The master of science degree in nurse anesthesia program prepares students for expertise in the art and science of anesthesia. Nurse anesthesia is an evolving profession, sensitive to the needs of society and the profession. Individuals develop this expertise through a holistic and complex integration of affective, cognitive, and psychomotor skills. The philosophy of Webster University’s nurse anesthesia program is that graduate education is fundamental to preparation for practicing as a certified registered nurse anesthetist.
Webster University also believes that the profession of anesthesia requires a scientific and dynamic approach to assist in the return to health. The professional nurse anesthetist provides a variety of health services to individual patients and underserved communities using a variety of theories. The practice of anesthesia involves assessment, planning, implementation, directing, and evaluating the care process. The practice of nurse anesthesia is founded in a long tradition with numerous activities of the nurse anesthesia profession directed toward disease prevention, health maintenance, restoration, and rehabilitation. Strong moral, ethical, and legal codes are fundamental to the practice of nurse anesthesia. These codes are reflected in internal, external, independent, and interdependent behaviors.
Education at the graduate level is an expansion of the knowledge attained from undergraduate studies. Graduate education at Webster University encourages the development of advanced skills, theoretical knowledge, and critical thinking skills to practice the art and science of anesthesia. The art and science of anesthesia are dynamic and require continued educational endeavors to stay abreast of current theory. Therefore, the nurse anesthetist must recognize the need to enhance one’s knowledge and improve one’s skills as a lifelong endeavor in the discipline of nurse anesthesia. The curriculum spans 2 1/2 years of continuous enrollment. The program is accredited for ten years until 2011.
Upon completion of the program, students should:
- Be able to discuss professional issues impacting the practice of nurse anesthesia.
- Demonstrate professional behaviors in classroom, clinical, and organizational activities.
- Have participated in local, state, and national professional organizations and activities.
- Have maintained associate membership in the AANA.
- Accept responsibility for the scope of advanced nursing practice.
- Be able to serve as a resource and teacher for patients, communities, and other health care professionals.
- Exhibit strong ethics and personal integrity in all professional pursuits.
- Search for and develop a knowledge base that supports the art and science of anesthesia in a profession that is constantly growing.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and good decision-making in the classroom, during anesthesia discussions, and in the practice of anesthesia.
- Pursue creative and innovative learning activities that demonstrate a commitment to continuing education and research.
- Be guided by strong ethics and personal integrity in all academic pursuits.
- Be able to discuss and integrate scientific theories into the practice of anesthesia.
- Function as leaders and scientific researchers in anesthesia, pain management, and related fields.
- Have proposed, developed, completed, and defended a thesis that incorporates a comprehensive understanding of research methods and scientific practice.
- Be able to document current, accurate, and comprehensive data, observations, and findings in the clinic.
- Serve as an advocate for patient safety at all times.
- Be able to select the appropriate equipment, pharmaceuticals, and tests for the administration of anesthesia.
- Be able to perform a preanesthetic evaluation and physical examination of the patient.
- Be able to establish a rapport with the patient, family, and/or significant others for preanesthetic teaching, psychological support, and discussion of the course of anesthesia.
- Be able to prepare the patient physically, psychologically, and physiologically for the administration of anesthesia.
- Be able to administer and manage a wide variety of regional, general, and MAC anesthetics.
- Be able to develop an anesthetic plan that reflects the needs of the patient and within the standards of anesthetic practice.
- Be able to demonstrate the skills required for airway management and circulatory support.
- Be able to identify clinical problems or complications that may complicate anesthesia care, at any point during the administration, management, and emergence from anesthesia.
- Be able to evaluate and manage post anesthetic conditions related to anesthesia.
- Be able to maintain accurate records as related to anesthesia and the administration of treatments and pharmacological agents.
- Be able to complete verbal and written care plans, write case studies, obtain daily evaluations, and participate in clinical conferences on campus and at clinical facilities.
- Practice nurse anesthesia that is at all times guided by strong ethics and personal integrity
Sites for beginning level (first year) clinical experiences may include DePaul Health Center, Des Peres Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital of Kirkwood and the Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center.
