University of Southern Mississippi CRNA School
Choosing a path in nursing can be hard. Many students want to go further than being registered nurses (RNs). They dream of becoming certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs).
What is a CRNA? A CRNA is a special trained Nurse who practices anesthesia.
The University of Southern Mississippi offers this dream through its Doctor of Nursing Practice program in Nurse Anesthesia.
This program is the only one in Mississippi that turns RNs into CRNAs.
It focuses on patient safety and teaching future CRNA’s the science and physiology of Anesthesia. Our blog will guide you through what makes this school unique, how to get in, and what you’ll learn.
You’ll also find out about job chances after you graduate and how much you could earn in the state of Mississippi. Get ready for all the details!
Key Takeaways
- The only CRNA School in Mississippi
- You need a GPA of 3.0
- The tuition for this program is $28,000
- Median Salary for Mississippi CRNA’s in 2023 was $190,000
Important Dates and Information
| Program Length | 36 Months |
| Application Deadline | May 15th |
| Degree Offered | DNP |
| Class Size | 20-25 |
| Cost | $28,000 |
| Contact | Dr. Mary Jane Collins, DHA, CRNA (601) 266-5462 nina.mclain@usm.edu |
| Website | University of Southern Mississippi CRNA School |
| School Location | 118 College Drive #5095 Office 317 Hattiesburg, MS 39406 |
Overview of the CRNA School at Southern Mississippi
The CRNA School at the University of Southern Mississippi offers in-depth training for future CRNA’s.
It covers lessons on patient care and anesthesia technology, preparing students for real-world medical settings.
Program Highlights
The University of Southern Mississippi’s CRNA School stands out because it has a fast-paced curriculum. It focuses on making students think fast and keep patients safe.
With its small class sizes the program makes sure each student gets lots of attention from teachers.
They do this through having a small number of students for each teacher, using active learning, practicing with simulations, mentoring between peers, and offering tutoring plans.
Students prepare to work in different places like military bases, big hospitals, pain management clinics, doctor’s offices, and rural hospitals after they graduate.
Our goal is to turn sharp minds into healthcare leaders ready to tackle tomorrow’s challenges.
Applications are due by May 15th every year.
The program has top-notch approval from the CCNE until 2033 and looks forward to another review then. This shows that the education you get here meets very high standards set by experts in nursing education.
Admission Criteria
To get into the CRNA program at the University of Southern Mississippi, you must meet certain criteria. You must have a strong academic record and enough experience in critical care settings.
Academic Requirements
Here is a list of some of the current requirements to get into school. Make sure that you always double check with the school each year to make sure that nothing has changed.
- Nursing Degree: BSN or MSN from an accredited U.S. institution, with BSN completed by application time.GRE Scores:
- Combined score of 300+, with at least 3.0 on the analytical section.
- GPA: 3.0+ in undergraduate and graduate nursing courses.
- Nursing License: A current, unencumbered license to practice nursing, eligible in Mississippi or with a compact license.ICU Experience:
- Full-time work in intensive care for at least 1 year (2 years preferred).Statistics Course:
- Completed an advanced graduate-level statistics course with a grade of B or higher within the last 5 years.Certifications:
- Current ACLS, PALS, BLS, and CCRN certifications
- Submit a current resume or CV
- .Nursing Application: Complete the supplemental nursing application.
- References: Three letters of reference, preferably from doctoral-level nurses, highlighting academic and clinical skills.
- Personal Statement: Submit a cover letter and personal statement explaining your interest in nurse anesthesia.Interview:
- Participate in a personal interview if invited.
- Health Exam: Provide proof of a recent health exam with immunizations (Hep B, TB, Tdap, varicella, MMR, flu, and COVID)
- Background Check & Drug Screening: Pass both.
- Additional Forms: Submit the Nurse Anesthesia Additional Information form.
- Application Fee: Pay the $100 program fee (separate from the Graduate School fee).
Fulfilling these prerequisites are the first steps to becoming a CRNA.
Required Experience
To get into the CRNA program, you need experience in critical care. This means working in places like the ICU (Intensive Care Unit), CVICU (Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit), or MICU (Medical Intensive Care Unit).
CRNA schools prefer nurses who’ve worked with very sick patients who have required mechanical ventilation and been on drips.
Curriculum Details
The curriculum at the University of Southern Mississippi’s CRNA program goes deep into both theory and real-life medical practice.
Students will learn through classes, lab work, and hands-on experience in healthcare settings.
Course Structure
The course structure at University of Southern Mississippi’s CRNA program is designed to prepare students for their future roles as CRNAs.
