Wegmans School of Nursing’s New CRNA Doctoral Program Earns Accreditation
The Wegmans School of Nursing at St. John Fisher University received accreditation for its new Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia and Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
The program earned full five-year accreditation through the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, which is nationally recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The University’s first cohort of the program will begin study in January 2025.
A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) can administer anesthesia, assist with pain management, and ensure patients are safe and comfortable before, during, and after surgical and complex medical procedures. Historically, nurse anesthesia programs have only needed to offer a master’s degree to become CRNAs; however, beginning in 2025, all nurse anesthesia programs will be required to hold a doctoral degree to enter the profession. Fisher’s program will provide doctoral preparation for nurses seeking to become CRNAs and adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioners (AGACNPs).
“The launch of the CRNA program marks a transformative milestone for Fisher and the Wegmans School of Nursing. This program embodies our mission to prepare exceptional, compassionate health care leaders while addressing critical needs in our community,” said Dr. Tricia Gatlin, dean of the School. “By educating nurse anesthetists equipped with advanced clinical skills and a deep commitment to service, we are not only expanding opportunities for our students but also enhancing the health and well-being of those we serve. This initiative reflects our dedication to fostering excellence, advancing education, and improving access to care for all.”
The full-time, 36-month (nine semester) program is designed for nurses with experience in critical care settings. Facilitated through the Glover-Crask Simulation Center at the Wegmans School of Nursing, students will utilize augmented reality, virtual reality, low and high-fidelity simulation to enhance and prepare for various scenarios they will encounter in the clinical setting. Students will also complete a minimum of 2,600 clinical hours, with 600 of those clinical hours allocated to the role of an AGACNP. Having clinical experience in both acute care and anesthesia care, graduates will be able to deliver comprehensive anesthesia and inpatient hospital services in urban and rural areas. Graduates from the program will be eligible for board certification as an AGACNP and CRNA.
“Achieving accreditation is a testament to the excellence and dedication of the University to nurse anesthesia education,” said Dr. Eric Ledwin, founding director of the program. “We look forward to working with our community partners to empower the next generation of nurse anesthetists to provide safe, innovative, and compassionate care. We have the opportunity to shape the future of health care with a team of highly skilled and dedicated nursing professionals.”
To learn more, call the Office of Admissions at (585) 385-8064 or visit the program’s website.