What is a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA)?
A CRNA is a registered nurse that has received at least 27 months of extensive graduate level education in the scientific topics related to the practice of anesthesia. Following the completion of a nurse anesthesia program, graduates take a certification examination administered by the Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists. Passing results of the certification exam allows the registered nurse to be designated Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). In order for a registered nurse to practice anesthesia, they must become certified within a time frame specified by the board of nursing in the state they wish to practice.
Will there be a job available for graduates of the program?
Nurse anesthetists are important providers of anesthesia. Although the job market fluctuates from year to year, graduates of the program have not had problems finding employment over the last several years. This has been true for the southeast as well as most of the other geographical regions of the U.S.
Where do nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia?
CRNAs administer anesthesia in all settings where surgical procedures are being performed. This includes hospitals of all sizes, as well as outpatient clinics and physicians' offices.
Does the UAB Nurse Anesthesia Program have part-time students or allow for courses to be taken prior to matriculation?
The UAB Nurse Anesthesia Program enrolls only full-time students. At present, the only course that students are allowed to take for program credit prior to matriculation is the Nurse Anesthesia Research and Statistics course (NA 600) usually available to non-degree seeking students in the spring semester.
Can I get credit toward the MNA from previous graduate courses taken?
Because the practice of anesthesia is so specialized, the only class which you may receive advanced standing for is a graduate level research and statistics (R&S) course. If the R&S course was applied to a previous degree, you will not receive credit for that course towards the MNA but you will be exempt from taking the Nurse Anesthesia R&S course (you will meet requirements for graduation with 3 less credits). If the R&S course was not applied to another degree (i.e., if you took it as a non-degree seeking student) you will receive credit for that course towards the MNA. This includes the NA600 course you can take online through our program as a non degree seeking student (http://main.uab.edu/shrp/default.aspx?pid=119752)
What is considered "critical care" nursing experience?
Critical care nurses are those caring for critically ill patients who require invasive monitoring and the administration of vasoactive drugs. Critical care units that usually provide this type of experience are coronary care units, medical or surgical ICUs, and postoperative cardiovascular units. Other working environments and arrangements may be acceptable; however, they must be approved by the program. Since answers to questions involving critical care experience sometimes involve explanation and interpretation, applicants are encouraged to contact the program by phone if they have questions. (205) 934-3209
Is preference given to applicants who are from Alabama?
The admissions committee for the program does not consider the home state of the applicant in making acceptance decisions. All decisions are based solely on the application (including academic record, references, and professional experience) and interview of the applicant.
Are all the clinical sites for the Program located in central Alabama?
The program presently has 8 program components: a central component in Birmingham and seven regional components located in Alabama (Dothan, Huntsville, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, and Mobile), Mississippi (Jackson), and Florida (Pensacola). Applicants select a component on their application and are considered for admission into that component only. Applicants may only apply to one program component per admission cycle. Students applying to the central component will interview in Birmingham while students applying to regional components will interview at the respective site. Regardless of component, all students must attend daily classes at UAB for the first 10 months of the program before beginning clinical rotations at their respective program component.
How do I improve myself as a candidate for admissions to UAB Program of Nurse Anesthesia?
Click here to download a document that has suggestions for enhancing your candidacy.
How do I calculate my combined GPA
Click here for detailed instructions on how to calculate your GPA. Click here to download a sample MS Excel template you can use for calculations.
Where is the UAB Nurse Anesthesia Program Supplemental Application for me to complete?
You can access the supplemental application by clicking here.
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