Become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Webster University’s Nurse Anesthesia program offers students high-quality, hands-on training through clinical partnerships with 32 private-practice and university-based facilities.
By the time you graduate, you’ll have obtained real-world experience from a variety of these institutions with a broad range of experience in all anesthetic techniques caring for adults and children. Explore below to learn more about our curriculum, which encourages professional development in and out of our classrooms and labs.
Comprehensive, Hands-On Clinical Sites
We’re fortunate to have access to more than 15 clinical sites and a state-of-the-art simulation center. These facilities afford us the opportunity to offer our students comprehensive exposure to a variety of specialist settings, which include cardiothoracic, pediatrics and obstetrics, as well as opportunities in rural settings. Our partner clinical sites are overseen by highly qualified nurse anesthetists and physician anesthesiologists. Clinical rotations begin in the fifth term of the first year.
We have clinical sites across the state of Missouri, and in Illinois and Kentucky. Our SSM Health sites include DePaul, St. Clare, St. Mary’s, St. Joseph, and Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospitals and the Saint Louis University Hospital – Anheuser Busch Institute. Mercy-affiliated sites include Mercy St. Louis, Jefferson, South, and Lourdes (KY) Hospitals. BJC-affiliated sites include Missouri Baptist Medical Center, Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital, St. Peter’s Hospital, Christian Hospital, and Parkland Health Center. St. Luke’s facilities include Des Peres Hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital, and Hedrick Medical Center.
Baptist Health Paducah (KY), Blessing Hospital (IL), Boone Hospital Center, John J. Cochran Veterans Affairs Hospital, Lake Regional Hospital, Missouri Delta Medical Center, Phelps Health, Perry County Health System, Southeast Health, and St. Francis Medical Center, and University of Missouri Hospital Center also serve as clinical sites for our program.
Collaborative Study and Resources
Small class sizes create an ideal learning environment of collaboration and discovery. Webster also offers exceptional on-campus library services with a reference librarian assigned to the nurse anesthesia program.
Entry Level Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Program
Webster University's Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) entry degree program is a full-time, 36-month program. Admitted students begin in the Summer term at the end of May/beginning of June and graduate in May three years later. This degree includes an Emphasis in Health Administration, preparing the doctoral graduate for leadership roles within the profession.
DOCTOR OF NURSE ANESTHESIA PRACTICE
CRNA Completion Degree Program
Program Description
The DNAP with Emphasis in Health Administration completion degree assists the masters-prepared practicing CRNA with the opportunity to bridge their degree to the practice doctorate. The degree is offered in a 100% online platform to accommodate work schedules of practicing CRNAs. Consistent with the AACN guidelines and approval by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Programs, the DNAP focuses on equipping the nurse anesthetist with content areas that emphasize the clinical practice-oriented leadership through evidence-based research, quality improvement, intradepartmental collaboration and healthcare advocacy, policy, law, ethics, and organizational systems.
CRNA COMPLETION DEGREE
Nurse Anesthesia Department Academic Information
Webster University is accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) for the following degree offerings:
- Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice - Entry Level, program length of 36 months.
- Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice - Completion, program length of 15 months.
The program's next review by the COA is scheduled for May 2030.
Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA)
10275 W. Higgins Road
Suite 906
Rosemont, IL 60018-5603
Phone: 224-275-9130
Email: accreditation@coacrna.org
| Attrition Rates | Pass Rates | Employment Rates | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Cohort | 4% (23/24) | 92% first-time pass rate 100% overall pass rate |
100% |
| 2022 Cohort | 5% (18/19) | 64% first-time pass rate 100% overall pass rate |
100% |
| 2021 Cohort | 0% (22/22) | 64% first-time pass rate 100% overall pass rate |
100% |
| 2020 Cohort | 5% (18/19) | 83% first-time pass rate 100% overall pass rate |
100% |
| 2019 Cohort | 0% (17/17) | 88% first-time pass rate 100% overall pass rate |
100% |
| 2018 Cohort | 0% (16/16) | 88% first-time pass rate 100% overall pass rate |
100% |
| 2017 Cohort | 6% (16/17) | 94% first-time pass rate 100% overall pass rate |
100% |
| 2016 Cohort | 0% (18/18) | 100% first-time pass rate 100% overall pass rate |
100% |
The Webster University Nurse Anesthesia Program has an ethical responsibility for the safety of the patients with whom students and graduates will come into contact. Although students learn and work under the supervision of the faculty, students interact directly with patients throughout the anesthesia education process. Patient safety and well being are therefore major factors in establishing requirements involving the sensory, motor, cognitive and behavioral abilities and characteristics described herein as “performance standards.” The attributes encompassed in the performance standards are broad categories, and are required in order to function in a competent manner in settings that may involve long work hours, heavy workloads and stressful situations.
The Department of Nurse Anesthesia acknowledges the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Learn more about accomodations at Webster University.
Students need to have the physical and emotional endurance to adapt to a demanding graduate program. Successful progression through the Nurse Anesthesia program requires the following abilities:
- Discriminate variations in human responses to disease using visual, auditory, tactile and other sensory cues.
