Nurse Anesthesia: Curriculum

Master of Science Curriculum 2008-09

UDM has a rigorous, high-quality curriculum leading to a Master of Science with a Specialization in Nurse Anesthesiology. The classroom instructors ensure our students are prepared for success on the Board exam (our first-attempt pass rate over the last twelve years is greater than 93%). The clinical instructors give the student the skills and flexibility to provide high-quality nurse anesthesia care in any setting. One hundred percent of our graduates find positions upon graduation.

This page gives the full-time (27 months) and extended curriculum (39 months, sometimes called "part time"- see below on this page for a discussion of time commitments).

Full-Time (27 month) Track

The listing includes course number, title, and credit hours. These credit hours are based on 4 month terms. For example, BIO538 meets for 4 hours of lecture per week, over a four month period (4 x 16 = 64 contact hours total). Please note that only classroom experiences follow this format. Clinical Internships or research classes may require more time commitment than indicated by their credit weight. ANE530 Physics and Biomedical Instrumentation is offered online.

Term 1 Fall

BIO 538 Physiology I (4)
ANE 560 Pharmacology I (4)
BIO 542 Gross Anatomy (2)
BIO 544 Gross Anatomy lab (2)
ANE 549 Principles of Nurse Anesthesia I (4)
16 credits

Term 2 Winter

BIO 539 Physiology II (4)
ANE 561 Pharmacology II (3)
ANE 550 Advanced Principles of Nurse Anesthesia I (4)
ANE 601 Clinical Internship I (1)
ANE 570 Principles of Regional Anesthesia (2)
14 credits

Term 3 Summer

ANE 551 Advanced Principles of Nurse Anesthesia II (4)
ANE 530 Physics and Biomedical Instrumentation (3)
PYC 503 Statistics (3) (may be taken prior to enrollment or any term before Term 5)
HLH 562 Pharmacology III (2)
ANE 602 Clinical Internship II (1)
13 credits

Term 4 Fall

ANE 552 Advanced Principles of Nurse Anesthesia III (2)
HLH 550 Research Methodology (3)
ANE 510 Professional Aspects (2)
ANE 594 Pathophysiology (3)
ANE 603 Clinical Internship III (1)
11 credits

Term 5 Winter

ANE 699 Master's Project (3), or Elective (3); see below
ANE 610 Seminar (1)
ANE 604 Clinical Internship IV (1)
5 credits

Term 6 Summer

ANE 611 Seminar (1)
ANE 605 Clinical Internship V (1)
2 credits

Term 7 Fall

ANE 612 Seminar (1)
ANE 606 Clinical Internship VI (1)
2 credits

Total credits = 63.

Students may elect to perform a research project. In this case they will choose ANE699 Master's Project for one credit in each of Term 5, 6, and 7. Students who do not complete the project will take one three-credit elective before graduating. Coursework is subject to the approval of the Director, and could include topical areas such as health care law, finance, ethics, or management.

Extended (39-month) Track

The 63 credits (same number as the 27 month track) are taken in 39 months. We refer to this curriculum as an extended curriculum (rather than "part time") because the time commitment for the students in this track, in their last 15-18 months, is identical to the time commitment of students in the full-time track.

1. In the first 12 months of the 39 month track, the student takes 15 credits and has no clinical component. It is realistic to remain employed (part time or perhaps even full time) during this period.
2. In months 13-24, the student has clinical and classroom commitments (with the exception of the credits already taken) identical to the full time track. So the time commitment is less than the full time track. How many hours you can continue to be employed depends on your energy level, family responsibilities, and how well you are doing in the classroom and in the clinical area.
3. In months 25-39, there is no difference in time commitment between the two tracks and it is suggested that students will do better without any outside work responsibilities in view of the demands of the clinical area and the scholarly project.

The choice of full or part time track is generally left up to the individual student, who declares their intent at the time enrollment is offered. You are strongly encouraged to speak directly to the program Director or Assistant Director if you are interested in this track.

Choice of courses, and their order, are established by mutual agreement with the program chair. Typically, an extended-track student may take BIO542, BIO538, BIO539, and PYC503 in their first 12 months.