Youngstown State University CRNA School: Complete Partnership Program Guide (2025)

Last Updated: January 2026

Imagine landing your dream CRNA role straight out of school.

That’s exactly what happened to every single graduate from St. Elizabeth Health Center School for Nurse Anesthetists’ Class of 2025—100% employment within six months, paired with a perfect 100% first-time NCE pass rate.

Since 1947, this partnership between St. Elizabeth and Youngstown State University has been quietly building a reputation for excellence in nurse anesthesia education.

This isn’t your typical university CRNA program.

The cooperative structure between St. Elizabeth Health Center School for Nurse Anesthetists, Inc. and Youngstown State University offers something unique: hospital-based clinical immersion from day one, combined with the academic rigor and resources of a full university.

While you’ll earn your DNP from YSU, you’ll train alongside experienced CRNAs in real operating rooms, not just simulation labs.

This is one of 10 CRNA Schools in Ohio. Learn more about this school and how you can get on the path to becoming a highly trained CRNA.

CRNA School Information at a Glance

Field	Details
Official School Name	St. Elizabeth Health Center School for Nurse Anesthetists, Inc.
University Partner	Youngstown State University
Program Length	36 months, full-time
Application Deadline	July 31st annually (for May start the following year)
Degree Offered	Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Nurse Anesthesia
Tuition & Costs	Contact school at (330) 941-4200 for current rates
Recent Outcomes	100% first-time NCE pass rate (Class of 2025)
	0% attrition rate (Class of 2025)
	100% employment within 6 months (Class of 2025)
Program Director	John M. Underwood, DNAP, APRN-CRNA
Phone	(330) 941-4200
Email	schoolinfo@belpark.net
Alternate Contact	underwood@belpark.net
School Location	Cushwa Hall 3410, 1 Tressel Way, Youngstown, OH 44555
COA Accredited	Yes – verify current status at coacrna.org

Note: Contact school directly for current tuition and fee information.

CRNA School Youngstown students studying

Understanding the Unique Partnership Structure

How the Cooperative Model Works

The St. Elizabeth Health Center School for Nurse Anesthetists operates through a carefully structured partnership with Youngstown State University. Here’s what makes it different:

Dual Institution Model:

Apply to St. Elizabeth first through NursingCAS (May 1-July 31)
Complete interview process with St. Elizabeth faculty
Receive acceptance from St. Elizabeth School for Nurse Anesthetists
Then apply separately to YSU College of Graduate Studies
Must meet admission criteria for BOTH institutions

What This Means for You:

Clinical training happens through St. Elizabeth’s experienced CRNA faculty and Bel-Park Anesthesia Associates
Academic coursework is taught by YSU Graduate Faculty and anesthesia school faculty
Clinical facilities provided by Bon Secours Mercy Health Partners
Degree conferred by Youngstown State University (DNP)
Certificate of anesthesia from St. Elizabeth Health Center School for Nurse Anesthetists

This partnership creates an apprenticeship-style learning environment. You’re not just studying anesthesia in classrooms—you’re working in real ORs with practicing CRNAs who become your mentors and, eventually, your colleagues.

Exceptional Recent Outcomes

The Class of 2025 achieved remarkable success:

100% first-time NCE pass rate – every graduate passed the national certification exam on their first attempt
0% attrition rate – every student who started the program finished
100% employment within six months of graduation

These aren’t just statistics—they reflect a program that thoroughly prepares students for both the certification exam and professional practice.

Getting Accepted: Requirements and Reality

Official Admission Requirements

Educational Background:

BSN from CCNE or ACEN accredited institution
Minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA
Minimum 3.0 GPA in all undergraduate science courses
Statistics course within past 10 years (grade B or higher)
Other BS degrees may be considered on individual basis

Clinical Experience:

Minimum one year adult critical care RN experience (two years preferred)
Experience must be within last three years
Must be in U.S., its territories, or U.S. military hospital
Acceptable units: SICU, CTICU, CICU, MICU
Must demonstrate competence with unstable adult patients, invasive monitoring, ventilators, critical care pharmacology

Certifications Required:

Current, unrestricted U.S. RN license
Adult CCRN required by application deadline (scheduled test date NOT acceptable)
Current BLS and ACLS upon admission
PALS required before program start

Application Materials:

Typed essay (2-4 pages, double-spaced) describing:
- Your understanding of the CRNA role
- Professional goals
- How DNP program will help achieve goals
- How past experiences influenced these goals
Three references:
- One academic reference (Likert scale only)
- One non-family character reference (Likert scale only)
- One nursing supervisor reference (letter + Likert scale)