Nurse anesthesia residents may obtain clinical experiences at the intermediate (second year) and advanced (third year) levels at any of our affiliated institutions. They include *Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, DePaul Health Center, Des Peres Hospital, Forest Park Hospital, HealthSouth Outpatient Surgery Center, Jefferson Memorial Hospital, Lake Regional Hospital, Missouri Baptist Medical Center, Phelps County Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph’s Hospital in Kirkwood, *St. Louis University Hospital, the Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center.
*Sites that are new in 2006
Enrollment requires admission to the nurse anesthesia program or special permission of the Program Director.
Required Science Courses
- CHEM 5500 Biochemistry
- PHYS 5500 Physics for Anesthesia
- SCIN 5000 Review of Chemistry, Physics, Math, and Computers
- BIOL 5200 Advanced Anatomy and Physiology I, including lab
- BIOL 5300 Advanced Anatomy and Physiology II, including lab
- BIOL 5320 Advanced Anatomy and Physiology III, including lab
- MATH 5250 Statistics for Nurse Anesthesia I
- MATH 5280 Statistics for Nurse Anesthesia II
- BIOL 6255 Cell Biology
- BIOL 6650 Developmental Biology
- BIOL 6300 Epidemiology
- BIOL 5780 Genetics
- BIOL 5800 Introduction to Research
- BIOL 6500 Immunology
- BIOL 6600 Microbiology
- BIOL 6640 Microbiology II
- BIOL 6460 Neuroendocrinology
- BIOL 5900 Pathophysiology I
- BIOL 6100 Pathophysiology II
- BIOL 5700 Pharmacology I
- BIOL 6000 Pharmacology II
- BIOL 6200 Pharmacology III
Required Nurse Anesthesia Courses
- BIOL 5400 Introduction to Anesthesia
- BIOL 5450 Basics of Anesthesia
- BIOL 5500 Principles of Anesthesia I
- BIOL 6270 Principles of Anesthesia II
- BIOL 5510 Anesthesia Concepts I
- BIOL 5550 Anesthesia Concepts II
- BIOL 5570 Anesthesia Concepts III
- BIOL 5960 Seminars in Anesthesia I
- BIOL 6050 Seminars in Anesthesia II
- BIOL 6160 Seminars in Anesthesia III
- BIOL 6260 Seminars in Anesthesia IV
Required Nurse Anesthesia Clinical Courses
- BIOL 5600, 5760, and 5770: Clinical Experience I, II, and III, Beginning Level
- BIOL 6220, 6230, 6240, 6280, and 6290: Clinical Experience IV, V, VI, VII, and VIII, Intermediate Level
- BIOL 6420, 6430, 6440, and 6450: Clinical Experience IX, X, XI, and XII, Advanced Level
Required Thesis Courses
- BIOL 6310/6320/6330/6340/6350/6360: Research/Thesis Project I–VI
Number of required hours: 75 hours
Requirements for admission to the nurse anesthesia program include:
- Baccalaureate degree in nursing or equivalent (related basic science degree) from a fully accredited college with submission of application and a graduate of an approved school of nursing. Coursework in chemistry and physics is strongly recommended.
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for undergraduate studies or evidence of outstanding post-graduation academic achievement.
- A minimum of one year of experience in an acute care setting as a professional registered nurse.
- Current licensure as a registered professional nurse, Missouri licensure required for once admitted.
- A copy of your current nursing license. Reciprocity inquiries should be directed to: Missouri State Board of Nursing, P.O. Box 656, Jefferson City, MO 65102 (573) 751-2334
- A current résumé describing professional education, experience, and any other supporting activities.
- Three evaluations providing assessment of professional performance, continuing education, and character traits. Include at least one assessment from a CRNA and one from an immediate supervisor.
- Official transcripts from all universities, colleges, and professional schools sent to Webster University Office of Graduate and Evening Student Admissions.
- A personal interview.
