Introduction: If you’re considering a career as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) in Missouri, it’s important to find the right educational program to help you achieve your goals. CRNAs are advanced practice registered nurses who administer anesthesia and provide critical care services. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about Crna, the top CRNA colleges in Missouri, highlighting their programs, admission requirements, and the salary and career outlook in the state.
Choosing the right school to study crna in, puts you on the right path to starting your career as a nurse anesthetist, so here are a list of the top schools in Missouri for a crna program:
1. Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice, Missouri State University
The Doctorate of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) program at Missouri State University was awarded maximum accreditation of 10 years.
The program offers comprehensive coursework and clinical experiences to prepare students for a successful career as a CRNA.
Missouri State University offers an online option for earning the DNAP degree, which is the highest level of training and expertise in nurse anesthesia.
Curriculum: The curriculum is comprehensive and covers a wide range of topics including anesthesia pharmacology, physiology, pathophysiology, and anesthesia techniques. Students also gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations in diverse surgical specialties, including general surgery, obstetrics, pediatrics, and more.
Clinical Experience: Minnesota State University, offers unparalleled clinical exposure and opportunities. As part of their training, students have the privilege of working alongside world-class medical professionals in state-of-the-art facilities. This clinical experience not only enhances their skills and knowledge but also provides them with a unique perspective on patient care and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Research and Innovation: The Minnesota State University and Science has a strong emphasis on research, and this culture extends to the CRNA program as well. Students are encouraged to engage in scholarly activities and contribute to the advancement of anesthesia practice.
2. Goldfarb School of Nursing- St. Louis, Missouri
Goldfarb School of Nursing, located in St. Louis, offers various CRNA degrees and programs.
The school provides a rigorous curriculum and hands-on clinical experiences to prepare students for the challenges of the profession.
The CRNA program at Goldfarb School of Nursing is a full-time, 36-month program. It includes didactic coursework, hands-on clinical experiences, and a research component.
Curriculum:
The curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in anesthesia theory and practice. Courses cover topics such as pharmacology, physiology, patient assessment, anesthesia techniques, and pain management. Students also engage in clinical rotations to gain practical experience in various healthcare settings.
The program boasts a team of experienced and dedicated faculty members who are experts in the field of anesthesia. They provide guidance, mentorship, and support throughout the program.
Admission Requirements:
•Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a related field from an accredited institution.
•Candidates must possess a current, unrestricted registered nurse (RN) license in the United States.
•Prior experience in critical care nursing is required, typically a minimum of one to two years.
•Applicants are required to submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores.
•Two letters of recommendation from healthcare professionals who can speak to the applicant’s qualifications and potential for success in the program.
•A well-crafted personal statement outlining the applicant’s interest in nurse anesthesia and career goals is required.
Clinical Experiences:
Students gain hands-on experience in a wide range of clinical settings, including hospitals, surgical centers, and specialty clinics. These rotations provide opportunities to work alongside experienced CRNAs and anesthesiologists.
Goldfarb School of Nursing also offers state-of-the-art simulation labs where students can practice and refine their anesthesia skills in a controlled environment.
Students have the opportunity to engage in research projects and contribute to the advancement of anesthesia practice
3. Webster University- Saint Louis
Webster University in Saint Louis offers a CRNA program for aspiring nurse anesthetists.
The program focuses on providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the field of anesthesia.
The CRNA program at Webster University is a full-time, 36-month program. It includes didactic coursework, hands-on clinical experiences, and a research component.
Curriculum:
The curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in anesthesia theory and practice. Courses cover topics such as pharmacology, physiology, patient assessment, anesthesia techniques, and pain management. Students also engage in clinical rotations to gain practical experience in various healthcare settings.
The program boasts a team of experienced and dedicated faculty members who are experts in the field of anesthesia. They provide guidance, mentorship, and support throughout the program.
Admission Requirements:
•Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a related field from an accredited institution.
•Candidates must possess a current, unrestricted registered nurse (RN) license in the United States.
•Prior experience in critical care nursing is required, typically a minimum of one to two years.
•Applicants are required to submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores.
•Two letters of recommendation from healthcare professionals who can speak to the applicant’s qualifications and potential for success in the program.
•A well-crafted personal statement outlining the applicant’s interest in nurse anesthesia and career goals is required.
Clinical Experiences:
Students gain hands-on experience in a wide range of clinical settings, including hospitals, surgical centers, and specialty clinics. These rotations provide opportunities to work alongside experienced CRNAs and anesthesiologists.
Webster University also offers state-of-the-art simulation labs where students can practice and refine their anesthesia skills in a controlled environment.
Students also have the opportunity to engage in research projects and contribute to the advancement of anesthesia practice
4. University of Missouri- Kansas City
The UMKC School of Nursing and Health Studies is affiliated with University Health Truman Medical Center School of Nurse Anesthesia.
Students in this program receive a Certificate of Completion in Nurse Anesthesia upon graduation.
University of Missouri offers a BSN-DNP CRNA program, which stands for Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice with a specialization in Nurse Anesthesia. This program is designed for registered nurses who hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and wish to further their education in the field of nurse anesthesia.
University of Missouri’s CRNA program is closely affiliated with the University Health Truman Medical Center School of Nurse Anesthesia. This affiliation ensures that students receive comprehensive training and access to a rich clinical environment.
Curriculum: The CRNA program at University of Missouri follows a rigorous curriculum that combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experiences. Students gain a deep understanding of advanced physiology, pharmacology, and anesthesia principles. The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, decision-making, and technical skills necessary for providing safe and effective anesthesia care.
Clinical Rotations:
UMKC’s CRNA program offers extensive clinical rotations at various healthcare facilities, providing students with the opportunity to gain diverse experiences in anesthesia practice. Clinical rotations take place at University Health Truman Medical Center and other affiliated hospitals and healthcare institutions. These rotations allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings, working alongside experienced anesthesia professionals.
Faculty Expertise: The faculty members at UMKC’s CRNA program are highly experienced and dedicated to educating future nurse anesthetists. They are committed to providing mentorship and guidance to students throughout their educational journey.
Admission Requirements:
•Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a related field from an accredited institution.
•Candidates must possess a current, unrestricted registered nurse (RN) license in the United States.
•Prior experience in critical care nursing is required, typically a minimum of one to two years.
•Applicants are required to submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores.
•Two letters of recommendation from healthcare professionals who can speak to the applicant’s qualifications and potential for success in the program.
•A well-crafted personal statement outlining the applicant’s interest in nurse anesthesia and career goals is required.
CRNA Career Outlook in Missouri
The average Certified Nurse Anesthetist salary in Missouri is $201,279 as of September, 2023. However, the salary range typically falls between $187,152 and $217,299.
The average hourly pay for a CRNA in Missouri is $105.40.
Missouri nurse anesthetists earn 5% lower than the national average salary for CRNAs, at $202,470 per year or $97.34 per hour.
The highest paying city for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists near Missouri is Springfield, MO, with a reported salary of $263,000 per year.
CRNAs are in demand in the healthcare industry, including in Missouri. The field of anesthesia continues to grow, and CRNAs play a crucial role in providing anesthesia care to patients.
With the increasing demand for healthcare services, there are opportunities for CRNAs to find employment in hospitals, surgical centers, and other healthcare facilities in Missouri.
Conclusion
Choosing the right CRNA college in Missouri is a crucial step towards launching a successful career in nurse anesthesia. The programs mentioned above are among the top choices in the state, offering comprehensive coursework, hands-on experiences, and excellent faculty. Make sure to review the specific admission requirements and consider factors such as location, program length, and your individual career goals when making your decision. Good luck on your journey towards becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist!