Nurse Anesthesia

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Program Overview

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in nurse anesthesia concentration is a full-time, 36-month program that prepares students as expert clinicians for every stage and setting in which anesthesia is delivered to patients. Students gain hands-on experience in a variety of regional (neuraxial and peripheral block) and general anesthesia techniques under the supervision of certified registered nurse anesthetists and MD faculty. From routine surgical cases, to trauma, to major burn situations, you'll work on a variety of scenarios to expertly prepare you for the challenges that lie ahead.

In addition to becoming skilled clinicians, graduates are prepared to be healthcare leaders who can care for a variety of patients within their specialty, while using a cross-population perspective to assess, manage, and evaluate common problems. Graduates will apply knowledge about organizations, business management, information technology, and policy-making to improve systems of healthcare delivery. They are also prepared to assume a variety of leadership roles, including executive positions in healthcare organizations, directors of clinical programs, and university-based faculty positions with a clinical focus.

The Fairfield University Nurse Anesthesia Program was re-accredited in 2021 by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) and is currently accredited through Spring 2031. Individuals requesting additional information can contact the council at 10275 W. Higgins Road, Suite 906, Rosemont, IL 60018-5602 or phone (847) 655-1160. View a complete list of COA accredited programs.

Sneak Peek | Fairfield University School of Nursing and Health Studies

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Nurse Anesthesia – Austin, Texas

Please note, as a new location, our DNP Nurse Anesthesia program based in Austin, TX has been fully accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.

Applicants for both locations – Fairfield, CT and Austin, TX – must apply through NursingCAS. The application will be available on NursingCAS beginning on January 1 and will close on August 1 for the following summer enrollment. Only applications submitted and verified by August 1 will be considered.

Fairfield Egan Fast Facts

Top 100
 Best Grad Nursing Programs

– U.S. News & World Report

Top 2
Doctorate of Nursing Practice in Connecticut

- U.S. News & World Report

Top 5%
Best Nursing Schools in the Nation
- College Factual
#1
Best Nursing Practice Doctor's Degree Schools in the New England Region
- College Factual

Requirements & Curriculum

Required Courses

Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Advanced Healthcare Policy
Research Methods for Evidenced-Based Practice
Advanced Nursing Roles and Reflective Practice
Social and Behavioral Determinants of Health
Research Translation for Clinical Practice
Finance and Quality Management in Healthcare Organizations
Information Technology for Healthcare Improvement
Leadership and Interprofessional Collaboration
DNP Immersion
DNP Seminar I
DNP Seminar II
Advanced Health Assessment
Advanced Pharmacology
Advanced Pathophysiology for Anesthesia Practice
Human Anatomy and Physiology for Nurse Anesthetists
Chemistry and Physics for Nurse Anesthetists
Pharmacologic Strategies in Anesthesia Practice
Principles of Nurse Anesthesia Practice I
Principles of Nurse Anesthesia Practice II
Clinical Orientation and Specialty Rotations
Regional Anesthesia and Pain Management in Clinical Practice
Principles of Nurse Anesthesia Practice III
Clinical Correlation Conference
Principles of Nurse Anesthesia Practice IV
Nurse Anesthesia Residency I
Nurse Anesthesia Residency II
Nurse Anesthesia Residency III
Nurse Anesthesia Residency IV
Nurse Anesthesia Residency V

The program is 100 credits comprised of didactic, simulation, and clinical courses. Simulation is incorporated across the curriculum, and clinical experiences begin after the first year with the Transition to Nurse Anesthesia Residency, followed by Nurse Anesthesia Residencies I-V. Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the certification examination administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists.

A detailed list of course requirements, offerings, and more can be viewed in the University’s course catalog.

Clinical Affiliations

Nurse anesthesia students spend 21 months in clinical learning alongside CRNAs and anesthesiologists. Clinical hour requirements average 32–40 hours of operating room time per week and by graduation, graduates exceed the minimum clinical requirements set forth by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA). The COA requires a minimum of 2,000 clinical hours and 650 cases for graduation. Students move throughout their clinical experiences utilizing graduated clinical privilege levels allowing for more autonomy and independence as they progress.

