EAST LANSING, Mich. — Eight Michigan State University students next week will become the College of Nursing's first graduates with a master's degree from the college's nurse anesthesia program.
The nurse anesthesia concentration is a full-time, 28-month course that integrates classroom, laboratory and clinical experiences. There are 29 students enrolled in the program.
"Responding to a shortage of nurse anesthetists in the community, the College of Nursing designed our master's degree program in collaboration with valued clinical partners," Dean Mary Mundt said. "The strengths of our program are enhanced by community partnerships with Ingham Regional Medical Center, Sparrow Health System, St. John Macomb-Oakland, and St. John Hospital and Medical Center."
Certified registered nurse anesthetists administer about 32 million anesthetics to U.S. patients each year, according to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. There are 44,000 CRNAs practicing in various U.S. health care settings.
"MSU is providing solutions to today's health care problems by educating a nursing work force with graduate degrees," said Henry Talley, director of the program. "By preparing high caliber students for leadership roles, the college is advancing the profession with Spartan nurses that provide quality care in the community for patients and their families."
The college's first graduates are Amanda Ahrens, Elizabeth Buiocchi, Krystle Hiteshew, Lindsay Mason, Danielle Powers, Jennifer Simons, Kristin Twiss and Sarah Wilkinson.
"I wanted to become a nurse anesthetist because it is a profession that allows me to give back to others," Twiss said. "In this career, you provide safe patient care, comfort and reassurance during times of emotional stress."
The students' educational journey began January 2008 and ends with an advanced degree ceremony on May 7 at the Breslin Center. Upon graduation they are eligible to take the certified registered nurse anesthetist licensure examination.
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