The basic science didactic coursework is presented at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, CT. Students receive their clinical experience at Yale New Haven Hospital in both the operating rooms and other critical care areas. The school also uses a number of affiliation sites outside the hospital for clinical experiences.
Since the inception of Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) for board examination by NBCRNA (National Board of Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists), the Yale New Haven Hospital School of Nurse Anesthesia has familiarized its students with computerized testing strategies and techniques. During the 24-month clinical phase of the program, the majority of tests are administered electronically via a computer platform. Students take computerized examinations commencing with the first spring semester and extending throughout the remainder of their clinical training. These exams are designed to approximate the difficulty and overall "character" of the national certification exam (NCE), offering students real hands-on experience with computerized test-taking and preparing them for success on the NCE.
At the end of training, the students are required to take the self-evaluation exam (SEE) that helps the individual assess personal strengths and weaknesses prior to taking the NCE. This test is not a part of the grading process, but is valuable in preparing the student for the actual board examination.
To be eligible for enrollment into the program of anesthesia, an applicant must:
- be a graduate from an N.L.N or A.A.C.N. accredited baccalaureate program in nursing or have an alternate, science-related baccalaureate degree (biology, chemistry, etc.), from an accredited school, which must be completed at the time of application. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and science GPA of 3.3 or greater is required for consideration.
- have a current, valid, professional nursing license in one of the 50 states, which satisfies the requirements of the applicable state board(s) of nursing.
- have a minimum of 18 months of critical care experience, at the time of application in which the applicant has had the opportunity to develop independent decision making, demonstrate psychomotor skills and the ability to use and interpret advanced monitoring, based on a knowledge of physiologic and pharmacologic principles. ICU experience must be no greater than 5 years old at the time of admission. Clinical experience must be obtained in a critical care area within the United States, its territories or a U.S. military hospital outside of the United States.
- have a current certification in basic life support, ACLS, CCRN and PALS.
- have completed in their undergraduate preparation two 4 credit courses in chemistry (this must include inorganic/general and organic chemistry or biochemistry), two 4 credit courses in anatomy and physiology, one course in pharmacology and one course in basic statistics or biostatistics. Although not explicitly required, coursework in research methods is strongly encouraged. Candidates who have completed coursework in research methods will be given preference during the application process. The science GPA must be 3.3 minimum. Please note that science prerequisite courses must be less than 8 years old. Prerequisite science courses with a grade of < B (e.g. B- or below) must be retaken and passed with a final grade of B or better prior to application.
- submit a narrative statement which delineates career goals, reason for pursuing the doctorate and life/work experiences and capabilities relevant to the pursuit of the advanced degree (400 word max).
Applicants for admission to the program are reviewed by the School of Nurse Anesthesia admissions committee.
The application deadline for entry level applicants is Sept. 1. Personal interviews are by invitation and will be scheduled before Oct. 15.
The application deadline for post-Master's completion applicants is June 1.
Applicants will not be considered if they have been previously rejected by the admissions committee, wait listed twice by the admissions committee or previously enrolled in a nurse anesthesia program. Appointments to the program are recommended by the admissions committee and approved by the Directors of the School of Nurse Anesthesia. Notification of admission will be sent in mid-October for entry to practice applicants. Post-Master’s CRNA applicants will be notified of admission in late June.
Factors considered in the selection process are academic achievement; (a minimum 3.00 grade point average is required with a strong performance in the sciences), clinical experience, career motivation, character and other personal traits indicative of success in the program, and dedication to a career in nurse anesthesia. Acceptance is contingent upon satisfactory evidence of the above requirements, as well as three letters of recommendation:
- from a current supervisor;
- from a non-related physician, peer or other member of the healthcare team who can speak to the applicant’s clinical acumen and personal attributes;
- from the office of the Dean of the nursing program attended (for entry to practice candidates) OR from the Program Director of the nurse anesthesia program attended (for post-Master’s completion degree CRNA candidates).
