Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
- Years of study: 3
- Clinical Hours: 2,600
- Format and Start Date:In-Person, Spring
Nurse Anesthetist Program
The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) program at Fisher equips nurses with the in-demand and specialized skills of administering and monitoring anesthesia.
Careers in anesthesiology are evolving, and CRNAs are highly sought after in the medical field. Advance your nursing skills with a doctoral-level degree at Fisher. Through our AGACNP program, our nurse anesthetists are uniquely equipped to deliver exceptional care in anesthesia and acute adult patient management.
CRNA Program Overview
The dual-degree AGACNP and CRNA program includes a rigorous curriculum of clinical experience that integrates advanced anesthesia techniques with comprehensive acute care skills. Experiential learning is a fundamental part of our curriculum, and students will participate in low and high-fidelity simulation in our state-of-the-art Glover-Crask Simulation Center and skills labs. Students will complete a minimum of 2600 clinical hours, with 600 of those clinical hours allocated to the role of the AGACNP. This dual-degree program is offered only as a full-time plan of study over 36 months.
Coursework includes:
- Study in advanced airway, spinal, and epidural assessment and management techniques utilized by nurse anesthesia providers.
- Exploration of the phases of anesthesia care and care plans associated with each phase.
- Review of radiographic and laboratory testing and interpretation as they apply to anesthesia care and management.
- Integrated study of how medications treating chronic illnesses affect patients receiving anesthesia. Clinical application of pharmacology will focus on evidence-based practice related to pharmacological principles inherent to the administration of anesthesia.
Our program emphasizes a holistic approach to patient care, preparing graduates to manage complex clinical scenarios across diverse settings confidently. By blending anesthesia expertise with acute care proficiency, our graduates emerge as versatile healthcare leaders capable of optimizing patient outcomes and meeting evolving healthcare demands.
Program Outcomes
The program prepares you to:
- Sit for National Certification Exam (NCE) administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA)
- Sit for the NCEs for Acute Care Nurse Practitioners offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN).
- Provide high quality anesthesia care in any clinical and practice setting.
- Demonstrate professional behavior, compassionate care, effective communication, critical thinking, and leadership qualities in anesthesia and the community.
- Uphold the highest standards of patient safety and care as a compassionate and skilled nurse anesthetist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What credentials make me a competitive candidate for the program?
Most accepted candidates have at least three to five years of current full-time ICU experience and an average cumulative GPA of 3.6. In addition to years of experience and GPA, recommendations and performance in the interviews such as test knowledge, critical thinking skills, and ability to adapt in different scenarios are all closely reviewed.
Are GREs or specific science courses, such as organic chemistry, required?
No, we do not require the GREs or any specific science courses. We do require that applicants have a B or higher in statistics, health assessment, and research (evidence-based practice). There is not a time limit for these classes.
What is the application cycle?
Applications are accepted from February 1 through April 1 each year. Only applications that are complete by April 1 will be considered. Notifications regarding decisions/interviews will be sent by April 15. Interviews will take place in June and final decision notifications will be delivered by July 15. A total of 12 students are accepted each application cycle.
Can I apply as an international applicant?
It is required to have a current New York State RN license and adult ICU experience within the United States. ICU outside of the U.S. or its territories will only be considered if gained within a U.S. military hospital.
Is the program front-loaded with online courses for first year?
No. The program takes place in person on the ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ campus located in Rochester, NY.
Do I have to find my own clinical rotations?
No. All clinical sites are within a 60-mile radius of Rochester, NY and the sites will be assigned to each candidate.
Do you accept transfer credit?
Yes. If accepted, the program chair does a gap analysis and would determine if any of the graduate courses would transfer into the program. Typically, a maximum of 9 credits of transfer credit can be accepted. Note: a gap analysis is not completed prior to acceptance.
Can I work while enrolled in the program?
This is a rigorous, full-time doctoral program which includes significant clinical commitments. Some candidates may decide to work limited hours during the first two semesters before the clinical experiences and intensive anesthesia coursework begin. However, to support safety, well-being, and optimal learning, employment throughout the program, especially starting in the third semester, is strongly discouraged.