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Nurse Anesthetist MSN

College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Graduate degree / Master of Science

About this program

Program accreditation

The Master of Science in Nursing-Nurse Anesthesia program (MSNA) is offered through a partnership with the Minneapolis School of Anesthesia.  The MSN programs at Metropolitan State University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. 

The MSN program is approved as an APRN preparation program by the:

Minnesota Board of Nursing
1210 Northland Drive  #120
Mendota Heights, MN  55120
Phone: 612-317-3000
Fax: 612-688-1841
Toll Free: 888-234-2690 FREE (MN, IA, ND, SD, WI) TTY: 800-627-3529
Minnesota Board of Nursing (website), nursing.board@state.mn.us 

The Minneapolis School of Anesthesia is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA).  MSA has been approved by the COA to affiliate with Metropolitan State University as the degree granting institution for the nurse anesthesia cohort starting in Fall 2019.

Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs
222 South Prospect Avenue
Park Ridge, IL  60068-4010
847-692-7050

The Minneapolis School of Anesthesia with Metropolitan State University offer a twenty-seven-month, 60 credit program in nurse anesthesia at full-time progression. MSA is operated by seven member hospitals: Hennepin County Medical Center, University of Minnesota Medical Center, North Memorial Medical Center, Fairview Southdale Hospital, Methodist Hospital in Minneapolis; and United Hospitals and HealthEast in St. Paul. HealthEast hospitals used by the school include: Woodwinds, St. John’s, and St. Joseph’s. Clinical experience is provided in the member hospitals on a rotating basis. Each student rotates to five of the nine facilities during the program. Students also receive experience in a pediatric facility and in a rural hospital.

Graduates earn their Master of Science in Nursing degree with a concentration in Nurse Anesthesia. Graduates are prepared to practice in a wide variety of settings and to utilize diverse methods of administering a safe anesthetic.

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Enrolling in this program

Program eligibility requirements

1) Approved admission to Metropolitan State University.

2) Approved admission to Minneapolis School of Anesthesia (MSA).  Must complete an application file for MSA by October 31st through NursingCAS.  A completed MSA supplementary application with application fee ($100) must also be received the MSA prior to the application deadline. For details see  http://www.nurseanesthesia.org/admissions/

3) Graduate from High School (or possess GED).

4) Possess an appropriate baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution.  Degrees must be completed and final transcripts submitted through NuringCAS prior to the enrollment date.  Appropriate degrees include:  a)  Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing, b) Associate Degree or Diploma in Nursing plus another appropriate science-based baccalaureate degree (i.e., chemistry, biology, etc.).

5) A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.

6) Prior to the application deadline, complete one year (1 FTE) of nursing experience in a critical care setting within the last three years (operating room, emergency room, post-anesthesia recovery, and ground/flight transportation nursing experience DO NOT fulfill this requirement).

7) Complete a chemistry course from a regionally accredited institution within the past five years from the beginning of the of the semester for which you are applying (Example: For Fall 2020 start date, a chemistry course must be taken Fall semester 2015 or after).

8) Must possess American Heart Association basic cardiac life support (BLS), advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) and pediatric advanced life support (PALS) recognition. Maintain BLS, ACLS, and pALS recognition through graduation (see note below).

9) Complete the interview process.

10) Complete a physical exam. The physical examination and any vaccination titers are to be completed by the applicant's personal health care provider at the applicant's expense. The physical form is provided by MSA and must be completed and returned to MSA along with results of titers.

The Minneapolis School of Anesthesia utilizes NursingCAS for online application processing. The deadline for completing the application process is October 31st of any year. You must complete the current application and follow the NursingCAS process to be considered. The MSA application can be found on the MSA website at http://www.nurseanesthesia.org/admissions/ You can access the NURSING CAS site here: https://www.nursingcas.org/

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING REGARDING YOUR NURSINGCAS APPLICATION VERY CAREFULLY

You must create an account and follow all the instructions for uploading the required information before the deadline.  PLEASE NOTE: The 2018-2019 NursingCAS application cycle closes September 2019.  All verifications for the cycle will stop in September 2019.  The 2019-2020 application cycle opens in August 2019. As an applicant, you have two choices. If you do not think your application will be verified by September 2019, you should move your application to the 2019-2020 cycle.  Porting your application will move all your documents and uploads to the new cycle WITH THE EXCEPTION OF YOUR LETTERS OF REFERENCE. If your application was not verified at the time the application cycle closes and you port your application to the new cycle, all your reference letters that were completed would be removed from your application, and you will be required to re-submit. If your application is verified by NursingCAS prior September 2019, DO NOT PORT your verified application to the new cycle.  All verified applications from either cycle will be considered by the admission committee.  

