Each student must successfully accomplish each of the following goals to be eligible to become a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) graduate of MTSA:
- Satisfactory completion of all academic courses, including all DSLOs.;
- Completion of a SEE Exam with a benchmark score to be set each year;
- Satisfactory completion of all categories of clinical procedures required by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) and NBCRNA;
- Satisfactory completion of practicum at assigned affiliates (as determined by the Program Administrator and the Progressions Committee and to include anesthesia service at sites in medically underserved areas) and senior electives, including the MTSA-required care plans, and clinical case records;
- Completion of the 36-month program, with absences in excess of scheduled vacation days, eighteen holidays, and six emergency days being made up prior to graduation;
- Completion of any and all financial obligations to MTSA;
- Completion of the online Loan Exit Counseling for students who have borrowed federal loans while attending MTSA;
- Participation in the graduation exercise, unless specific prior permission for graduation in absentia is granted in writing from the Program Administrator, with approval by the NAP Council. Exceptions generally will not be made unless the circumstances preventing attendance are beyond the control of the student.
Credential Awarded
Upon satisfactory completion of the program of study at Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia, the student is awarded a diploma with the degree Doctorate of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP). The graduate is then eligible to apply to take the National Certification Examination administered by the NBCRNA. Upon successful completion of this examination, the graduate will bear the title of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).
APN License in Tennessee
Due to the institution of the Advance Practice Nurse License in Tennessee in 2005, some sites do not allow new Nurse Anesthetists to practice until they have completed the National Certification Examination and obtained their APN license. This regulation varies by hospital and anesthesia group and is beyond the control of MTSA. Furthermore, different states have varying regulations regarding APN or APRN licensure. It is advisable to inquire about such details when interviewing for job placement.