Admin
If you are considering a career as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) in Tennessee, you have several excellent options for CRNA Colleges in the state. This article will provide you with a comprehensive overview of CRNA Colleges in Tennessee, including their programs, admission requirements, and other essential details.
1. Caylor School of Nursing at Lincoln Memorial University:
The Caylor School of Nursing at Lincoln Memorial University offers a CRNA program in Tennessee.
The program provides a rigorous curriculum and prepares students to become advanced practice nurse anesthetists.
The Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Anesthesia program at the Caylor School of Nursing is currently transitioning to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the Caylor School of Nursing CRNA program is comprehensive and covers a wide range of topics essential for nurse anesthesia practice. Some key areas covered in the curriculum include:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Principles of Anesthesia
- Pathophysiology
- Advanced Health Assessment
- Research Methods
- Nurse Anesthesia Practice
Clinical Experiences: The Caylor School of Nursing recognizes the importance of clinical experiences in the education of CRNAs. The program provides students with a variety of clinical rotations in different healthcare settings, allowing them to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. These clinical experiences are supervised by experienced CRNAs and anesthesiologists, providing valuable hands-on learning opportunities.
Admission Requirements: To be eligible for the Caylor School of Nursing CRNA program, applicants must meet certain requirements, which may include:
•Hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited institution.
•Have an active RN license in the state of Tennessee or a compact state.
•Have a minimum of one year of critical care nursing experience.
•Submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
•Provide letters of recommendation from healthcare professionals.
•Complete an interview with the program faculty.
Faculty and Resources: The Caylor School of Nursing boasts a dedicated and experienced faculty who are committed to providing quality education and mentorship to students. The school also offers access to modern simulation labs, libraries, and other resources to enhance the learning experience and support student success.
2. Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia
The Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia is another reputable CRNA college in Tennessee.
Their program is designed to equip registered nurses with the expertise needed to provide safe and effective anesthesia care.
Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia offers graduate-level nurse anesthesia programs, including a Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia (MS) program and a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) program.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia CRNA program is rigorous and comprehensive. It covers a wide range of topics essential for nurse anesthesia practice, including anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, principles of anesthesia, pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, research methods, and nurse anesthesia practice. The program aims to provide students with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills necessary for their future careers as CRNAs.
Clinical Experiences: MTSA recognizes the importance of clinical experiences in the education of CRNAs. The program provides students with extensive clinical rotations in various healthcare settings, allowing them to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. These clinical experiences are supervised by experienced CRNAs and anesthesiologists, providing valuable hands-on learning opportunities.
Admission Requirements: To be eligible for the Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia CRNA program, applicants must meet certain requirements, which may include:
• Hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited institution.
• Have an active RN license.
• Have a minimum of one year of critical care nursing experience.
• Submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
3. University of Tennessee Knoxville:
The University of Tennessee Knoxville offers a Nurse Anesthesia Concentration (NAC) program.
This BSN-to-DNP 38-month program prepares graduates to become CRNAs.
Students receive a well-rounded education and are awarded the necessary credentials to practice as nurse anesthetists.
Curriculum: The 123-credit coursework covers topics such as statistical methods for healthcare research, advanced clinical pharmacology, principles of population health, nursing leadership, evidence-based practice, health system finance, and health & healthcare. In addition, the program includes seven anesthesia clinical practicum courses and nurse anesthesia seminars. Upon completion of this certified registered nurse anesthetist program in Tennessee, students are eligible to take the CRNA certification exam.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for the University of Tennessee Knoxville’s BSN to DNP-CRNA program, your BSN must be accredited and your GPA must be at least 3.0. Also, you must have active ACLS and PALS certifications. Further, you must have at least one year of work experience in critical care. Also, you must submit your resume, transcripts, recommendation letters, and a personal goal statement.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential University of Tennessee-Knoxville CRNA Students
• University of Tennessee-Knoxville CRNA program boasts of an excellent placement rate, having all of its graduates find suitable placements within six months of graduation.
• University of Tennessee-Knoxville CRNA program reports a very low attrition rate, indicating an excellent educational experience that most students are satisfied with. Further, the 100% pass rate on the CRNA certification exam reinforces the positive outcome of this CRNA program.
• The University of Tennessee-Knoxville CRNA students practice clinical skills at the advanced medical simulation center where they regularly interact with physicians and students from other healthcare fields. The interprofessional learning experiences enhance team skills, critical thinking, and clinical decision-making
4. University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s College of Nursing:
The College of Nursing at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center offers a Post-BSN DNP Nurse Anesthesiology Concentration.
