Introduction
Welcome to your all-in-one guide for the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) program at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU). If you're an ambitious critical care nurse looking to advance your career to the highest level of nursing practice, CWRU’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Nurse Anesthesia is a top-tier choice. Located in the healthcare hub of Cleveland, Ohio, this program is renowned for its academic rigor and exceptional clinical opportunities.
About the School
Case Western Reserve University's Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing is a pioneer in nursing education, consistently ranked among the nation's best. The school is celebrated for its commitment to research, innovation, and leadership. Being part of the larger CWRU campus, students benefit from a vibrant academic community and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Quick Facts
- Program Type: DNP-NA (Doctor of Nursing Practice - Nurse Anesthesia)
- Program Length: 36 months (full-time)
- Tuition: Approximately $140,000 (Contact program for exact, up-to-date figures)
- Application Deadline: Typically June 1st
- Class Size: ~25-30 students
- GRE Requirement: Waived
Admission Requirements
- Degree: BSN or MSN from a CCNE or ACEN accredited program.
- GPA: Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. A science GPA of 3.0 is also required.
- RN License: Unencumbered RN license in Ohio.
- Critical Care Experience: A minimum of one year of full-time experience as an RN in a critical care setting within the last three years. Acceptable experience includes ICU, CCU, SICU, or other high-acuity environments.
- Certifications: BLS, ACLS, and PALS are required. CCRN is highly recommended.
- Shadowing: Documentation of at least 16 hours of shadowing a CRNA or anesthesiologist.
Program Highlights
The CWRU CRNA program stands out for its extensive clinical partnerships with world-class medical centers, including Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, and MetroHealth Medical Center. Students gain experience across a wide spectrum of anesthetic care, from Level I trauma centers to specialized pediatric and cardiac facilities. The front-loaded curriculum ensures students have a strong didactic foundation before entering the operating room.
FAQs
- What makes a competitive applicant for CWRU? Applicants with a strong academic background (GPA > 3.5), more than two years of high-acuity ICU experience, leadership roles, and a compelling personal statement tend to be most competitive.
- Is the GRE required? No, the GRE requirement has been waived for applicants.
- Can I work while in the program? Due to the demanding nature of the curriculum and clinical schedule, the program strongly discourages any outside employment.
- What is the clinical experience like? Students complete over 2,500 clinical hours and administer more than 800 anesthetics across a diverse range of specialties and patient populations.
- How do I track the application deadline? You can track the Case Western Reserve University CRNA program's official deadline and get timely reminders at crnatracker.com.
Track Case Western's deadline at crnatracker.com