Wayne State University CRNA School

A cluttered desk with medical textbooks and journals for Wayne State University CRNA program.

Wayne State CRNA School Ultimate Guide

Deciding on a career in nurse anesthesia can feel overwhelming, especially when choosing the right program to fit your needs and career goals.

Wayne State University CRNA School offers a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) program that stands out for its rigorous curriculum, extensive clinical training, and strong support from experienced faculty.

This article will guide you through every aspect of the program, from the admission requirements and application process to the hands-on clinical experiences and comprehensive coursework designed to prepare you for a successful career as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

Whether you are looking for a program with small class sizes, diverse clinical rotations, or a focus on leadership and advanced practice, Wayne State’s DNAP program provides a well-rounded education that equips you to excel in the dynamic field of anesthesia.

Key Takeaways

  • Wayne State University offers a CRNA program is 36 months
  • To get into the program, you need a bachelor’s degree in nursing, certain grades and licenses, and at least one year of full-time work in an ICU. The admission process includes an interview.
  • The program is approved by the Council on Accreditation (COA) of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. Graduates can take the National Certification Examination (NCE).
  • Courses cover topics like pharmacology and pathophysiology. Clinical training starts in the second semester at 19 sites.
  • The cost for in-state students is $86,500 and for out-of-state students, it’s $158,842. This includes tuition and fees like books and materials.
  • There are 5 CRNA Schools in Michigan

Key Dates and Informations

Program Length36 Months
Application DeadlineApplications accepted Feb 1-June1
Degree OfferedDNAP
Class Size25
CostIn State: $75,422
Outof State:$152,774
Contact Mary Walczyk Program Director & Assistant Professor
ac6415@wayne.edu
313-577-7689
WebsiteWayne State CRNA School
School Location259 Mack Avenue
Detroit, MI 48201

Overview of Wayne State University CRNA Program

Diverse students in a Nurse Anesthetist program study at Wayne State University.

Wayne State University offers a top program for becoming a nurse anesthetist. It teaches students how to safely put patients to sleep before surgery and care for them.

Accreditation and Licensure

The Wayne State University CRNA program has full approval from the Council on Accreditation (COA) of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.

With this approval from the COA you can be assured that the program meets high standards for teaching future nurse anesthetists.

Graduates who are successful in completing their course work at Wayne State CRNA School are then able to can take the National Certification Examination (NCE) by the NBCRNA and become a practicing CRNA.

All graduates must pass this test if they want to work as a certified registered nurse anesthetist.

Wayne States courses meet the rules for getting a professional license in each state. This makes sure graduates know their education fits with what different places require for healthcare workers like them to legally do their job.

Wayne State CRNA Program Requirements

Wayne State University’s CRNA program sets high standards for its students. Here are the key requirements you need to meet.

To be eligible to apply to Wayne State Nurse Anesthesia program, applicants must have:

  • Degree: Baccalaureate or graduate degree in nursing from an accredited program.
  • Chemistry Course: Organic or Biochemistry (3 credits), taken within the last 10 years with a grade “B” or higher.
  • Anatomy & Physiology Course: (3 credits), taken within the last 10 years with a grade “B” or higher.
  • GPA Requirements:
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA for the last 60 credits.
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA in Nursing.
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA in Science courses.
  • Licensure and Certifications:
    • Current RN licensure.
      • Current ACLS and PALS certifications.
    • CCRN Certification.
  • Experience:
    • Employed in an ICU setting (SICU, MICU, CICU, Neurotrauma, Pediatric ICU in an academic teaching hospital).
    • Minimum of 1 year of full-time ICU experience (PACU and ER not accepted).
    • Shadowing experience in the applicant’s hospital of employment.
  • Personal Statement: 1-2 pages, summarizing nursing career and reasons for pursuing nurse anesthesia.
  • Professional References: Three required (two from ICU RN co-workers and one from ICU supervisor).
  • Application:
    • Completed application submitted by June 1.
    • Course evaluation by World Education Services for non-US transcripts.
    • Complete WSU Graduate Application upon admission offer.

Next, let’s look into how to get accepted into this competitive program.

Admission to the Wayne State CRNA Program

A young adult waits anxiously in a university waiting room.

Getting into the CRNA program at Wayne State requires a few steps. You need to meet the entry conditions and go through an interview process.

Wayne State Admission Interview Process

For those who meet the admission requirments the next step is that Wayne State invites select applicants to an interview. This is a big part of getting into the CRNA program. Meetings and interviews happen from October to March.

The interview process for CRNA applicants at Wayne State University is designed to assess both their clinical knowledge and readiness for the rigorous Nurse Anesthesia Program.

Typically, the interview involves a panel of faculty members, current students, and practicing CRNAs who evaluate the applicant’s critical thinking skills, understanding of anesthesia concepts, and ability to handle high-pressure situations.