Students obtain their clinical experience at the following approved clinical sites. Students gain hands on experience with general, regional, and peripheral nerve block techniques under the close supervision of a supportive team of CRNA and MD clinical faculty. In addition to routine cases, our nurse anesthesia students gain experience in trauma, major burn, and high-risk obstetrical cases. Enrichment rotations are provided to further enhance clinical experiences and cases. Students will rotate to a minimum of two clinical sites during their clinical rotations.

Accreditations & History

The Fairfield University Nurse Anesthesia Program is fully accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) through May 2031.

Fairfield University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (formerly the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education in the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.) The Egan School of Nursing & Health Studies is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education through 2027.

Our 36-month, full-time program offers a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a concentration in nurse anesthesia through Fairfield University. Upon graduation, the student will be eligible to take the National Certifying Examination (NCE) to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

Our DNP Nurse Anesthesia program based in Austin, TX has been fully approved by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.

1963 The Bridgeport Hospital School of Nurse Anesthesia opened in conjunction with Bridgeport Anesthesia Associates.
1964 1st graduating class consisted of only 2 students.
1985 The program became affiliated with the Graduate Biology Department at Southern Connecticut State University. Students graduated with a Masters Degree in Biology and a certificate in Nurse Anesthesia.
2007 The program left its affiliation with Southern and paired with Fairfield University.  Students graduated with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
2011 The program accepted its first Doctoral class.  Students are now awarded their Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) upon completion of the program.
2012 The program partnered with Waterbury Hospital and Northern Westchester Hospital to provide clinical experiences to our SRNAs.
2013 The last MSN cohort graduated.
2014 The first DNP cohort graduated.
2014 Danbury Hospital became a clinical site for the program.
2018 Johns Hopkins Hospital and Park Avenue Medical Center became clinical sites for the program.
2019 Norwalk Hospital became a clinical site for the program.
2020 Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center was added as a clinical site.
2020

Stamford Hospital and Bristol Hospital were added as clinical sites.

2021

New York Presbyterian-Queens, Saint Francis Hospital, Saint Mary's Hospital, and Mercy Medical Center were added as clinical sites.

2021

Fairfield University Nurse Anesthesia received it's 10-year reaccreditation from the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. 

2022

The program changed it's name to Fairfield University Nurse Anesthesia Program. 

2024 Our Nurse Anesthesia Program in our Austin, TX campus became fully accredited  by the Council on Accreditation. 

Stag Spotlight

Rose Calvo headshot

Rose Calvo

DNP’20, RN, BSN, SRNA

Get to Know Rose

What were your reasons for choosing Fairfield University for your advanced degree?
I chose Fairfield University for my advanced degree for many reasons. First, Fairfield’s Nurse Anesthesia Program has a long record of success. Graduates from this program are extremely well prepared to enter the workforce and meaningfully contribute to the field. The leadership at Fairfield U. is exceptional; our professors are always looking to advance our educational experiences in innovative ways. Finally, the facilities at the Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies are state-of-the-art. We have multiple simulation labs, including two operating rooms where students can practice giving anesthesia to simulated patients of all ages.

What have you liked about your Fairfield education?
I have really enjoyed learning the finer details of anesthesia from my professors, preceptors, and classmates. Fairfield U. combines strong didactic courses with first-rate clinical experiences. It was also one of the first programs in the country to adopt a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) curriculum. I know that I will graduate with the knowledge and skills I need to be a safe and competent anesthesia provider, and one day, a leader in the field.

My classmates and I also appreciate that Fairfield U. supplements our education with fun ways to unwind and get to know each other. We have enjoyed many GradStag events, from free pizza at the Levee, to trivia and paint nights

What would you tell someone considering an advanced degree at Fairfield?
There are many great graduate schools out there; however, Fairfield U. is unique because it melds excellent academics with formative clinical experiences, small class sizes, and access to a wealth of extra-curricular activities. Moreover, Fairfield U. attracts fantastic people. My classmates are an extraordinarily smart and compassionate group of individuals, and they have made this experience infinitely better.