Students must earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 during the course of graduate study, and are permitted only 1 course grade of “C”.
Enrollment in all nurse anesthesia courses requires admission to the nurse anesthesia program. Completion of the courses will occur in the sequence prescribed by the program for the cohort group in which enrolled; deviations from this sequence, or enrollment without admission to the program require special permission of the Program Director.
Students in this program are subject to the policies and procedures for graduate studies for Webster University and the nurse anesthesia program.
Graduate students enrolled in the nurse anesthesia program must maintain continuous enrollment, or request special permission from the Program Director.
CHEM 5500 Biochemistry (3)
Investigates fundamental metabolic pathways, the biochemistry of acid-base metabolism, and the principles of ligand to protein interactions that may be applicable to anesthesia.
PHYS 5500 Physics for Anesthesia (2)
Provides the student an opportunity to correlate physical properties as they apply to the physiology, pathology, and pharmacology of anesthesia. Major emphasis is on states of matter, gas laws, thermodynamics, fluids, theories of narcosis, oxygen and ancillary gas delivery devices, heat, humidification, and pressure regulation. The student engages in critical thinking regarding the effects of these various principles on homeostatic functions and its relation to the client’s state of health/wellness as it interacts with culturally diverse populations in the twenty-first century.
SCIN 5000 Review Chemistry/Physics/Math/Introduction to Computers (0)
Reviews basic medical mathematics, chemistry, and physics. The central purpose of the course is to bridge the principles of physics with clinical applications. Physics provides a foundation for the understanding of many physiological processes and is important in understanding the design and proper use of anesthesia equipment and monitoring devices. Students will be introduced to the basic concepts of computers, and computers will be used to integrate the material of the courses.
biol5200
BIOL 5300 Advanced Anatomy and Physiology II, includes lab experience (3)
Provides the student an opportunity to continue building upon basic knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular, digestive, hepatic, reproductive, and renal systems, with particular reference to anesthesia and acute care management. An in-depth analysis will be made of the cardiovascular system. The student engages in critical thinking regarding the effects of anesthesia on normal physiologic functions of the cardiovascular and renal systems. Continuation of gross anatomy study of thorax and abdominal and pelvic regions.
BIOL 5320 Advanced Anatomy and Physiology III, includes lab experience (3)
This course is a continuation of Anatomy and Physiology II. It continues to explore the topics of the cardiovascular, digestive, hepatic, reproductive, and renal systems, with particular reference to anesthesia and acute care management. An in-depth analysis will be made of the cardiovascular system. The student engages in critical thinking regarding the effects of anesthesia on normal physiologic functions of the cardiovascular and renal systems. Continuation of gross anatomy study of thorax and abdominal and pelvic regions.
BIOL 5400 Introduction to Anesthesia (3)
This course includes a Journal Club. It is the first course in anesthesia designed to introduce the student to the basic professional aspects of nurse anesthesia practice including professional development, ethical, social, and legal issues. Introduction to the field of anesthesia also includes orientation to the basic physical facility, equipment, fundamental pharmacology, anesthetic techniques, objectives of Healthy People 2010, historical perspectives, and specialties in the field of anesthesia. Students will be introduced to case planning, standards of practice, systematic strategies for preanesthetic assessment, and analyzing physiological principles. A Journal Club that enhances the content accompanies this course. It affords the student an opportunity to research the various content areas and develop presentation skills. This course includes state-of-the-art computer simulation to assist in developing the initial skills required for administering anesthesia. Professional development opportunities occur through the attendance of local, state, and national anesthesia meetings. This course includes a multi-day orientation to clinical experiences.