- Discriminate changes in monitoring devices and alarms using visual and auditory senses.
- Communicate clearly and effectively in English through oral and written methods in order to communicate with other health care providers and patients of all ages.
- Comprehend written and verbal communications in English.
- Coordinate gross and fine motor movements and the senses of touch and vision to competently and safely accomplish required responsibilities such as inserting intravascular access, administering regional anesthetic techniques and performing airway management techniques.
- Demonstrate sufficient physical strength to perform airway management, and move and position patients and equipment.
- Sufficient stamina to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time.
- Safely maneuver in the operating room and other anesthetizing locations.
- Respond appropriately to alarms and changes in patient conditions that require physical interventions.
- Use reason, analysis, calculations, problem solving, critical thinking, self-evaluation and other learning skills to acquire knowledge, comprehend, and synthesize complex concepts.
- Ability to discern and adhere to program and affiliate policies.
- Interpret information derived from auditory, written and other visual data to determine appropriate anesthetic management plans.
- Apply theoretical knowledge to practice to provide safe anesthetic care.
- Demonstrate personal and professional self-control as well as tactfulness, sensitivity, compassion, honesty, integrity, empathy and respect.
- Demonstrate cultural competency and situational awareness.
- Demonstrate the ability to adapt and work effectively in stressful and rapidly changing situations.
- Cooperate with other members of the health care team to provide a therapeutic environment and safe patient care.
Tuition and fees remain stable over the duration of enrollment (assuming continuous full-time enrollment is maintained) and are divided evenly throughout the program.
Tuition and fees listed reflect the class of 2024:
- Application Fee $125
- Tuition of $98,775 plus fees of $12,000 comes to $110,775 for the entire program.
Fees of $12,000 for the entire program include the following items:
- University graduation fee and regalia.
- Housing for out-of-town clinical rotations.
- Course laboratory and research supplies.
- Simulation equipment and supplies.
- Professional liability insurance (except for increases if uninsurable through the standard policy).
- Annual recertification courses including BLS, ACLS, PALS, OSHA requirements and blood-borne pathogens certification, and HIPAA requirements.
- One Self-Evaluation Exam (SEE).
- One National Certification Examination (NCE).
- Thesis binding and copying expenses with one copy provided to each student.
- Stipend to attend the AANA Annual Congress as a third-year student and possibly one other national meeting throughout the program.
Items not included within the tuition and fees structure include but are not limited to:
- Health insurance (students are required to have coverage).
- Parking (optional but recommended).
- Textbooks (required).
- AANA associate membership dues.
- Board Exam review course(s).
- University graduation fee.
Further information about tuition assistance can be obtained from the University's Office of Financial Aid.
In order to fulfill the graduate research project requirement, students must develop and execute a doctoral scholarly project. Webster University offers a variety of diverse and dynamic opportunities in the areas of research and evidence-based inquiry, including bench, clinical, survey research, policy and protocol analysis, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice analysis. In conjunction with our PhD biological sciences faculty, we are able to offer hands-on laboratory bench research involving anesthetic agents currently in use in the clinical setting. The strong support of our clinical sites allows our students to develop and direct research studies applicable to clinical practice. These types of opportunities are directed by anesthesia faculty at the clinical sites and provide evidence-based results with implications for the delivery of patient care. Survey research offers insight into the academic, psychosocial and environmental impact the specialty of nurse anesthesia has on individual patients, practitioners, etc. Policy and protocol analysis fosters the review and implementation of practices that support best patient outcomes.
The types of outcomes gleaned from this type of research can be utilized to improve our anesthesia programs and our clinical practice. We believe our research opportunities are among the most vibrant offered in any anesthesia program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthetists, and we are continuously looking for ways to expand research opportunities.
The DNAP Program is committed to providing service to the University, the community, the profession and the nation. Faculty and NA residents become members of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) and the Missouri Association of Nurse Anesthetists (MOANA). The program shows support by attending AANA and MOANA meetings, attending MOANA's Advocacy Day in Jefferson City and participating in an annual University service day. Our students are encouraged to serve in leadership roles within a variety of communities and organizations.
American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
Third-year students and faculty members attend the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) Annual Congress. The four-day conference is a great opportunity to gain insight and knowledge from leaders and innovators in the field of anesthesia. This conference combines clinical educational opportunities with informational sessions regarding patient safety, wellness, legislative issues and the business of the national organization.
Missouri Association of Nurse Anesthetists
As part of the educational experience at Webster, doctoral students also participate in multiple state professional activities through the Missouri Association of Nurse Anesthetists (MoANA). Professional involvement plays a vital role in the development of a well rounded CRNA.
Advocacy Day
Many CRNAs play an active role in influencing state and federal legislation concerning patient safety, accessibility to anesthesia services, and nurse anesthesia education and reimbursement issues. Every February, MOANA sponsors a day to meet with state legislators at the capitol building in Jefferson City. This function, Advocacy Day, is an opportunity for CRNAs to meet with their legislators and discuss issues vital to the profession of nurse anesthesia in the state of Missouri. Students play a key role in contacting and educating members of the Missouri Congress about CRNAs and proposed legislation affecting the practice of nurse anesthesia. It is a wonderful opportunity to get involved at the grassroots level and make a difference.
