Louisiana State University CRNA School | Top CRNA Program
The Louisiana State University (LSU) School of Nursing offers an exceptional CRNA program.
This Programs help prepare students for careers as highly skilled nurse anesthetists through rigorous academics and hands-on clinical training.
The program is located in New Orleans, Louisiana and is one of 4 CRNA schools in the state.
LSU’s CRNA program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) and leads to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree with a specialization in Nurse Anesthesia.
Key Takeaways
- The Louisiana State University (LSU) School of Nursing offers a top-tier CRNA program in the state.
- The program prepares students for careers as highly skilled nurse anesthetists through rigorous academics and hands-on clinical training.
- The program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) and leads to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree with a specialization in Nurse Anesthesia.
- The program’s curriculum and clinical training focus on providing advanced nursing practice anesthesiology education.
| Program Length | 36 Months |
| Application Deadline | June 1sr |
| Degree Offered | DNP |
| Class Size | 50 |
| Cost | In State: $65,618 Out of State: $114,682 |
| Contact | Laura S. Bonanno, CRNA, DNP, Program Director (504) 568-4144 email: lbonan@lsuhsc.edu |
| Website | LSU CRNA School |
| School Location | 1900 Gravier St. New Orleans, LA 70112 |
Overview of LSU School of Nursing CRNA Program
The LSU School of Nursing CRNA program is a comprehensive 36-month BSN to DNP Entry-level Nurse Anesthesia Program, consisting of 138 graduate credit hours.
This exceptional program integrates health sciences and nursing sciences to prepare students as advanced practitioners in Nurse Anesthesia.
LSU equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs).
BSN to DNP Entry-level Nurse Anesthesia Program
The LSU School of Nursing CRNA program offers a direct pathway for Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.
This extensive curriculum equips students to take on leadership roles in anesthesia and deliver exceptional patient care, particularly in underserved areas.
36-Month Continuous Program
The LSU CRNA program operates on a continuous, block format rather than traditional semesters, ensuring students meet the clinical hour requirements set by the Council on Accreditation (COA).
This immersive approach allows uninterrupted focus on studies and clinical training, enhancing the educational experience.
Accredited by Council on Accreditation
The LSU School of Nursing CRNA program is accredited by the prestigious Council on Accreditation (COA), ensuring the program meets the highest standards of nurse anesthesia education.
This accreditation demonstrates the program’s dedication to providing top-quality education and training for future nurse anesthetists.
Program Curriculum and Objectives
The program curriculum combines health sciences and nursing sciences to prepare students as advanced practitioners in nurse anesthesia.
Objectives include certification as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) .
The curriculum also emphasizes leadership in anesthesia and delivering care to medically underserved populations, integrating research and evidence-based practice into anesthesia training.
Preparation for CRNA Certification and Licensure
A key focus of the LSU CRNA program is to prepare students for CRNA certification and APRN licensure.
The curriculum is designed to provide students with the necessary clinical experiences, didactic instruction, and professional development opportunities to successfully navigate the CRNA certification process and achieve a successful career upon graduation.
Focus on Leadership Roles and Underserved Areas
In addition to clinical excellence, the LSU CRNA program emphasizes the development of leadership skills and the ability to provide anesthesia care in medically underserved areas.
Graduates of the program are poised to assume leadership roles within their Anesthesia profession and contribute to improving access to quality anesthesia services in communities with limited healthcare resources.
Clinical Training and Simulation Experiences
The LSU School of Nursing CRNA program provides students with extensive clinical rotations and simulation experiences to ensure they are well-prepared for their future careers as Nurse Anesthetists.
Students complete rotations at various clinical sites, including hospitals, surgical centers, and other healthcare facilities, to gain a comprehensive, hands-on clinical training experience.
Human Patient Simulation Lab
In addition to the clinical rotations, the program features a state-of-the-art Nurse Anesthesia simulation lab This lab allows students to practice basic anesthesia skills as well as more advanced skills of learning the fiberoptic bronchoscopy simulators.
This hands-on simulation experience enables students to develop and refine their anesthesia administration techniques in a safe, controlled environment before administering anesthesia to patients.
Anesthetics to Real Patients
Beyond the simulation lab, students in the LSU School CRNA program administer an average of 944 anesthetics to real patients during the program.
This number of Anesthetics exceeds the national average of 853 cases for nurse anesthesia programs.