BIOL 5450 Basics of Anesthesia (2)
This course is a continuation of BIOL 5400, Introduction to Anesthesia, it includes a Journal Club. It is designed to introduce the student to the basic professional aspects of nurse anesthesia practice including professional development, ethical, social, and legal issues. Introduction to the field of anesthesia also includes orientation to the basic physical facility, equipment, fundamental pharmacology, anesthetic techniques, objectives of Healthy People 2010, historical perspectives, and specialties in the field of anesthesia. Students will be introduced to case planning, standards of practice, systematic strategies for preanesthetic assessment, and analyzing physiological principles. This fundamental course begins prior to the start of the clinical practicum and then proceeds in conjunction with BIOL 5600 Clinical Experience I, to give students a comprehensive background. A Journal Club that enhances the content taught in Introduction to Anesthesia accompanies this course. It affords the student an opportunity to research the various content areas and develop presentation skills. This course includes state-of-the-art computer simulation to assist in developing the initial skills required for administering anesthesia. Professional development opportunities occur through the attendance of local, state, and national anesthesia meetings. Prerequisite: admission to the MS in nurse anesthesia program.
BIOL 5500 Principles of Anesthesia I (3)
This course is the first of two courses designed to introduce the student to the art and science of nurse anesthesia. The course includes discussion of professional aspects and anesthetic principles, and introduction to comprehensive anesthetic planning, monitoring, co-existing disease states, and pharmacology. This course includes discussion of medical and systems management during the administration of anesthesia. It emphasizes the effects of anesthesia on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. It includes state-of-the-art computer simulation to assist in the integration of didactic content and development of clinical skills. This course is offered in conjunction with BIOL 5710 Clinical Experience II. Professional development opportunities occur through the attendance of local, state, and national anesthesia meetings.
BIOL 5510 Anesthesia Concepts I (2)
This course continues to build on the foundation provided by the Principles of Anesthesia courses I and II. It includes a presentation of advanced techniques and procedures in anesthesia. The placement, management, and interpretation of invasive monitors will be discussed. Advanced anesthesia concepts and techniques of pain management and critical care management following anesthesia will be discussed. The topics are integrated with BIOL 6210 Clinical Experience IV, and represent a thorough investigation into specialty fields of anesthesia. State-of-the-art computer simulation to assist in the integration of didactic content and clinical skills is included. Professional development opportunities occur through the attendance of local, state, and national anesthesia meetings.
BIOL 5550 Anesthesia Concepts II (3)
This course is an extension of BIOL 5510 Anesthesia Concepts I and includes the presentation of advanced techniques and monitors in anesthesia specifically related to the specialty areas of regional, pediatric, and obstetric anesthesia care. The advanced principles and techniques associated with each of these specialty areas of practice will be discussed. The topics are integrated with learning labs, continuing clinical experiences in BIOL 6210 Clinical Experience V, and throughout the remainder of the program. State-of-the-art computer simulation to assist in the integration of didactic content and clinical skills is included. Professional development opportunities occur through the attendance of local, state, and national anesthesia meetings.
BIOL 5570 Anesthesia Concepts III (2)
This course is a continuation of Anesthesia Concepts II and includes the presentation of advanced techniques and monitors in anesthesia specifically related to the specialty areas of regional, pediatric, and obstetric anesthesia care. The advanced principles and techniques associated with each of these specialty areas of practice will be discussed. The topics are integrated with learning labs, continuing clinical experiences in BIOL 6210 Clinical Experience V, and throughout the remainder of the program. State-of-the-art computer simulation to assist in the integration of didactic content and clinical skills is included. Professional development opportunities occur through the attendance of local, state, and national anesthesia meetings.
BIOL 5600, 5760, and 5770 Clinical Experience I, II, and III Beginning Level
Clinical experiences are designed to provide a progressive and integrative experience that coincides with didactic coursework. The clinical experiences are all supervised, and have been divided into four levels, each building on the experience of the previous level. Nurse anesthesia residents attend state-of-the-art computer simulation activities 10 times to serve as a bridge between the classroom and the clinical experiences. It provides opportunities for skills development as well as management of high-intensity, low-frequency events. This closely supervised experience focuses primarily on the management of ASA I and II patients, although the management of ASA III through V cases may be included. Cases involving invasive monitoring will be scheduled as appropriate. It includes all preanesthetic and patient assessment activities for general, regional, and MAC anesthesia, administration of the anesthetic, and postanesthesia care. A weekly case conference following the clinical experience will assist the nurse anesthesia resident in the integration of academic and clinical content. All case scheduling and management will assist the resident in meeting the guidelines and requirements for the National Certification Examination.
