Ohio University launches new nurse anesthesia program in partnership with OhioHealth

Ohio University's College of Health Sciences and Professions is addressing the growing demand for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) nationwide with a new anesthesia program in collaboration with OhioHealth Grant Medical Center. This initiative will equip registered nurses with the expertise and clinical skills needed to excel in this critical healthcare role.

The 36-month, full-time, BSN-DNP program operates as a track within the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Ohio University. Combining academic rigor with hands-on training facilitated by OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, the comprehensive program offers a blend of online courses, in-person classroom sessions, and simulation laboratory experiences with 2,000 hours of supervised clinical rotations at the Dublin Integrated Education Center or the simulation center at Grant Medical Center in Columbus.

“The Nurse Anesthesia program is a great addition to Ohio University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice, but it represents so much more,” said John McCarthy, Dean of the College of Health Science and Professions. “It is part of a strong and continued partnership with Ohio University and OhioHealth.”

This collaborative approach ensures students receive a comprehensive education grounded in both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, preparing them to effectively manage patient care in complex surgical settings. After completing the program, students are eligible to take the national certification exam, which would allow them to administer anesthesia in various healthcare settings.

The partnership offers a key advantage to students providing access to experienced preceptors at OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, a renowned healthcare facility with a commitment to advanced practice nursing education at a total of 11 clinical sites.

“This program also illustrates why Ohio University has the #1 nursing school in the state – we are always building and refining our programs to offer the full range of practice to future nurses and to meet healthcare demands at all levels in Ohio,” said McCarthy.

Currently a national shortage exists in specialty nursing areas, including nurse anesthesia. This trend is anticipated to rise due to an aging population with increasing healthcare complexities. Ohio University nursing graduates enjoy a strong reputation among healthcare institutions in Ohio and surrounding areas.

“OhioHealth and Ohio University have enjoyed a long and successful working relationship throughout the years,” Michael Lawson, president, OhioHealth Grant Medical Center said.  “This specific program and partnership are extremely important, opening the pipeline to a critical need for talent at Grant Medical Center in this field.”

The program will welcome its first cohort of 25 students in fall 2024. Applications will be accepted in March 2024, with a deadline of June 3. Applicants must have the equivalent of two years full time experience working as an RN within the past five years, including a minimum of one (1) year full-time experience (or its part-time equivalent) as a registered nurse in a critical care setting within the last three years by the application deadline. They will also be required to have their CCRN certificate.

The program is pending initial accreditation from the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA). The decision from the COA will be made at its May 22-24 meeting.

Details about the program, eligibility, application process, and how to request more information are available at ohio.edu/nurse-anesthesia.