Your NursingCAS application must be verified, and MSA must receive your supplementary application (above) and supplementary application fee before October 31st to be considered for the class that starts the following fall. Please understand that it can take NURSING CAS up to four weeks to verify an application.  Plan your application accordingly.  Your application to MSA will not be considered if it is not verified by the deadline - NO EXCEPTIONS

Selection Procedure

Because the class size is limited, applicants who meet minimum admission requirements may not be selected.

The file of each applicant who has completed the application and who was granted an interview is carefully reviewed. Academic achievement, nursing experience,  references, and interview reports are considered in the evaluation. MSA reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant. 

Applicants are notified of the decision of the MSA/Metropolitan State Admissions Committee.  Applicants may be accepted, placed on an alternate list, or not accepted.  Notification letters are mailed in February. For those accepted,  the letter of acceptance of appointment and a $450.00 non-refundable enrollment fee must be received by MSA by the specified deadline.

Application instructions

Application Procedures

The deadline for completing the application process is October 31st of any year. Complete the current application and follow the NursingCAS application process to be considered.  The application process for Fall 2020 is closed. Watch this site for application procedures for the DNP Spring 2021 start and the MSN start for Fall 2021.

The Minneapolis School of Anesthesia utilizes NursingCAS for online application processing.

The curriculum for the MSNA program is based upon the requirements of the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. Clinical experience is provided at the member hospitals, where over 100,000 surgical procedures are performed annually in all specialty areas. Students are supervised and instructed by anesthesiologists and certified registered nurse anesthetists. Each hospital has appointed a clinical coordinator to help manage student clinical experiences. Special experiences include pediatrics and regional anesthesia.

Information

Detailed information on applying to the MSNA program may be found on the Minneapolis School of Anesthesia’s website at: Minneapolis School of Anesthesia before applying, prospective students are encouraged to send questions to the Minneapolis School of Anesthesia at:

Minneapolis School of Anesthesia
6715 Minnetonka Boulevard
St. Louis Park, MN 55426

http://www.nurseanesthesia.org/
assist.msa@gmail.com  or school.nursing@metrostate.edu

Program requirements

Course sequencing and GPA

  • All courses must be completed in sequence.
  • Students must maintain a 3.000 grade point average.

Time commitment:

The students' committed time includes class time, class preparation, clinical (includes call and clinical preparation). During an average week, students should expect 40 hours of class and clinical time. This amount does not include study time outside of class.

Attendance:

Students are expected to attend all classes. A student who is absent for any reason is under obligation to make up assigned work to the satisfaction of the instructor. If a student misses a scheduled class or clinical during the first half of the day, they may not attend class or clinical the second half of the day. Students may not bring children to class.

Students are expected to attend all clinical assignments. Students may not bring children to clinical sites.

Student licensure

Students must possess an unencumbered license as a registered professional nurse in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa.  Students are accountable to the RN license even in the nurse anesthetist student role.  The Nurse Practice Act (148.263 Sub. 3) includes an obligation to report violations that are likely to result in disciplinary action.  Such violations will be reported to the appropriate board of nursing. 

Life support recognition

Students must maintain American Heart Association basic life support (BLS), advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), and pediatric advanced life support (PALS) certification throughout the program.

Program completion

Graduates of the program receive a diploma from the Minneapolis School of Anesthesia upon meeting graduation criteria. Metropolitan State University awards a Master of Science in Nursing Degree with a concentration in Nurse Anesthesia to graduates who meet all University requirements. Graduates are then recommended to the National Board of Certification & Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) to write the National Certification Examination. The NBCRNA determines an individual's eligibility to take the exam. The NBCRNA grants initial certification to those who pass the examination. 