This extensive hands-on clinical training ensures that graduates are well-equipped to provide safe, effective anesthesia care to patients upon completion of the program.
Louisiana State University CRNA School Admission Requirements
Aspiring Nurse Anesthetists interested in the LSU School of Nursing CRNA program must meet a set of rigorous admission requirements.
Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, or be enrolled in a BSN completion program at the time of application.
Nurses must have minimum of one year of critical care nursing experience within the past two years.
Areas of Critical Care that are acceptable are medical, surgical, pediatric, or trauma intensive care units.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
The LSU CRNA program requires applicants to possess a BSN degree, with the option to apply while still completing a BSN completion program.
This educational foundation ensures students enter the program with a strong understanding of nursing principles and practices, laying the groundwork for their advanced studies in anesthesia.
Critical Care Experience
Applicants to the LSU CRNA program must have a minimum of one year of critical care nursing experience within the past two years.
Having hands-on experience in high-intensity medical environments provides aspiring Nurse Anesthetists with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the program and excel as advanced practice nurses.
GPA and Standardized Test Requirements
In addition to the educational and clinical experience prerequisites, the LSU CRNA program also sets specific academic requirements.
Applicants must maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA for all undergraduate and graduate coursework.
They must also achieve a combined verbal and quantitative GRE score of 300 or higher, with a writing score of 3.0 or higher, demonstrating their strong academic aptitude and problem-solving abilities.
Program Performance and Accreditation
The LSU School of Nursing CRNA program has demonstrated strong performance, with first-time CRNA board pass rates exceeding the national average. In 2021, the program’s first-time CRNA board pass rate was 88.9%, and in 2020, it was 87.8%, compared to the national average of 85.2% in 2020. This excellence in preparing students for the CRNA certification exam is a testament to the program’s rigorous curriculum and hands-on clinical training.
Attrition and Employment Rates
The LSU CRNA program maintains a low attrition rate, with a 5-year average of 12.6%.
However, the program experienced a 20% attrition rate in 2021.
Despite this, the program boasts a remarkable 100% employment rate for its graduates in 2021, showcasing the program’s ability to prepare students for passing their boards and starting successful careers as Nurse Anesthetists.
Accreditation
The LSU CRNA program was last reviewed and accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) in 2023, receiving a 10-year accreditation.
This accreditation is a reflection of the program’s commitment to providing the highest quality nurse anesthesia education, and it will be reviewed again in 2033.
CRNA Salaries and Career Outlook
The average nurse anesthetist salary in Louisiana stands at $161,310 per year, which is slightly lower than the U.S. national average of $189,190, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2020 study.
However, the demand for skilled CRNAs is expected to remain strong, as they play a vital role in providing anesthesia care, particularly in underserved areas.
The LSU CRNA program prepares graduates to excel in this in-demand field and contribute to the healthcare needs of Louisiana and beyond.
U.S. National Average CRNA Salary
The national average salary for nurse anesthetists in the United States is $189,190 per year, making it one of the highest-paying nursing specialties.
This figure highlights the value placed on the expertise and critical role CRNAs play in the healthcare system.
Student Life and Support Services
The LSU CRNA program is committed to providing comprehensive support to its students throughout their educational journey.
Through the dedicated Office of Student Affairs, learners can access a wide range of resources and assistance to ensure their success.
Office of Student Affairs Contact Information
Students in the LSU CRNA program can reach out to the Office of Student Affairs at 504-568-4113 or nsstuaffairs@lsuhsc.edu for guidance on various aspects of the program.
The student affairs team is dedicated to supporting LSU CRNA student support and addressing the unique needs of nurse anesthesia students.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities
In addition to academic advising, the Office of Student Affairs also provides information and assistance with financial aid for CRNA students.
Learners can explore a variety of CRNA scholarships and other funding options to help support their CRNA program student affairs and cover the costs of their education.
The LSU School of Nursing CRNA program is committed to ensuring that students have the resources and support they need to thrive in the rigorous curriculum and achieve their goals of becoming exceptional nurse anesthetists.
Louisiana State University CRNA School History and Transition
The Nursing Anesthesia program at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center has a long history, with the School of Nursing being established in 1968 and the Master of Nursing Degree offering approved in 1972.
In December 2012, the LSU CRNA program was approved by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) to transition from a Master’s-level program to a BSN to DNP Entry-level Nurse Anesthesia Program.
This transition reflects the program’s commitment to providing the highest level of education and training for future nurse anesthetists in Louisiana.