How has working toward your advanced degree at Fairfield affected your life?
Working toward my DNP in the field of nurse anesthesia has required dedication and perseverance. Simply, there is so much to learn, and so many skills to master before a student earns the title of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). While the academic and clinical schedule can sometimes be grueling, I have done my best to find a balance between school and my personal life. I have also made many lasting relationships with classmates and preceptors. While learning the art of anesthesia is certainly challenging, it is a process that is worth the sacrifices. For me, it has truly been a transformative experience.

Juan Farfan headshot

Juan Farfan

DNP’20, BSN, RN, CCRN

Get to Know Juan

What were your reasons for choosing Fairfield University for your advanced degree?
I choose Fairfield University for my advanced degree because I have always heard great things about the program from current students and graduates. Also, CRNAs from Fairfield University have a respected reputation throughout the state and country.

What have you liked about your Fairfield education?
I like that I feel like I am part of a small family, where the director and assistant director of the program really care about. My professors are extremely experienced CRNAs who are always available and willing to help, whether it is academics or a personal problem. Being in CRNA school is very complex and it takes a family setting to truly be successful, and I have found that at Fairfield University.

What would you tell someone considering an advanced degree at Fairfield?
I would tell them that they should definitely consider Fairfield University because of the family environment, competence of the instructors, state-of-the-art simulation center, and the multitude of resources offered by the University.

How has working toward your advanced degree at Fairfield affected your life?
CRNA school is no easy task. It is three continuous years of balancing didactics with clinical and a DNP project. You are learning to provide anesthesia to people of all ages and learning to do it well. Clinical, class, school work, and studying take up all of your time and leaves you with very limited free time, where you must decide if you want to rest or see your loved ones. CRNA school has positively impacted my life by making me realize that I can accomplish what I set my mind and heart to, learning who my true support system is, and appreciating the little moments in life.

More About Doctor of Nursing Practice - Nurse Anesthesia

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Frequently Asked Questions

30/year for the Fairfield, CT North Benson Road campus and

15/year for the Austin, TX campus. 

The nurse anesthesia program’s NCE Board pass rates meet the current Council on Accreditation's benchmark.

2021: 100% first-time pass rate.

2022: 92% first-time pass rate, 100% second time.

2023: 100% first-time pass rate.

The attrition rate for the 2022 cohort was 4%.

The attrition rate for the 2023 cohort was 6%.

All graduates have been employed by the date of graduation.
  • The nurse anesthesia program is a Full-Time program requiring an extensive time commitment to complete the rigorous clinical and academic requirements. It requires personal and social sacrifices for both the student and his/her support systems.
  • Students should expect to spend approximately 60 hours/week engaging in program related activities once nurse anesthesia residency begins. This does not include study time or class preparation.
  • Decisions to continue working must be made by the individual student but the program administration highly discourages full-time employment. 

Students can transfer a maximum of two courses (6 credits total). These courses must be approved by the Assistant Dean of Graduate Studies after careful review. The fixed tuition cost will not change if you transfer credits into the program.

A critical care area is defined as one where the registered professional nurse manages one or more of the following:

  • Invasive hemodynamic monitors
  • Cardiac assist devices
  • Mechanical ventilation
  • Vasoactive infusions

The nurse anesthesia program tuition is set prior to each cohort starting and divided evenly by nine semesters.

  • All students enrolled in the nurse anesthesia program carry a full-time credit load and are therefore eligible for financial aid throughout the program.
  • There is limited federal grant money in the form of HRSA-Nurse Anesthesia Traineeship Grants, depending upon the fiscal year and award received by the university. 
  • $3,000 nonrefundable tuition desposit which is credited toward your Bursar account for the first semester tuition. 
  • Anesthesia texts 
  • Core & APRN course text books 
  • Lap top computer
  • SEE exam registration if unable to meet program benchmark.
  • Nurse licensure fees 
  • BCLS, ACLS, PALS certification & recertification
  • NCE 
  • Living/travel expenses for distant clinical sites

Call or email Diana Chevrette, Administrative Assistant for the Nurse Anesthesia Program, dchevrette@fairfield.edu or (203) 254-4000 x2701 for more information.

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