Western Carolina University

Reasons to Choose WCU’s NAP

• Small class size (14-16 students per class) and low student-to-faculty ratio ensure individualized attention.
• Diverse clinical experience (spinals, epidurals) with no competition from other anesthesia learners
• Total anesthetic cases average in excess of 950; unique learning experiences at two clinical sites where CRNAs are sole anesthesia providers; experience with ultrasound guidance in placement of nerve blocks (interscalene, supraclavicular, popliteal), and internal jugular vein cannulation
• State of the art high fidelity simulation lab with METI Human Patient Simulator;
  use of various mannequins to enhance clinical skills (fiberoptic intubation, jet ventilation, LMAs)
• Program Faculty with extensive scholarship (authored chapters in the textbook Nurse Anesthesia and Pharmacology for Nurse Anesthesiology, editor of textbook and handbook on electrocardiography; national, state, and regional lectures to CRNAs and anesthesiologists, extensive professional involvement at national and state level [On-site Reviewer for the Council on Accreditation {COA} of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, National Board on Certification and Recertification of  Nurse Anesthetists {NBCRNA}, American Association of Nurse Anesthetists {AANA} Journal Reviewer, AANA Committees]; visiting professor at other universities)
• All faculty* are doctorally prepared (one faculty is completing doctoral studies), appointments as full professor and assistant professors, each faculty member maintains clinical practice
• 100% pass rate for national certification exam since inception of program
• WCU anesthesia students named champions in the 2008, 2010 and 2011 North Carolina Association of Nurse Anesthetists (NCANA) annual college bowl
• Established publication record for students mentored by faculty with graduate projects and research
• Open door policy with program faculty-very supportive
• Competitive tuition costs
• Students actively supported to participate in professional organizations, international service, and scholarship
  
  • Presentation of research at the 2011 NCANA annual conference
  • Poster presentation at the 2011 AANA National Meeting, Boston, MA
  • Poster presentation at the 2010 AANA National Meeting, Seattle, WA
• Asheville has outstanding outdoor activities (mountains, Blue Ridge Parkway, Appalachian Trail, kayaking, hiking), spectacular fall foliage, and a mild climate year round.