New Nurse Anesthesia DNP Track Receives COA Accreditation
PEPPER PIKE, Ohio, November 15, 2023 (Newswire.com) - The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) approved initial accreditation for the new Nurse Anesthesia track within Ursuline BSN-to-DNP program at Ursuline College in collaboration with SNAP - Somnia Nurse Anesthesia Program, LLC.
The full-time, 36-month program prepares baccalaureate-educated nurses to become nurse anesthetists with a doctorate in nursing practice. As of 2022, new graduates from nurse anesthesia programs are required to have a terminal degree such as a DNP to enter practice. The unique format of this program includes online coursework with in-person simulated and clinical learning experiences across the United States at select locations. Students are required to travel to Ursuline College’s campus three times for simulation immersions while studying in clinical practices in locations close to their homes, when possible.
“This format allows the majority of our students to study, learn and serve their local communities,” explains Patricia A. Sharpnack, DNP, RN, CNE, NEA-BC, ANEF, FAAN, dean of Ursuline College’s Breen School of Nursing and Health Professions, “while ensuring that they receive a quality education to provide excellent care to their patients as nurse anesthetists.”
The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) reports approximately 2,400 CRNAs graduate each year, a number falling far short of the additional 7,600 positions needed by 2028, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics projections. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also notes that career growth for nurse anesthetists is expected to increase by 45% from 2020 to 2030.
“Earning COA accreditation is a significant accomplishment and demonstrates SNAP’s commitment and that of Ursuline College to deliver quality nurse anesthesia education while meeting the nation’s healthcare workforce needs,” states Stephanie B. Woodruff, DNP, CRNA, CHSE, program director of Ursuline College with SNAP.
The Nurse Anesthesia program is the second large-scale health education program that Ursuline College has launched in a little over a year. Last year, the College welcomed its first students for its new physician’s assistant (PA) program. Thirty more PA students will start in January 2024 along with the inaugural class of up to 25 nurse anesthesia DNP students, selected from almost 150 applications.
Accreditation Statement
Ursuline College with SNAP is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA), 10275 W. Higgins Rd. Suite 906, Rosemont, IL 60018-5603; (224) 275-9130. The program’s next review by the COA is scheduled for Spring 2029.
About Ursuline College
Founded in 1871, Ursuline College is an accredited liberal arts college rooted in Catholic traditions of intellectual inquiry and social justice. Ursuline educates students for service, leadership, and professional excellence through an array of undergraduate, graduate and degree-completion programs in the liberal arts, nursing, and professional studies. At Ursuline, women-focused undergraduate programs and co-educational graduate and degree-completion programs foster lifelong learning. The College is home to the Breen School of Nursing and Health Professions, a National League of Nursing Center for Nursing Excellence, and offers 11 sports competing at the NCAA Division II level. www.ursuline.edu
About SNAP
Somnia Nurse Anesthesia Program (SNAP) is a privately owned nurse anesthesia educational company founded in 2022. SNAP’s mission is to prepare student nurse anesthetists to meet the complex health care needs of growing diverse populations and serve as health care leaders across the country. SNAP’s goals are to promote academic excellence, technical clinical excellence, and safe patient care in collaboration within the healthcare community.
Source: Ursuline College Breen School of Nursing & Health Professions
