Student Registered Nurse Anesthesia Program

Welcome to all interested!

As you may already know the field of Nurse Anesthesia (NA) is a growing, challenging and greatly rewarding professional career. Here you will find some basic facts and frequently asked questions about a career in NA. For more specific information, I encourage you to contact:

SRNA Program Coordinator: Cheyne Robinson

SRNA Assistant Program Coordinator: Michael Folkes

SRNA Medical Director: John Current, M.D.
 

What is a Nurse Anesthetist?

A Nurse Anesthetist (NA) is a specially educated advanced practice registered nurse who specializes in anesthesia. Upon completion of an accredited NA program and successfully passing a national certification exam, the Student Registered Nurse Anesthetist (SRNA) then becomes a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). CRNA’s must follow practice guidelines set by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetist (AANA) and often more specific hospital or clinic guidelines and protocols. Although providing anesthesia to patients who are undergoing surgical procedures is the primary role of CRNA’s, they are often key assets in the perioperative process including education of patients, families and peers.

How can one become a CRNA?

First you must complete an accredited Nursing program and become a Registered Nurse. This may be accomplished by completing an Associate Degree (AD) program or a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing (BSN) program. These programs may take anywhere from two – four years, respectively. All Nurse Anesthesia Programs today require at least a 2.75 GPA, a baccalaureate degree, current licensure as a Registered Nurse, completion of a standardized aptitude test and at least one year of critical care nursing experience. Most Anesthesia Programs allow for completion within 29 – 36 months. However, due to the high degree of professionalism and abundance of qualified applicants, admission into these programs is highly competitive. Maintaining a high GPA, a superior work ethic and working in a level one Trauma Center are great ways to increase your chances for admission.

Can One Acquire a Degree in Nurse Anesthesia and live in Mississippi?

Yes, the University of Mississippi Medical Center and the University of Alabama at Birmingham currently have an affiliation. This allows Mississippi residents to complete didactics in Birmingham Alabama and clinical training at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson Mississippi.

Once again, for more information on how to become a Nurse Anesthetist or if you’re interested in opportunities available in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center you may contact:

SRNA Program Coordinator: Cheyne Robinson carobinson@anesthesia.umsmed.edu

SRNA Assistant Program Coordinator: Michael Folkes mfolkes@anesthesia.umsmed.edu

SRNA Medical Director: John Current, M.D. jcurrent@anesthesia.umsmed.edu
 

(601) 984-5900

or write to:

Department of Anesthesiology
University of Mississippi Medical Center
2500 N. State Street
Jackson MS 39216