This program is accredited and provides students with the knowledge and skills required for a successful career as a CRNA.
CRNA program spans 36 months and is available only on a full-time basis.
Curriculum: The 100-credit CRNA program comprises DNP and anesthesia-specific courses. The core DNP courses cover topics such as leadership & health policy, healthcare economics, advanced health assessment, epidemiology, physiology/pathology, and the basic and advanced principles of nursing anesthesia. This CRNA program in Tennessee also entails completing nursing anesthesia practicum experiences at the school’s clinical affiliates.
While the first four semesters are dedicated to didactic courses, the clinical experiences start in the fifth semester onwards. In fact, the final four semesters are entirely committed to clinical training. The clinical training takes place at a variety of clinical sites in Memphis and the Mid-South area. Students practice anesthesia skills in a variety of specializations, including cardiothoracic, pediatric, oncology, OB, trauma, pain management, and burn. Also, the clinical experiences include a rural clinical site.
Admission Requirements: The University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s CRNA program is open to BSN graduates with a GPA of at least 3.0. Further, this CRNA program in Tennessee requires you to have an active RN license in TN. To fulfill the admission requirements, you must be prepared to submit your resume, an essay, official transcripts, and letters of recommendation.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential University of Tennessee Health Science Center CRNA Students
• The University of Tennessee Health Science Center has earned acclaim for its doctoral education and ranks among the U.S. News & World Report’s best DNP programs in the nation.
• The University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s CRNA program boasts of an excellent outcome. With a 0% attrition rate, the program reports a 100% pass rate on the CRNA certification exam and a 100% placement rate, having all graduates employed within six months of graduation.
• The University of Tennessee Health Science Center nursing school has earned the distinction of being the first college of nursing in TN. Further, the school is designated as a Center of Excellence by the NLN. Leading nursing education in the state, the school’s CRNA program is consistent with its high standards of education.
5. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga:
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Nurse Anesthesia program.
This program spans 36 months (3 years) of full-time study and prepares students for advanced practice in nurse anesthesia.
Curriculum: The DNP-NA program, leading to the CRNA certification requires completing 83 credits and 2100 clinical hours. The three-year program is offered only on a full-time basis.
During the first year of study, you’ll take classes in epidemiology, biostatistics, ethics & equity, pharmacology, physiology, research methods for evidence-based practice, pharmacology, physiology, and physical assessment.
In the second year, you’ll learn about leadership in complex healthcare systems, anesthesia professional issues, healthcare policy & economics, and anesthesia principles and concepts. In the second year onwards, you also complete anesthesia practicum courses.
In the third year of the program, you’ll mainly complete anesthesia practicum and anesthesia seminar courses. The clinical experiences which form the main component of the final year, offer students clinical training in various types of healthcare settings and specialties. Upon completion of this CRNA program in Tennessee, you’ll be eligible to take the nurse anesthesia certification exam.
Admission Requirements: The admission process for the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga is competitive. To qualify, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The program also requires you to have an active RN license in TN. Also, at least two years of critical care work experience is required. Applicants must also have active certifications in BLS, ACLS, and PALS.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential University of Tennessee-Chattanooga CRNA Students
• The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga CRNA students practice clinical skills at clinical sites where nurse anesthesia students do not share space with anesthesiology residents, providing them exclusive practice time.
• The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga CRNA students participate in unique clinical learning experiences that happen at the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. The learning happens in the distance format through video conferencing, having students from Chattanooga participate in NMMC’s clinical rotations, without having to travel. Well, NMMC is the nation’s largest non-metropolitan hospital.
• The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga CRNA program offers several financial aid options for CRNA students to make their education affordable.
Crna Career Outlook in Tennessee
The average hourly pay for a CRNA in Tennessee is $118.64 as of October 2, 2023.
The average salary range for a Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) in Tennessee typically falls between $180,600 and $209,700.
Nurse anesthetists in Nashville, Tennessee earn approximately 12% lower than the national average salary for CRNAs, with an average salary of $202,470 or $97.34 per hour.
Conclusion:
CRNA colleges in Tennessee provide aspiring nurse anesthetists with excellent educational opportunities. Whether you choose the Caylor School of Nursing at Lincoln Memorial University, Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia, the University of Tennessee Knoxville, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s College of Nursing, or the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, you can expect a rigorous curriculum, extensive clinical experiences, and the necessary preparation to excel in the field of anesthesia. Choose the CRNA college that aligns with your goals and embark on your journey towards becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist in Tennessee.