- Students start with basic science courses.
- They then move on to advanced practice training.
- Classes on patient safety follow this.
- Advanced life support techniques are taught next.
- The program requires continuous enrollment for residency.
- Research methods are part of the curriculum too.
- Scholarly integrity education is a must for all students.
- Clinical rotations in level III settings are included in the latter part of the program.
- Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA to graduate.
Research and Scholarly Integrity Education
Research and Scholarly Integrity Education is a key part of the CRNA program at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Students must complete CITI training modules. These modules help students understand ethical research practices.
They learn how to conduct studies responsibly and with integrity.
Students also explore important topics in nursing ethics. Knowledge in this area prepares them for their roles as advanced practice nurses. Understanding research integrity ensures they uphold high standards in their careers.
This education builds a solid foundation for future work as board-certified CRNAs.
Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.
CRNA School Performance and Outcomes
CRNA programs aim for success.
The National Certification Exam rates show how schools have prepared their students to pass the exam and it keeps track of the student’s first-time pass rate.
Employment rates also highlight job opportunities after graduation. Many graduates find jobs soon after earning their degrees.
National Certification Exam (NCE) Pass Rates
The National Certification Exam, or NCE, is a significant test for nursing students. At the University of Southern Mississippi, students work hard to pass this exam. Here are the pass rates:
| Year | 1st Time Pass Rate |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 78% |
Even thought the 2022 first time pass rate is below the national average, 95% of the students passed the National exam within 30 days of graduation.
Employment Rates Post Graduation
After discussing the National Certification Exam (NCE) pass rates, it’s crucial to look at employment rates post-graduation for CRNA graduates from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Graduates in 2022 have a 100% employment rate, showing the program’s success in preparing students for the workforce.
| Employment Rate Post-Graduation | Settings Where Graduates Work |
|---|---|
| 100% | Military, physician/dentist offices, rural hospitals, major medical centers, pain management |
Graduates find jobs in diverse places.
They work in the military, offices of doctors and dentists, small hospitals in the countryside, big medical centers, and in pain management.
This variety shows how well the program prepares them. Every graduate from this program finds a job, which is a big win for both the students and the university.
CRNA Salaries in Mississippi
CRNA graduates in Mississippi often find that their salaries reflect the rigorous training and dedication required by their profession.
In 2023, the average salary for CRNAs in Mississippi was $190,000, which is slightly below the national average but still represents a highly competitive wage.
This demonstrates the continued demand and value of CRNA expertise, both in Mississippi and across the country.
Despite earning less than the national average, CRNAs in Mississippi still enjoy a rewarding income that underscores the importance of their specialized skills in healthcare.
Living in Hattiesburg while in CRNA School.
Living in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, while attending CRNA school offers a unique blend of small-town charm and convenience.
The city is home to the University of Southern Mississippi, providing easy access to campus facilities and a supportive academic community.
Hattiesburg boasts affordable living costs, diverse dining options, and plenty of outdoor activities, making it an ideal place for students to balance their demanding studies with relaxation.
Its friendly atmosphere and manageable size allow CRNA students to focus on their education while enjoying a comfortable, community-oriented lifestyle.
Conclusion
The University of Southern Mississippi CRNA School stands out as a great choice for future nurse anesthetists. With strong support from faculty and hands-on training, students thrive here.
Graduates become Board Certified Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) ready to lead in healthcare.
The program’s high employment rate shows how well it prepares students for their careers. Choosing this school means investing in a bright future in nursing and anesthesia.
FAQs
1. What are the requirements to apply for the CRNA program at the University of Southern Mississippi?
To apply, you need a bachelor’s degree and an R.N. license. You also have to take the Graduate Record Exam.
This is just a small sample of what is needed but the full details are in the above article.
2. Is it necessary to be board certified or an APRN before applying to this program?
No, being board certified or an APRN is not required but can enhance your application.
3. Does Alcorn State University have any affiliation with this program?
While both are esteemed institutions, there’s no direct link between Alcorn State University and University of Southern Mississippi’s College of Nursing.
4. Are there any post-graduate opportunities available after completion of this course?
Yes, students may pursue a Ph.D., become SRNAs (Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists), or even gain certification from organizations like National League for Nursing.
5. Are there other CRNA Schools around Mississippi?
There are several states that have CRNA Schools around Mississippi. You can find CRNA Schools in Alabama, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Arkansas.
If you want to move out of this area you can check out all the CRNA schools accross the country at CRNA Schools by State.