Other Meetings
In addition to the AANA Annual Congress, there are other opportunities to participate on the national level. There are three other meetings offered by the AANA on a yearly basis. The Assembly of Didactic and Clinical Educators is a meeting held in February of every year that offers informational sessions for nurse anesthesia educators and program administrators. This is an opportunity to meet other educators and share ideas. Students having an interest in pursuing a career as a nurse anesthesia educator are afforded the opportunity to attend this meeting.
Every April, the Mid-Year Assembly is held in Washington, D.C. This meeting is very similar to the advocacy day event held at the state level. CRNA's who attend this meeting are educated on the current or proposed federal legislation that has the potential to affect nurse anesthesia practice. Students with desire to influence policy decisions are encouraged to attend this meeting. The result of attendance at the Mid-Year Assembly is a better understanding of the effects of the decisions made in Washington on CRNA education funding and practice.
The Fall Leadership Academy is held in November. This meeting focuses on developing strong effective leaders for the state organizations. Any student with aspirations of leadership at the state level should consider attending this event.
National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists
The National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to promoting patient safety by enhancing provider quality in the field of nurse anesthesia. They accomplish their mission through the development and implementation of credentialing programs that support lifelong learning among nurse anesthetists.
Many students are interested in learning more about our Nurse Anesthesia program and the field in general. To that end, we offer prospective students the opportunity to attend our All-Class Conference (ACC). This Conference is held regularly during the academic year from 2–4 p.m. in the Browning Hall, Interdisciplinary Science Building auditorium (ISB 160) located on our Webster Groves main campus. Please RSVP to your admissions counselor or directly to the Nurse Anesthesia Department at 314-246-5927.
Location: Webster University Main Campus
Browning Hall, ISB 160
(Location may vary)
8274 Big Bend Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63119
Time: 1:30–2 p.m. Pre All-Class Conference (Question-and-answer session for prospective
students)
2–4 p.m. All-Class Conference
Dates: (subject to change)
Oct 5, 2023
Dec 7, 2023
For further questions about the All-Class Conference, please contact the Nurse Anesthesia
Department at 314-246-5927.
Frequently Asked Questions
Approximately 60-80 applicants complete the admissions process per year. The Admissions
Committee invites 40-45 of the most qualified applicants for an on-campus interview.
We admit up to 24 students each year. A few select applicants are placed on a wait
list should a student have to withdraw from the program for any reason.
The most competitive applicants will have a strong and recent (within the last 5-6
years) academic background in courses such as physics, biochemistry, and organic chemistry,
with grades of B or better. They also will have a strong professional background as
a registered nurse in an acute care setting, obtained by working in an ICU and evidenced
by their CCRN certification.
Applications must be postmarked by June 1, with interviews to be scheduled in August or September. Interviews take place on the Webster Groves, Missouri campus, and students will be notified within two weeks of interviews regarding their admission status. The admitted cohort will begin the following Summer term.
- Purpose statement
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- Nursing license
- Current copies of your ACLS, BLS, PALS, and CCRN and any other continuing education certifications
- Official transcripts for any course taken since last applying to the program
Re-applicants do not need to:
- Submit new application, unless personal information has changed after submission of the previous application
- Pay another application fee
- Submit a new CRNA shadow verification form
- Request official transcripts submitted for a previous application year (unless the transcripts are more than 3 years old)
Clinical rotations begin in the Summer term of the second year in the program. In the first year, students are in class for full days Monday-Thursday with clinical simulation held multiple times per week. In the second year, students are in class two days a week with three days spent in clinicals. The last year students have one day of class and four days of clinicals. There will also be some on-call hours later in the program.
We highly encourage students to seek opportunities for outside sources of funding by creating a student profile on www.fastweb.com. For additional questions or to schedule an appointment with a financial aid counselor, contact the Financial Aid Office at 314-968-6992, or 1-800-983-4623.
Absolutely. Prospective students and applicants who have questions about the program and the admission process may contact our Nurse Anesthesia admission counselors. Please note that counselors are assigned based on applicant last name.
Associate Director of Graduate Admissions
Email lionelwhite@webster.edu
Phone 314-246-7931
The following prerequisite courses are required:
- Organic chemistry (3 credits) OR Biochemistry (3 credits): This course should not include any general chemistry content. A good indicator of this is a general chemistry prerequisite for the course. Courses that include general chemistry content (typically found in the title or course description) will not be accepted. Courses that combine organic and bio-chemistry are acceptable, but again there should be no mention of general chemistry content in the course title or description.
- Physics (3 credits): college-level, algebra-based (calculus-based not recommended but acceptable)
Browning Hall
Browning Hall is located next to Pearson House off of Big Bend Boulevard at the northeast corner of the Webster Groves campus.
8274 Big Bend Blvd.
Webster Groves, MO 63119
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