Course requirements

60 credits (Didactic – 47 credits, Clinical Practicum – 13 credits) -- Full-time Status

Year One: (43 credits)

Semester 1: Fall (18 credits)

NURS 662 Principles of Anesthesia Practice II

2 credits

This course focuses on the administration of general anesthesia with emphasis on gas machines, vaporizers, monitoring devices, anesthesia delivery systems, and basic and advanced airway management utilized by nurse anesthesia providers. Competence Statement: Knows the proper assembly, function, and troubleshooting techniques of the anesthesia delivery device. Knows the materials, skills, and attributes of basic and advanced airway anatomy and techniques.

Full course description for Principles of Anesthesia Practice II

NURS 663 Professional Aspects of Anesthesia I

1 credits

This course presents a series of topics related to and surrounding the professional discipline of Nurse Anesthesia Competence Statement: Knows the history of anesthesia as it relates to the practice of nurse anesthesia. Knows the regulatory process as they relate to CRNA practice, as well as the basic elements of the AANA, the professional association for CRNAs and SRNAs, and how the AANA promotes the nurse anesthesia practice. Knows basic legal concepts related to healthcare and how they relate to nurse anesthesia practice.

Full course description for Professional Aspects of Anesthesia I

NURS 664 Chemistry, Physics, and Math for Anesthesia Professionals

5 credits

Aspects of inorganic and organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physics, which are applicable to the science and practice of anesthesia are presented. Includes the application of learned principles to various aspects of anesthesia practice. Topics include: the chemistry and physics of anesthetic agents, accessory drugs, therapeutic agents, explosion hazards, and electrical safety. Competence Statement: Knows the concepts of chemistry and physics as it relates to anesthetic practice.

Full course description for Chemistry, Physics, and Math for Anesthesia Professionals

NURS 665 Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology for Nurse Anesthesia I

6 credits

Aspects of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology that are relevant to the science and practice of anesthesia are presented. Topics include cell physiology, the nervous system, and the cardiovascular system Competence Statement: Knows the fundamental physiology and pathophysiology of cell physiology, the nervous system, and the cardiovascular system

Full course description for Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology for Nurse Anesthesia I

Semester 2: Spring (14 credits)

NURS 668 Principles of Anesthesia Practice III

1 credits

This course presents concepts of pre-, intra-, and post-anesthesia patient assessment, basic physiologic monitoring, and MRI safety. A central line insertion workshop is utilized to instruct students on proper sterile technique and central line insertion. Competence Statement: Knows the concepts and use of perioperative anesthesia monitors, pre-, intra-, and post-operative assessment, and MRI safety

Full course description for Principles of Anesthesia Practice III

NURS 673P Anesthesia Clinical Practicum I

1 credits

Course Description: This is the first in a series of six clinical practicum courses. In this practicum, students observe and then practice beginning skills in assessment, planning, and implementation/delivery while being continuously monitored and mentored by licensed/certified anesthesia providers in MSA member hospitals throughout the Twin Cities. Students complete a minimum of 120 hours of supervised practicum as a student nurse anesthetist. Competence Statement: Knows the principles and practice of nurse anesthesia care well enough to assess, plan, and implement a basic anesthetic care plan, at a beginner level, under total supervision of a licensed/certified anesthesia provider.

Full course description for Anesthesia Clinical Practicum I

Semester: Summer (11 credits)

NURS 679P Anesthesia Clinical Practicum II

1 credits

Course Description: This is the second in a series of six clinical practicum courses. In this practicum, students utilize didactic knowledge and psychomotor skills to augment beginning skills in assessment, planning, and implementation/delivery while being continuously monitored and mentored by licensed/certified anesthesia providers in MSA member hospitals throughout the Twin Cities. Students complete a minimum of 120 hours of supervised practicum as a student nurse anesthetist. Competence Statement: Knows the principles and practice of nurse anesthesia care well enough to assess, plan, and implement an anesthetic care plan, at an advanced beginner level, under total supervision of a licensed/certified anesthesia provider.