What Competitive Applicants Actually Have

Based on recent admissions patterns and program statistics, successful applicants typically present:

GPA 3.5+ in both cumulative and science courses
2-3 years of diverse adult ICU experience
Strong CCRN scores demonstrating solid critical care knowledge
Deep understanding of pathophysiology – interviews focus heavily on this
Leadership roles or professional development activities
Clear articulation of why nurse anesthesia, not just any advanced practice role

The program receives significantly more applications than in previous years, making the selection process increasingly competitive. Standing out requires more than meeting minimums—it requires excellence.

Application Timeline and Interview Process

Strategic Timeline for Success

18 Months Before Application:

Excel in your current ICU role—document complex cases
Begin serious CCRN preparation using review courses
Research the St. Elizabeth/YSU partnership thoroughly
Attend information sessions if available
Connect with program alumni

12 Months Before Application:

Pass CCRN – allow time for retakes if needed
Review pathophysiology extensively
Join AANA and Ohio Association of Nurse Anesthetists
Begin networking with current CRNAs

8 Months Before Application (Spring):

Submit application through NursingCAS (opens May 1, closes July 31)
Request transcripts from all institutions
Secure three strong professional references
Draft and refine personal essay

Fall (Sept-Oct):

Interview season – prepare extensively
If accepted by St. Elizabeth, immediately apply to YSU Graduate School

Winter/Spring:

Final acceptance confirmation from both institutions
Financial aid planning through YSU
Prepare for May program start

Interview Insights: What They’re Really Looking For

Recent applicants consistently report that St. Elizabeth’s interview process emphasizes clinical reasoning and pathophysiology understanding. One current student shared: “They want you to be able to explain the pathophysiology of disease in the patient populations you care for.”

Expected Interview Topics:

Manage a patient with septic shock – walk through your approach
Handle a difficult intubation scenario
Explain the pathophysiology of your most challenging ICU case
Describe a time you advocated for a patient
Why St. Elizabeth/YSU partnership over other programs?
How do you handle stress and high-pressure situations?

Clinical Knowledge Areas to Master:

Cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology
Respiratory system and ventilator management
Hemodynamic monitoring interpretation
Acid-base disorders
Critical care pharmacology
ECG interpretation

Pro Tip: Don’t just memorize facts. Practice explaining complex pathophysiology out loud, as if teaching a new ICU nurse. This mirrors the interview format and demonstrates deep understanding.

Comprehensive Clinical Training

Diverse Clinical Sites

Clinical rotations occur across multiple Bon Secours Mercy Health facilities, providing broad experience:

Primary Sites:

St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital
St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital
St. Joseph Warren Hospital
The Surgery Center Howland
Akron Children’s of the Mahoning Valley

Additional Rotation Sites:

Akron Children’s Hospital Main Campus (Akron)
Edgewood Surgical Hospital (Transfer, PA)
Crystal Clinic Orthopedic Hospital (Montrose and Embassy, Akron)
Heritage Valley Beaver (Beaver, PA)
Southwoods Health (Boardman)
Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center (Cleveland)

Youngstown CRNA School clinical training in the OR

Clinical Experience Breadth

Students gain hands-on experience across the full spectrum of anesthesia practice:

Surgical Specialties:

Major cardiac surgery
Thoracic procedures
Peripheral vascular surgery
Neurosurgical cases
General surgery
Obstetrics
Pediatrics (including neonatal)
Outpatient procedures

Techniques and Skills:

General anesthesia
Neuraxial anesthesia (spinals, epidurals)
Peripheral nerve blocks
Monitored anesthetic care
Invasive line placement
Difficult airway management
All age groups across the lifespan

All clinical work is supervised by CRNAs and staff anesthesiologists from Bel-Park Anesthesia Associates, Inc., ensuring students learn from experienced practitioners in real-world settings.

NCE Preparation Built-In

The program includes robust certification exam preparation:

In-program review course in final semester
Practice certification exam
Regular practice tests throughout final year
Self Evaluation Exam (SEE) required with minimum passing score
Structured approach to identifying and addressing knowledge gaps

This systematic preparation contributes to the program’s 100% first-time NCE pass rate.