Applicants may be asked clinical scenario questions, behavioral questions, and questions about their personal and professional experiences.

This interview also aims to gauge the applicant’s motivation, communication skills, and fit within the program’s culture. Overall, the process is thorough and seeks to identify candidates who demonstrate strong clinical competence, professionalism, and a genuine passion for Nurse Anesthesia.

Academic Aspects

A close-up of a medical textbook on drug interactions in surgery.

The Wayne State CRNA program provides extensive knowledge in both theoretical studies and practical application. Students will gain insights into diverse topics, from drug effects to patient care during surgery, through comprehensive courses and actual hospital experiences.

Curriculum Overview

The Wayne State CRNA program spans nine semesters and 87 credits. In the first year, students tackle 14 credits in fall, 11 in winter, and 8 during spring/summer. The workload shifts slightly in the second year with 10 credits each for fall and winter, then bumps back up to 10 for spring/summer.

By the third year, students focus on 8 credits each semester.

Pushing through challenges builds critical thinking and leadership while going to clinicals.

Courses dive deep into key areas like pharmacology, which studies how drugs affect the body; pathophysiology, understanding diseases’ effects; and anesthetic practices across different ages from pediatrics to geriatrics.

Students also explore health policies affecting care delivery, ensuring they can make ethical choices in various clinical settings.

With hands-on simulation experiences and studying under seasoned CRNA, learners refine their decision-making skills for high-pressure environments such as ICUs or neurosurgery operations.

Clinical Experience

Clinical experience starts in the second semester for students in the Wayne State University CRNA Program.

Students gain hands-on training at 19 clinical sites. They work with patients who need anesthesia for surgical procedures and chronic pain management.

Key sites include Detroit Medical Center, Henry Ford Health System, and Ascension.

Each site has coordinators and instructors to guide students. This support helps students develop skills in drug therapies, nerve blocks, and decision-making.

Evidence-based practices are emphasized throughout the training.

Financial Overview

Financial challenges faced by students in the Wayne State CRNA program.

The cost of the CRNA program at Wayne State can be high. Students should plan for tuition, fees, and other expenses while enrolled in this challenging course of study.

Total Cost of the Program

Discussing the total cost of attending Wayne State University’s CRNA program is crucial for future students. Here’s a detailed look at the expenses involved, broken down into understandable parts.

TypeIn-State Total CostOut-of-State Total Cost
Tuition$78,475$150,817
Fees$8,025$8,025
Total$86,500$158,842

This table of cost may need to be adjusted from year to year as the cost of tuition may need to be adjusted.

It includes tuition and other fees. Fees cover books, materials, test and graduation fees, malpractice, and the national certification fee. For students living in the state, the overall cost comes to $86,500.

Those from out of state will pay $158,842. Planning for these expenses is a big part of preparing for CRNA school at Wayne State University.

Living in Detroit and attending Wayne State

Living in Detroit while attending Wayne State University’s CRNA School offers a dynamic blend of urban life, culture, and educational focus.

As a major city, Detroit provides CRNA students with diverse clinical experiences across renowned hospitals and healthcare systems, enriching their training and exposure.

The city’s revitalized neighborhoods, such as Midtown and Downtown, offer affordable housing options, vibrant dining scenes, coffee shops, and parks, creating a balanced environment for study and relaxation. Detroit’s rich history, cultural institutions like the Detroit Institute of Arts, and events throughout the year provide opportunities to unwind and explore outside of academic life.

With a strong sense of community and an evolving urban landscape, Detroit offers a supportive and engaging backdrop for CRNA students at Wayne State University.

Conclusion

Wayne State’s CRNA program offers a strong path for registered nurses. The Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice is a 36-month journey. Students gain skills through a mix of classes and real-world practice.

Graduates can sit for the National Certification Examination. This program opens doors in the field of anesthesia.

FAQs

1. What is the Wayne State CRNA School Program?

The Wayne State CRNA School Program, part of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, trains registered nurses to become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs).

2. Are there other CRNA schools outside of Michigan?

Yes, there are CRNA programs in almost every state. If want to find out where other schools are located you can find them at CRNA Schools by State.

3. What are some key areas of study in this program?

Students delve into pharmacodynamics and pathophysiological modalities using diagnostic tools. They also learn about medications management based on scientific evidence.

4. Do I need a specific degree to enroll in the CRNA school program?

Yes, you must have a B.S.N or a baccalaureate degree from any other field to enroll in this doctoral studies program.

5. How does ethics fit into the curriculum of this course?

Ethics plays an integral role as it guides decision making in clinical practice involving patient diagnosis when they’re anesthetized or dealing with pathologic processes.

6. Does the course cover aspects beyond medical training?

Absolutely! The D.N.P curriculum extends its focus to data analysis and understanding health policy for better implementation of evidence-based practice.