The decision to transition the Louisiana nurse anesthesia education program to a BSN to DNP format was driven by the program’s desire to align with the evolving standards and expectations for advanced practice nursing.
By offering a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, the LSU CRNA program ensures its graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and critical-thinking abilities required to excel as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and leaders in the field of anesthesia care.
The transition to the BSN to DNP format has allowed the LSU CRNA program to further strengthen its curriculum, enhance clinical training, and foster a culture of research and evidence-based practice.
This commitment to quality education and continuous improvement has solidified the program’s reputation as a top CRNA program in Louisiana, preparing future nurse anesthetists to meet the healthcare needs of the state and beyond.
Conclusion
The Louisiana State University School of Nursing CRNA program is an exceptional choice for those seeking to become highly skilled nurse anesthetists.
Through its rigorous curriculum, hands-on clinical training, and state-of-the-art simulation experiences, the LSU CRNA program prepares students for successful careers as CRNAs and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses.
With a strong reputation, accreditation, and excellent student outcomes, the LSU CRNA program stands out as a top CRNA program in Louisiana and a premier choice for aspiring nurse anesthetists in the state and beyond.
Whether you are a current nursing student or an experienced critical care nurse seeking to take the next step in your career, the LSU CRNA program offers a transformative educational experience that will set you on the path to becoming a highly respected and sought-after Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.
FAQ
What is the LSU School of Nursing CRNA program?
The Louisiana State University (LSU) School of Nursing offers an exceptional CRNA program that prepares students for careers as highly skilled nurse anesthetists through rigorous academics and hands-on clinical training. The program is located in New Orleans, Louisiana and is one of two CRNA schools in the state.
What are the key features of the LSU CRNA program?
The LSU School of Nursing CRNA program is a 36-month BSN to DNP Entry-level Nurse Anesthesia Program, consisting of 138 graduate credit hours. The program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) and leads to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree with a specialization in Nurse Anesthesia.
What is the curriculum and focus of the LSU CRNA program?
The LSU School of Nursing CRNA program curriculum integrates health sciences and nursing sciences to prepare students as advanced practitioners in nurse anesthesia. The program objectives include preparing students for certification as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and licensure as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). Students are also educated to assume leadership roles in anesthesia and provide care in underserved areas, while integrating research and evidence-based practice.
What clinical training and simulation experiences does the LSU CRNA program provide?
The LSU School of Nursing CRNA program provides students with extensive clinical training, including rotations at various clinical sites to gain a well-rounded experience. The program also features a state-of-the-art Human Patient Simulation Lab, where students can practice anesthesia skills and critical incident management. Additionally, students administer an average of 944 anesthetics to real patients during the program, exceeding the national average.
What are the admission requirements for the LSU CRNA program?
Applicants to the LSU School of Nursing CRNA program must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, with the option to apply while enrolled in a BSN completion program. They must also have a minimum of one year of critical care nursing experience within the past two years, and meet GPA and standardized test score requirements.
How has the LSU CRNA program performed?
The LSU School of Nursing CRNA program has demonstrated strong performance, with first-time CRNA board pass rates exceeding the national average. The program’s attrition rate is also within the national range, and it boasts a 100% employment rate for graduates in 2021.
What are the CRNA salary and career outlook in Louisiana?
The average nurse anesthetist salary in Louisiana is $161,310 per year, which is lower than the U.S. national average of $189,190. However, the demand for CRNAs is expected to remain strong, as they play a vital role in providing anesthesia care, particularly in underserved areas.
What student support services are available for LSU CRNA students?
The LSU School of Nursing CRNA program provides comprehensive student support services through the Office of Student Affairs, assisting with academic advising, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities to support students throughout their educational journey.
What is the focus on research and capstone projects in the LSU CRNA program?
As part of the LSU School of Nursing CRNA program, students are required to complete a research-focused capstone project, allowing them to integrate research and evidence-based practice into their anesthesia practice. Examples of capstone project topics include scholarly papers, teaching projects, original research, and participation on research teams.
What is the history and transition of the LSU CRNA program?
The Nursing Anesthesia program at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center has a long history, dating back to the establishment of the School of Nursing in 1968. In 2012, the program was approved to transition from a Master’s-level program to a BSN to DNP Entry-level Nurse Anesthesia Program, reflecting the program’s commitment to providing the highest level of education and training for future nurse anesthetists.