Early action may be considered by the admissions committee at the request of the applicant. Applicants for early action consideration must have a GPA of 3.7 or greater, a core science GPA of 3.3 or greater and a strong desire to attend the Yale New Haven Hospital School of Nurse Anesthesia as their first choice. Admission notification will be no later than two weeks from the time of the personal interview. Upon acceptance, the applicant will be required to pay the $2,500 non-refundable commitment fee within a week of notification. If the admissions committee does not approve the early action, the candidate will have their application reviewed with the other candidates at the regular admissions meeting.
International applicants are required to submit additional documentation. Please refer to the University graduate catalog. A catalog is available from:
Central Connecticut State University
1615 Stanley Street
New Britain, CT 06050
860-832-CCSU (2278)
A $75 application fee is required at the time of submission.
Students are admitted during the academic year in May. It is the policy of the School to select students on the basis of personal merit and capabilities without discrimination as to race, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation or national origin. Transfer students are not accepted. Upon acceptance a $2,500 (non-refundable) commitment fee is due. An $18,000 clinical fee will be due at the start of clinical rotations for the entry to practice candidates. Post-Master’s CRNA candidates will be required to remit a non-refundable administrative fee of $1,425 upon acceptance to the program.
Upon acceptance to the nurse anesthesia program, a separate application must be made to our academic affiliate, Central Connecticut State University.
Students entering the Yale New Haven Hospital School of Nurse Anesthesia are given the opportunity to receive a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) degree from Central Connecticut State University via an academic affiliation agreement. For the entry to practice candidate, the program is 36 months in length with admissions annually in May to coincide with the summer session at CCSU. The first 12 months are spent at the CCSU campus with the student enrolled full-time (9-12 credits) for three semesters. The remaining 24 months are spent between CCSU and the clinical area at Yale New Haven Hospital and affiliates.
The Post-Master’s completion degree curriculum is designed for the practicing CRNA. The program is 21 months in length which commences in late August to coincide with the fall semester at CCSU. The majority of the curriculum is delivered via distance education with on-campus sessions occurring at the beginning and end of each semester, typically over the course of a 3 to 4 day weekend.
Course listings:
Guaranteed student loans are available through the financial aid office of CCSU during the didactic portion of the program.
Loans to students may also be granted by the AANA in the case of unexpected educational costs or financial problems. Students must be enrolled in the program for at least 12 months in order to qualify for consideration. The Educational Loan Fund Committee shall determine the amount of the loan.
Information and assistance for securing loans or grants while at the university can be obtained at the CCSU Financial Aid Office.
During the didactic phase, students follow the calendar and policies of CCSU as stated in the graduate catalog. The students will observe all holidays and have vacations during semester breaks.
Tuition and fees will be paid by the student directly to Central Connecticut State University at the time of registration. The current graduate tuition and fees can be found on the CCSU website.
CCSU Health Services, in Marcus White Annex, provides a variety of services to all full-time graduate students during the didactic phase.
The housing office, in Mildred Barrows Hall, maintains off campus residence listings for students during the 12-month period at CCSU.
During the clinical phase, students are entitled to 14 hospital holidays over the 24-month clinical training period. Additionally, students receive 3 weeks of vacation, 8 sick days and 2 research/conference days.
Benefits received during the clinical phase of the program include malpractice insurance. Students are required to carry health insurance, which can be purchased as a personal plan.
Scrub uniforms for students are provided by the hospital at no additional cost. Housing, meals, transportation and parking are not provided.
Leave of absence and deferral of graduation are dealt with on an individual basis and are at the discretion of the directors and respective school faculty.
The Yale New Haven Hospital School of Nurse Anesthesia is approved by the Connecticut State Department of Education for the education and training of veterans.
- National Certification Exam pass rate for first-time takers (2022): 80%; Pass after second attempt: 100%
- Attrition: (Class of 2022): 0%
- 3-year Composite NCE pass rate: 89% (2022)
- Employment of Graduates: All employed (100%)
- Accreditation Status: 10 years, expires 2025
Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs
10275 W. Higgins Road, Suite 906
Rosemont, IL 60018-5603
224-275-9130
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