Watch a Video on the UB Nurse Anesthetist Program
The Nurse Anesthesia Program offers the
Our nurse anesthetist program — which was ranked 10th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report — prepares students for the challenges they'll face as certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA).
The preparation for success begins from the very start. The small size of our accepted classes fosters a supportive, closely knit community. It also allows us to monitor carefully the abilities and progress of students to individualize clinical training experiences.
Helpful and accessible, our nationally recognized faculty are leaders, teachers, scholars, and researchers who practice what they teach. Program courses, taught exclusively by nurse specialists and CRNAs, are immediately applicable to nursing practice. The school's recently constructed health assessment lab, the Center for Nursing Research, and the newly remodeled computer lab further support student research and practice needs.
Our nurse anesthetist students receive an education that equips them to assume clinical, educational, research, and leadership positions within this advanced nursing specialty. Our Patient Simulation Center, which includes an operating room with advanced monitoring and gas-delivery systems, employs advanced technology to support the surgical and resuscitative care of a full-body, computerized mannequin (SAMSON). Used throughout the program for basic and advanced training, SAMSON enables our students to learn, practice, and gain confidence with various clinical procedures and provides training in managing rare and critical events and crises.
Prospective students must meet various criteria to be considered for admission to our nurse anesthetist program. For those interested in applying to the nurse anesthetist program, a list of Frequently Asked Questions have been complied to address many of your concerns.
Program
The nurse anesthetist program extends over five semesters and two summer sessions, beginning and ending in the fall semester. Anesthesia students may only follow the regimented curriculum outline of full-time study. Graduates of the program receive a Master of Science degree and are eligible to take the national certification exam offered by the Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists.
This program builds upon the foundation of a baccalaureate degree in nursing and critical care experience. Students gain a broad base of knowledge in the biophysical and behavioral sciences on which to develop expertise in the anesthesia management of patients in all phases of care. Prepared within the framework of graduate nursing education, our graduates are able to provide comprehensive anesthesia care to patients of all ages with a variety of medical conditions that require anesthesia services as part of their health care.
Curriculum
The first year of study establishes the scientific and practice foundations of this advanced nursing specialty. These foundations include the study of advanced pharmacology, pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, research, and the role of advanced practice nurses within the health care delivery system in which they provide care.
During the first year of study, select experiences within the Patient Simulation Center help prepare students for entry into their clinical practice, which occurs at the end of that year. Through these clinical experiences, first year graduate students are introduced to the fundamentals of safe anesthesia practice, anesthesia equipment, preanesthesia assessment of the patient, and specific anesthesia management and monitoring techniques.
Program Requirements
The following courses are required of students in the Nurse Anesthetist Program:
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Nursing Core
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Credit Hours
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NUR518
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Health Promotion and Risk Reduction
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2
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NUR511
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Health Care Systems, Policy and Ethics
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3
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NUR512
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Research Methods for Practice Professions
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4
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NUR513
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Research Practicum and Comprehensive Examination (OR) NUR 599 Project*
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2
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NUR514
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Advanced Practice Nursing Role: Evolution of the Role
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1
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NUR515
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Advanced Practice Nursing Role: Innovations in Advanced Practice Nursing
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1
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NUR516
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Advanced Practice Nursing Role: Financial Management Issues
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1
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Advanced Clinical Practice/Role Development
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Credit Hours
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NUR503
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Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Nursing Practice
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3
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NUR505
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Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Practice
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4
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NUR575
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Health Assessment for Advanced Practice Nurses
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2
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NUR543
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Principles of Anesthesia 1
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3
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NUR544
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Principles of Anesthesia 2
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2
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NUR544L
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Principles of Anesthesia 2 (Lab)
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1
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NUR545
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Principles of Anesthesia 3
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3
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NUR546
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Principles of Anesthesia 4
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3
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NUR547
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Principles of Anesthesia 5
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3
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NUR672
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Pharmacology of Anesthetic and Adjunctive Drugs
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3
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NUR601
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Clinical Practicum 1
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3
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NUR602
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Clinical Practicum 2
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3
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NUR603
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Clinical Practicum 3
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3
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NUR604
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Clinical Practicum 4
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3
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NUR605
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Clinical Practicum 5
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3
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NUR711
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Current Topics in Anesthesia 1
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1
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NUR712
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Current Topics in Anesthesia 2
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1
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NUR713
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Current Topics in Anesthesia 3
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1
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NUR714
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Current Topics in Anesthesia 4
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1
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*Students electing a project or thesis should do so in close coordination with program faculty.
Faculty
Thomas E. Obst, PhD, CRNA
Clinical Professor & Program Director
tobst@buffalo.edu
Michael R. Lamparelli, MS, CRNA
Clinical Assistant Professor & Clinical Residency Coordinator
ml67@buffalo.edu