Living in Youngstown During CRNA School

Living in Youngstown Ohio while in CRNA School

Affordable Cost of Living

Youngstown offers one of the most affordable living situations in Ohio, helping offset education costs:

Typical Monthly Expenses:

1-bedroom apartment: $700-$900
Utilities (electric, gas, water): ~$120
Groceries: Below national average
Gas: Typically competitive regional pricing
Internet/cable: ~$80-$100

Recommended Neighborhoods for Students

Boardman (Most Popular)

Newer apartment developments
15-minute commute to St. Elizabeth hospitals
Shopping, restaurants readily accessible
Generally considered safest option

Austintown

Good value for money
Family-friendly if you have dependents
Solid school districts
20-minute commute to clinical sites

Downtown Youngstown

Urban living experience
Walking distance to some clinical sites
More affordable but research specific areas carefully
Growing revitalization efforts

Quality of Life Considerations

Advantages:

Short commutes (rarely over 20 minutes)
Minimal traffic stress
Affordable entertainment (hockey, baseball, local events)
Close to larger cities: Cleveland (60 min), Pittsburgh (70 min)
Low overall cost of living stretches student budgets

Considerations:

Smaller city with less nightlife than Cleveland or Columbus
Lake effect snow can be significant in winter
Some areas require careful neighborhood research
Limited public transportation

Weather Reality: Youngstown experiences four distinct seasons, including cold, snowy winters due to lake effect from Lake Erie. Plan for winter driving and appropriate clothing.

Post-Graduation Career Outlook

Strong Employment Outcomes

The Class of 2025’s 100% employment within six months reflects strong regional demand for CRNAs. The program’s established relationships with healthcare systems throughout Ohio and Western Pennsylvania create natural employment pipelines.

Ohio CRNA Salary Expectations

Current market data (2025-2026) shows competitive compensation for CRNAs in Ohio:

Statewide Averages:

Average annual salary: $202,470-$236,110
Hourly rate: $97-$114 per hour
Entry-level (0-1 year): ~$130,000-$135,000
Experienced CRNAs (8+ years): $240,000-$270,000+

Regional Variations:

Cleveland area: ~$236,000 average
Columbus area: ~$236,000 average
Cincinnati area: ~$235,000 average
Rural areas: Often higher due to recruitment needs

National Context:

National median CRNA salary: $223,210
Ohio salaries approximately 7% below national average
However, Ohio’s cost of living is 8% below national average
When adjusted for cost of living, Ohio CRNAs earn competitively

Employment Settings

Graduates find opportunities across diverse practice settings:

Hospital employment – most common path, includes benefits
Anesthesia groups – often higher compensation, variable benefits
Surgery centers – growing sector, regular schedules
Pain management clinics – alternative to traditional OR work
Locum tenens – temporary assignments, flexibility, higher hourly rates

Career Advancement Paths

Alumni from the St. Elizabeth/YSU partnership program have progressed into:

Chief CRNA positions
Anesthesia department leadership
CRNA education and faculty roles
Hospital administration
Specialized practice areas (cardiac, pediatric, pain management)

Is This CRNA School Right for You?

This Program Excels For Students Who:

Value hands-on learning – you’ll be in clinical settings from the beginning
Thrive with close faculty relationships – smaller cohorts mean personal attention
Want mentorship-based education – apprenticeship model with practicing CRNAs
Prefer practical over purely academic focus – emphasis on clinical excellence
Are comfortable in Ohio/Western PA – regional job market focus
Can fully commit – demanding 36-month program requires dedication
Appreciate proven outcomes – recent 100% pass and employment rates speak volumes

Consider Other Programs If You:

Need to work during school – program intensity makes this extremely difficult
Require extensive research opportunities – focus is clinical, not research-heavy
Prefer large city amenities – Youngstown is a smaller city
Want complete anonymity – smaller program means everyone knows you
Need simulation-heavy training – this program emphasizes real OR experience
Have inflexible geographic constraints – rotations span Northeast Ohio and Western PA

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the St. Elizabeth/YSU CRNA program cost?

Tuition and fee information is not publicly listed on the school’s website. Contact St. Elizabeth School for Nurse Anesthetists directly at (330) 941-4200 or visit ytowncrnaschool.com for current tuition rates, fees, and total cost of attendance estimates. Financial aid is administered through Youngstown State University.

What GPA is required?

Minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate and 3.0 in science courses. However, competitive applicants typically have GPAs of 3.5 or higher.

When is the application deadline?

Applications accepted annually May 1st through July 31st via NursingCAS. Apply to St. Elizabeth first, then to YSU if accepted.

Is the program accredited?

Yes, by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA). Verify current accreditation status at www.coacrna.org.

