Fisher Launches Dual Doctoral Degree in Nurse Anesthesia and Adult Gerontology Acute Care
This January, the inaugural cohort of candidates began study in the newly launched Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia and Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program at the Wegmans School of Nursing.
A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) can administer anesthesia, assist with pain management, and ensure patients are safe and comfortable before, during, and after surgical and complex medical procedures. Historically, nurse anesthesia programs have only needed to offer a master’s degree to become CRNAs; however, beginning in 2025, all nurse anesthesia programs will be required to hold a doctoral degree to enter the profession. Fisher’s program provides doctoral preparation for nurses seeking to become CRNAs and adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioners (AGACNPs).
“The launch of the CRNA program marks a transformative milestone for Fisher and the Wegmans School of Nursing. This program embodies our mission to prepare exceptional, compassionate health care leaders while addressing critical needs in our community,” said Dr. Tricia Gatlin, dean of the School. “By educating nurse anesthetists equipped with advanced clinical skills and a deep commitment to service, we are not only expanding opportunities for our students but also enhancing the health and well-being of those we serve. This initiative reflects our dedication to fostering excellence, advancing education, and improving access to care for all.”
The full-time, 36-month (nine semester) program is designed for nurses with experience in critical care settings. Facilitated through the Glover-Crask Simulation Center at the Wegmans School of Nursing, students will utilize augmented reality, virtual reality, low and high-fidelity simulation to enhance and prepare for various scenarios they will encounter in the clinical setting. Students will also complete a minimum of 2,600 clinical hours, with 600 of those clinical hours allocated to the role of an AGACNP. Having clinical experience in both acute care and anesthesia care, graduates will be able to deliver comprehensive anesthesia and inpatient hospital services in urban and rural areas. Graduates from the program will be eligible for board certification as an AGACNP and CRNA.
The program’s focus on inclusivity ensures that diverse perspectives and experiences are valued and integrated, fostering a more comprehensive and culturally competent approach to health care. Moreover, the program’s innovative curriculum promotes advanced learning and equips students with the necessary tools and knowledge to address the complex and evolving challenges in health care.
In December, the program earned full five-year accreditation through the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, which is nationally recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
“Achieving accreditation is a testament to the excellence and dedication of the University to nurse anesthesia education,” said Dr. Eric Ledwin, founding director of the program. “We look forward to working with our community partners to empower the next generation of nurse anesthetists to provide safe, innovative, and compassionate care. We have the opportunity to shape the future of health care with a team of highly skilled and dedicated nursing professionals.”