum of four different clinical sites.
Can I work while I’m in nurse anesthesia school?
Working during any part of the program is strongly discouraged. No student anesthetist, by position or responsibility, may be employed at any time to administer anesthesia, at any location, during the program.
Why a DNAP?
Completion of the DNAP program encompasses the vision of the Institute of Medicine recommendations for future healthcare providers and advanced practice nurses to obtain a terminal degree. The degree is guided by the essential requirements set forth by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia (COA) as essential for doctoral level education in advanced practice nurse anesthesia.
Is there a state association for nurse anesthetists?
Yes, each state has a professional association. Information can be found on the Missouri Association of Nurse Anesthetists website. CRNA’s work independently in over 40 states.
How is the job market?
Most students secure a position in their 2nd year. There are multiple opportunities in every state. You can search for CRNA jobs.