What is the NCE pass rate?

The Class of 2025 achieved a 100% first-time pass rate. Historical rates should be verified directly with the school.

How many students are accepted each year?

Contact the school for current class size information. The program maintains smaller cohorts to ensure individualized attention.

Can I work during the program?

The program is extremely intensive and full-time. Working is generally not feasible, especially during clinical years.

Are all clinical sites in Youngstown?

No. While primary sites are in the Youngstown area, rotations extend to Akron, Cleveland, and Western Pennsylvania facilities, providing diverse experience.

Are there other CRNcA Schools?

There are over 120 CRNA Schools in the USA, and if you want to search them all and compare, go to CRNA Schools by State.

Financial Planning Resources

Funding Your CRNA Education

Federal Aid Options:

Federal Direct PLUS loans for graduate students
Additional loan options available
Financial aid processed through YSU Financial Aid Office
Complete FAFSA at fafsa.ed.gov

Scholarship Opportunities:

AANA Foundation scholarships (apply after 6 months in program)
Ohio Association of Nurse Anesthetists awards
State nursing association scholarships
Hospital educational partnerships
Military healthcare professional scholarships (Army, Navy, Air Force options)

Employment-Based Funding:

Some anesthesia groups offer tuition reimbursement for commitment
Hospitals may provide educational support for future employment agreement
Be cautious with binding contracts—understand all terms before signing

Financial Planning Steps

Contact the school at (330) 941-4200 for complete cost breakdown
Meet with YSU financial aid to understand federal loan options
Research scholarships through AANA and state nursing associations
Calculate living expenses – use Youngstown cost of living data
Create three-year budget including all program and personal expenses
Understand loan repayment options before committing to borrowing

Ohio CRNA Job Market Analysis

Current Employment Landscape

Ohio’s healthcare market shows strong demand for CRNAs across multiple settings:

Major Employers:

Cleveland Clinic Health System
Ohio Health (Columbus)
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital
University Hospitals (Cleveland)
Mercy Health Systems
Summa Health
OhioHealth
Regional hospital systems statewide

Market Trends:

Projected 45% employment growth for CRNAs 2019-2029 (pre-pandemic data)
Ongoing shortage of anesthesia providers, particularly in rural areas
Growing surgery center sector creating new positions
Increased autonomy for CRNAs in many practice settings
Telemedicine integration creating emerging roles

Competitive Advantages

St. Elizabeth/YSU graduates benefit from:

Program’s 75+ year reputation in the region
Established relationships with Mercy Health system
Alumni network throughout Northeast Ohio
Bel-Park Anesthesia Associates connections
Clinical site exposure creating employment leads

Key Takeaways

Established excellence since 1947 – St. Elizabeth School for Nurse Anesthetists has decades of proven success
Outstanding recent outcomes – Class of 2025 achieved 100% NCE pass rate, 0% attrition, 100% employment
Unique cooperative structure – combines hospital-based clinical immersion with university academic credentials
Comprehensive clinical experience – rotations across 10+ facilities in Northeast Ohio and Western PA
Strong regional employment – graduates enter an Ohio job market with growing demand and competitive salaries

Resources and Contact Information

Compare Ohio CRNA Schools:

All Ohio CRNA Programs Overview
CRNA Prerequisites for Ohio
Ohio CRNA Program Costs
Ohio CRNA Salary Data

Professional Organizations:

St. Elizabeth/YSU CRNA Program Contact:

Official School: St. Elizabeth Health Center School for Nurse Anesthetists, Inc.
University Partner: Youngstown State University
Director: John M. Underwood, DNAP, APRN-CRNA
Phone: (330) 941-4200
Program Director Email: underwood@belpark.net
General Email: schoolinfo@belpark.net
Address: Cushwa Hall 3410, 1 Tressel Way, Youngstown, OH 44555
Website: ytowncrnaschool.com
YSU Graduate School: ysu.edu/graduate-school

Application Portal: NursingCAS – applications accepted May 1 through July 31 annually

Important Note: You must apply to and be accepted by St. Elizabeth School for Nurse Anesthetists FIRST, then apply separately to Youngstown State University College of Graduate Studies. Acceptance into the DNP program requires admission to both institutions.

Disclaimer: All information provided is for educational purposes only. Admission requirements, program details, tuition, and outcomes data are subject to change. Verify all information directly with St. Elizabeth Health Center School for Nurse Anesthetists and Youngstown State University before making decisions. Last updated: January 2026.