Courses

The Curriculum is designed so that students are based primarily on campus for the first 8 months of the program. The majority of the basic science didactic courses are offered during this period. The remaining 20 months of the program are hospital-based, with an emphasis on advanced course work, clinical training and research.
All students in the combined program are require to complete the entire curriculum and clinical portion of the program with passing grades, they are to complete assigned research or teaching projects and submit a written report to the Program Director.

Course Descriptions

ANE 504: Pharmacology 1
3 credits
The objective of this course are to increase knowledge of how drugs act in general on the human body, to produce their effects and to focus on certain drug classes and prototypic drugs of these classes, which may be particularly relevant to nurse anesthesia.

ANE 507: Chemistry/Physics of Anesthesia
4 credits
A study of the laws of chemistry and physics relating to anesthesia. Emphasis is placed on the gas laws, vaporization, pressure and flow and chemical properties of anesthetic agents and drugs.

ANE 510: Airway Management: Principles and Practice
3 credits
This course will provide the student with a comprehensive study of airway management, principles and practices that are essential to anesthesia delivery. The course will provide both didactic instruction and simulated clinical scenarios to enhance the student's knowledge base and clinical performance of various airway devices.

ANE 610: Professional Aspects of Anesthesia
2 credits
This course introduces the student to the profession of nurse anesthesia and the issues that directly influence the profession. Special topics include: an historical perspective, the professional role of the CRNA, legal aspects, the function of the Association of Nurse Anesthetists, substance abuse and quality assurance.

ANE 602: Anesthesia Principles 1
4 credits
This course is designed to present the student with an overview of introductory principles of nurse anesthesia. Emphasis is placed on the anesthesia machine, airway management, positioning, monitoring, documentation, pre and post- operative evaluations, fluid-electrolyte balance and blood transfusion therapy. Human-Patient simulation lab sessions are integrated to support core concepts and fluid management.

ANE 603: Physiology 1
3 credits
The course of study is based on the basic principles of human physiology with emphasis on membrane, cellular and tissue mechanisms common to many organ systems. Comprehensive study of human physiology and pathophysiology with emphasis on the muscle, endocrine and cardiovascular systems.

ANE 604: Physiology 2
3 credits
This course involves a comprehensive study of the anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the respiratory, renal and nervous systems.

ANE 606: Pharmacology 2
4 credits
This course will provide the student with detailed information regarding pharmacological agents that are applicable to clinical anesthesia practice. Specifically, the course will apply the knowledge from basic principles of pharmacology to anesthesia agents and adjuncts. Emphasis will be placed on the following drug classifications: inhalation anesthetics, IV induction agents, respiratory agents, antiemetics, antibiotics, antihistamines, anticoagulants, neuropsychiatric agents, chemotherapeutic agents, and cardiovascular agents.

ANE 609: Research Methods Seminar
3 credits
This course focuses on preparing students to critically analyze and develop research. Emphasis is placed on reading and interpretation of published research in terms of applicability to the health care professional. Discussion groups, class presentation and lectures use research articles to clarify and expand the key research concepts of design, subject selection, measurement and data collection, ethical principles of research and appropriateness and validity of statistical tests.

ANE 612: Physical Assessment
2 credits

ANE 613: Research Practicum
2 credits
This course consists of individual study and the preparation and formal presentation of a capstone project.

ANE 615: Pathophysiology I
2 credits

ANE 616: Pathophysiology II
2 credits

ANE 619: Special Topics in Anesthesia
2 credits
This course is comprised of seminars, which expose students to special clinical situations such as the difficult airway and chronic pain management, as well as timely professional issues. Lectures, small group discussions and Human-Patient simulator lab sessions are included in the learning experience.

ANE 623: Anesthesia Principles
3 credits
Advanced anesthesia principles including special consideration for respiratory, cardiac, hepato-renal, vascular, neuro and endocrine systems are discussed in detail. Human simulation lab sessions are integrated into support core concepts.

ANE 624: Anesthesia Principles
3 credits
Continues the presentation of Advanced Principles of Nurse Anesthesia. In this block of instruction, the following topics will be discussed in detail: regional anesthesia, geriatrics, conscious sedation, collagen disorders, trauma, burns, obstetrics and musculoskeletal disease.

ANE 625: Anesthesia Principles
4 credits
Continues the presentation of Advanced Anesthesia Principles. In this block of instruction, the following topics will be discussed: pediatrics, neonatal, ENT, hypo and hyperthermia and hematopoietic pathophysiology. Human-Patient simulation lab sessions are integrated into support core concepts.

ANE 650: Clinical Practicum I
1 credit

ANE 652: Clinical Practicum II
1 credit

ANE 654: Clinical Practicum III
1 credit

ANE 656: Clinical Practicum IV
1 credit

ANE 658: Clinical Practicum V
1 credit

Time Commitment During the Clinical Rotation

Students are required to be present during weekdays from 6:30 AM until dismissal by their immediate supervisor. Dismissal time is usually at 3:30 PM, but may vary according to the clinical and didactic requirements.
Students are required to take a call day approximately once every seven to twelve days, excluding weekends and holidays. Students are also required to take a late day approximately once every 7 - 12 days.