Curriculum Overview

Once relocated to our area in year 2, the Nurse Anesthesia (CRNA) Program curriculum is an integrated design that’s centered on rich clinical experiences that prepare you for advanced nursing practice.

You’ll complete clinical training that includes approximately 800 cases with over 2,500 hours of clinical practicum experience. These anesthesia cases include pediatrics, obstetrics, geriatrics, open heart, neurological, plastic, otolaryngology, ophthalmology, urology, orthopedics, radiological and transplant procedures. Both elective and emergency anesthetics are given.

Students obtain clinical experience at a variety of affiliated sites that provide broad exposure to anesthetic practice.

Clinical education is enhanced by our Center for Experiential and Applied Learning, which includes an anesthesia skills lab, fresh cadaver lab, two human patient simulation labs, a standard patient assessment lab and the opportunity to participate in state-of-the-art multi-disciplinary anesthesia crisis resource management training.

Program Goals and Objectives

Our program maintains a top-ranked position by providing rigorous education and by evolving to capitalize on emerging trends in health care and education. Our guiding vision is "Creating Excellence in Nurse Anesthesia."

We do this by:

  • Implementing cutting-edge learning opportunities, such as problem-based learning (PBL) and simulation
  • Providing our students with multiple avenues for professional development including global health missions, service learning projects and political mentorship
  • Incorporating interprofessional education collaboration with the school of medicine and physician assistant studies

Continuing Education Programs

The Continuing Education Programs at Wake Forest University School of Medicine aim to produce competent nurse anesthesia practitioners and to prepare individuals for a lifetime of success in their careers. We offer programs for:

Yearly Curriculum

The 36-month program consists of academic coursework that is divided into four semesters and two summers. Formal classes begin in August of each year. The clinical component is organized into an “in-residence” model, with clinical education provided year-round, interspersed with academic courses. The three-year curriculum offered after 2021 will consist of one year of full-time online study from home, followed by 2 years (6 semesters) of study on site.