.BIOL 5700 Pharmacology I (3)
This course is the first in a series of three which focuses on advanced pharmacological concepts in anesthetic administration including pharmacodynamics (pharmacotherapeutics), pharmacokinetics, and toxicology profiles of primary inhaled anesthetic agents. Problem-solving applications in the clinical area are utilized especially as they relate to proper drug selection, dose calculation, and administration.
BIOL 5780 Genetics (1)
Presents an overview of human genetics and its relationship to the disease process. Principles of transmission genetics will be covered. Abnormalities of the nervous, cardiac, respiratory, and muscular systems will be addressed. The molecular basis for various inborn errors of cellular activity and how it relates to the delivery of anesthesia will be covered.
BIOL 5800 Introduction to Research (2)
Focuses on the research process from problem formulation to analysis and interpretation. Quantitative and qualitative methodologies are addressed. The fundamental knowledge needed to plan, implement, and evaluate a research study is provided.
BIOL 5900 Pathophysiology I (3)
Lecture and discussion of pathologic states common to the surgical population which may affect the delivery of anesthesia. Focus will be on primary disease processes of the nervous, endocrine, and respiratory systems, common therapies, and their relationship to preoperative planning and case management.
BIOL 5960, 6050, 6160, and 6260 Seminars in Anesthesia/Board Review I, II, III, and IV (0)
Seminars in anesthesia courses are a compendium of topics utilized to embellish the professional development of the resident registered nurse anesthetist. These seminars are tailored to the adult learner and offer a comprehensive review in preparation for the National Certification Examination offered by the Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists following graduation. A combination of presentations, case studies, and problem-based learning will be employed. The student is expected to actively participate in a thorough preparation and review process. State-of-the-art computer simulation to assist in the integration of didactic content and clinical skills is included. Professional development opportunities continue to occur through the attendance of local, state, and national anesthesia meetings.
BIOL 6000 Pharmacology II (3)
This is the second in a series of pharmacology courses, and it addresses specific intravenous anesthetic agents. Pharmacology II is a more intensive examination of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of intravenous anesthetic agents, barbiturates, muscle relaxants, and adjuvant drugs used in anesthesia. The scope of pharmacology is widened to include the effects of anesthetic drugs on the nervous system. The autonomic, sympathetic, parasympathetic, and central nervous systems will be thoroughly examined.
BIOL 6100 Pathophysiology II (3)
Continuation of BIOL 5900 Pathophysiology I. Focus will be on primary disease processes of the cardiovascular, renal, and digestive systems, common therapies, and their relationship to preoperative planning and anesthesia case management.
BIOL 6200 Pharmacology III (3)
Pharmacology III is the third course in a series emphasizing the pharmacology related to the cardiovascular, respiratory, and endocrine systems. Pharmacology III will also address the nonanesthetic drugs related to the practice of anesthesia. Topics like antibiotic, antifungal, and antiviral therapy, the use of pharmacology in HIV, TB, hepatitis, hematologic, and oncologic disorders will be presented. Dermatologic and gastrointestinal pharmacology will be presented as they relate to anesthesia using the clinical practicum and with special focus on clinical applications.
BIOL 6220, 6230, 6240, 6280, and 6290 Clinical Experience IV, V, VI, VII, and VIII Intermediate Level
At the intermediate level, the nurse anesthesia resident begins full-time clinical experiences that are designed to provide anesthetic experiences in routine as well as specialty practice settings. These supervised experiences can occur in obstetrics, radiology, pediatrics, cardiothoracic, and neurosurgical procedures. In addition, the nurse anesthesia resident may gain experience in pain management and the pulmonary lab. Nurse anesthesia residents will utilize advanced anesthetic management techniques involving medically complex patient management. All case scheduling will lead toward the requirements for the National Certification Examination.