Full course description for Anesthesia Clinical Practicum II

Year Two: (12 credits)

Semester 4: Fall (4 credits)

NURS 686 Instructional Design

1 credits

This course examines the learning process and how it influences instructional design. Topics include current trends in instruction and evaluation; and planning for the teaching and learning process. Competence Statement: Knows the basic elements of the learning/education process, including learning styles/models/theories and taxonomies. Knows the basic elements of a teaching/learning project.

Full course description for Instructional Design

NURS 688P Anesthesia Clinical Practicum III

2 credits

Course Description: This is the third in a series of six clinical practicum courses. In this practicum, students combine intermediate didactic knowledge and psychomotor skills in assessment, planning, and implementation/delivery of perioperative anesthesia care under close supervised monitoring and mentoring by licensed/certified anesthesia providers in MSA member hospitals throughout the Twin Cities. Students complete a minimum of 240 hours of supervised practicum as a student nurse anesthetist. Competence Statement: Knows the principles and practice of nurse anesthesia care well enough to assess, plan, and implement an anesthetic care plan, at an intermediate level, under close supervision of a licensed/certified anesthesia provider.

Full course description for Anesthesia Clinical Practicum III

Semester 5: Spring (4 credits)

NURS 689P Anesthesia Clinical Practicum IV

2 credits

This is the fourth in a series of six clinical practicum courses. In this practicum, students combine advanced intermediate didactic knowledge and psychomotor skills in assessment, planning, and implementation/delivery of perioperative anesthesia care under some supervised monitoring and mentoring by licensed/certified anesthesia providers in MSA member hospitals throughout the Twin Cities. Students complete a minimum of 240 hours of supervised practicum as a student nurse anesthetist. Competence Statement: Knows the principles and practice of nurse anesthesia care well enough to assess, plan, and implement an anesthetic care plan, at an advanced intermediate level, under some supervision of a licensed/certified anesthesia provider.

Full course description for Anesthesia Clinical Practicum IV

Clinical Conferences required.

Semester 6: Summer (4 credits)

NURS 694P Anesthesia Clinical Practicum V

4 credits

Course Description: This is the fifth in a series of six clinical practicum courses. In this practicum, students combine advanced didactic knowledge and psychomotor skills in assessment, planning, and implementation/delivery of perioperative anesthesia care under occasional supervised monitoring and mentoring by licensed/certified anesthesia providers in MSA member hospitals throughout the Twin Cities. Students complete a minimum of 240 hours of supervised practicum as a student nurse anesthetist. Competence Statement: Knows the principles and practice of nurse anesthesia care well enough to assess, plan, and implement an anesthetic care plan, at an advanced level, under occasional supervision of a licensed/certified anesthesia provider.

Full course description for Anesthesia Clinical Practicum V

Year Three (5 credits)

Semester 7: Fall (5 credits)

Clinical Conferences required.

NURS 698 Research Presentation

3 credits

In this course, the student will prepare literature-based papers that examine and analyze anesthesia-related topics. The papers will be in a publishable format using American Psychological Association (APA) style, 6th edition. The student will present and defend their paper before a faculty committee and students. Competence Statement: Knows the process of identifying anesthesia practice issues, conducting literature searches, evaluating literature research, synthesizing the material, presenting it in written form, and disseminating it in oral form to an audience.

Full course description for Research Presentation

NURS 695P Anesthesia Clinical Practicum VI

2 credits

This is the sixth in a series of six clinical practicum courses. In this practicum, students combine competent, advanced didactic knowledge and psychomotor skills in assessment, planning, and implementation/delivery of perioperative anesthesia care under minimal supervised monitoring and mentoring by licensed/certified anesthesia providers in MSA member hospitals throughout the Twin Cities. Students complete a minimum of 240 hours of supervised practicum as a student nurse anesthetist. Competence Statement: Knows the principles and practice of nurse anesthesia care well enough to assess, plan, and implement an anesthetic care plan, at a competent, advanced level, under minimal supervision of a licensed/certified anesthesia provider.

Full course description for Anesthesia Clinical Practicum VI