Nurse Anesthetist MSN Track

Application Processing & Other Expectations

Applications and supporting documentation will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee.  All application materials must be submitted by November 15 (prior to the targeted Fall semester for starting the program). Based upon the information submitted, applicants will be either selected for interview or not selected for interview. If selected for interview, applicants will be informed by letter and asked to choose one of the options for available interview dates. There will be a limited number of interviews conducted on each day and the openings will be filled in the order of the received requests. Applicants not selected for interview will receive a letter to that effect and their application process will be concluded for the year.

Meeting the minimal requirements will not guarantee admission.
CRNA programs tend to be highly competitive. Applicant profiles across the nation are similar: Applicants are highly motivated, typically have several years of critical care experience, strong GPAs and GRE scores, and some have taken additional courses in advanced sciences such as physiology, organic chemistry, or biochemistry. Traditionally, the majority of nurse anesthetists come from intensive care units, particularly surgical intensive care. Acute care nursing skills and experience gained in ICU nursing are not re-taught as part of the Nurse Anesthetist curriculum. Applicants whose critical care experience is other than ICU will be considered on an individual basis, but opportunity for admission may be limited when competing against a larger pool of applicants with traditional ICU backgrounds.
Graduate education, and Anesthesiology Nursing education in particular, is a major undertaking: academically, professionally, emotionally, and financially. Applicants are strongly encouraged to research all aspects of this undertaking carefully. You are highly encouraged to speak with practicing CRNAs and Anesthesiologists, current Nurse Anesthetist Residents, or faculty to observe and/or discuss the practice of modern anesthesia care. With respect to financial planning, applicants are strongly encouraged to have a financial plan in place, as well as a back up, prior to making application to the program.
Financial planning should include the fact the student will be unable to be employed while enrolled. The curriculum is very demanding and rigorous academically. The time commitment is substantial. The total program entails 92 graduate credits. This is a full time graduate educate program and out-side employment is strongly discouraged as it is highly likely to be incompatible with academic success. Although financial aid is available to eligible students, the amount of aid available is determined by the cost of attendance and by itself may not be sufficient to support the lifestyle of a full time employed critical care nurse. For additional Financial Aid information, contact the
One Stop Center 904.620.5555.

It is expected that beginning students will be academically prepared to undertake the advanced study of nursing, clinical, and basic sciences. Additionally, prior to matriculation the student will have to be computer literate and will need to be able to function in word processing (i.e.: MS WORD), presentation software (i.e. MS PowerPoint) and internet utilization. The curriculum features the intensive use of informational technology for educational purposes. It is expected that prior to enrolling, the student will have a PC laptop computer, reliable high speed ISP service (AOL is not recommended because of limitations in file transfer and streaming media applications), and appropriate software (MS Office - WORD, PowerPoint, Excel - this is the only software requirement). The student's laptop computer may be utilized for Nurse Anesthetist course examinations.
Applicants should be advised that a state and federal criminal history background check is now required prior to participation in clinical practicum. Clinical facilities may limit or prohibit students with criminal histories from participating in clinical experiences. Other options may not exist for the student to complete required clinical hours in order to obtain their degree or to meet eligibility criteria for certification as a CRNA; thus, such a student may not be eligible for licensure in Florida. Individuals with potential background issues should consult the Florida Board of Nursing for advisement, prior to making application to the program. Additionally, drug screening may be required prior participation in clinical practicum. Drug screening may also be conducted, at student expense, at random, or with cause during participation in clinical practicum. Failure to comply with requests for drug screening or the occurrence of a positive drug screening are grounds for dismissal. Policies with respect to criminal history checks, drug screening, and general background checks are subject to change without notice during enrollment due to changes in requirements of clinical practicum affiliates or other agencies.

Applicants’ rights and responsibilities:

The applicant has a right to expect:
- To be considered for admission without regard to race, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital or familial status,    handicap, or national origin.
- Accurate information regarding the application process for the program, the admission criteria, an outline of the curriculum, as   well as full disclosure of time commitments, costs, tuition, fees, accreditation status and affiliating agencies/institutions.
- A fair and unbiased review and consideration of their application as outlined in the recruiting brochure.

Responsibilities of applicant:
- To submit a complete, truthful and timely application which includes all required documentation.
- To appear before the Admissions Committee of the Program for a personal interview if requested.
- To provide any additional or supplemental documentation and/or references as requested by the Admissions Committee.
- To be prepared financially to enter a full-time educational program.

Contact the School of Nursing

School of Nursing
Brooks College of Health
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