BIOL 6255 Cellular Biology (3)
Covers fundamental concepts of the structure and function of human cells. The course begins with a light microscope study of tissue cells and an electron micrograph study of specific cells; followed by a study of organelle function; and ending with cellular perspectives on the nervous system, immunology, and cancer as they relate to anesthesia.
BIOL 6270 Principles of Anesthesia II (3)
This course is the continuation of BIOL 5500 Principles of Anesthesia I, and includes an advanced focus in pathophysiology and medical and systems management during anesthesia care. It includes a discussion of advanced anesthetic principles and management of various disease states, emphasizing the effects of anesthesia on the nervous, endocrine, hepatic, renal, and cardiovascular and respiratory systems. It also includes discussion of anesthesia for the trauma patient. This course is offered in conjunction with BIOL 5710 Clinical Experience III. State-of-the-art computer simulation to assist in the integration and development of didactic content and clinical skills is included. Prerequisite: BIOL 5500 Principles of Anesthesia I.
BIOL 6300 Epidemiology/Models in Clinical Research (1)
Presents an introduction to principles, methods, and uses of epidemiology. Distribution of populations at high risk, surveillance of health status, planning, evaluation of census, vital data, and health statistics as baseline indices of health status at community, state, and national levels will be presented. Attention will be given to determine the relevance of the findings of epidemiological studies to the clinical practice of anesthesia to individuals, families, groups, and communities.
BIOL 6310, 6320, 6330, 6340, 6350, and 6360 Research/Thesis Project I, II, III, IV, V, VI (1 credit hour each)
The design of this course is progressive, culminating in a master’s thesis/research project. The course offers the student the opportunity to do research under the direction of a member of Webster University faculty. The student will begin with a proposal and progress through research design, literature search, implementation of the research project, and developing presentation of data from the research.
BIOL 6420, 6430, 6440, and 6450 Clinical Experience IX, X, XI, XII Advanced Level
Clinical experiences at the advanced level continue to be supervised, but the nurse anesthesia resident is expected to demonstrate increasing autonomy and utilize appropriate critical thinking and decision-making skills in the management of all classifications of patients from ASA I–V and emergencies requiring anesthesia care. All case scheduling will lead toward the requirements for the National Certification Examination.
BIOL 6460 Neuroendocrinology (3)
Covers the principles of hormonal regulation. Special attention to hormonal mechanisms and action and feedback will be studied. The relationship between the endocrine system and the nervous system will be emphasized regarding receptors related to anesthesia.
BIOL 6500 Immunology (2)
Covers the structure and function of leukocytes and the classification of antibodies. The principles of immunosuppression and the mechanism of the immune response will be studied for the perianesthetic period.
BIOL 6600 Microbiology (2)
Focuses on properties of bacteria, viruses, and fungi as well as the pathogen-host interactions. An introduction to the molecular genetics of bacteria and viruses. The relation of these organisms to anesthesia and their control will be explored.
BIOL 6640 Microbiology II (2)
This course is a continuation of Microbiology. It continues the study of bacteria, viruses, and fungi as well as the pathogen-host interactions. An introduction to the molecular genetics of bacteria and viruses. The relation of these organisms to anesthesia and their control will be explored.
BIOL 6650 Developmental Biology (1)
Focuses on the development of the anatomical and physiological process from embryo to newborn. Normal and pathological conditions will be compared, and anesthesia implications will be discussed.
MATH 5250 Biostatistics for Nurse Anesthesia I (3)
A basic introduction to the use of statistics in nurse anesthesia. Topics covered include: descriptive statistics, probability, sampling estimation, t- and Z-tests, chi-square tests, one-way analysis of variance, and regression analysis. Computers will be used for some computational analysis.
MATH 5280 Biostatistics for Nurse Anesthesia II (3)
Continuation of Biostatistics I. Covers nonparametric statistics, two-way analysis of variance, and mulitvariate analysis. Most of the analysis will be done using computer programs.
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