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The University of Southern Mississippi College of Nursing and Health Professions’ (CNHP) nurse anesthesia doctoral program is producing graduates ready for a career as a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). All 23 graduates in the program’s December 2024 cohort received a 100 percent pass rate on the National Certification Exam (NCE).
Since 2012, the three-year program has provided clinical experiences across the state to each cohort. With 197 graduates to date, Dr. Lachel Story, CNHP dean, sees the commitment and rigorous steps taken to provide Mississippi with dedicated nurse anesthetists.
“We are thrilled that this program continues to demonstrate excellent outcomes. Graduating strong anesthesia providers to address not only the healthcare needs but the anesthesia provider shortage in the state is core to our mission. This gold standard results from the quality of instruction and clinical experiences that prepares our graduates to provide nothing less than exceptional anesthesia care,” said Story.
The cohort began their program in January 2022 with rigorous courses and hands-on training that prepared them for the NCE. The exam tests the knowledge and skills of each student studying to become a CRNA. Mary Jane Collins, Nurse Anesthesia program coordinator, is thankful for the university’s support in shaping future leaders in anesthesia care.
“The success of our recent graduates is a direct reflection of their unwavering dedication and perseverance throughout 36 months of rigorous didactic and clinical training. Their achievements are not only a testament to their resilience and commitment to excellence but also to the invaluable contributions of our clinical preceptors, Mississippi’s sponsoring hospitals and facilities, and the dedicated faculty and staff who have mentored and guided them along the way,” said Collins.
In January 2025, a new group joined the program and increased in size from 25 students per cohort to 35. With 84 students currently enrolled, 87 percent are Mississippi residents ready to contribute to the state’s healthcare system.
Applications for the next cohort are due May 15. Visit Nursing (Nurse Anesthesia) – Doctorate | Graduate Programs | The University of Southern Mississippi to discover a career that meets the population’s needs and a program that transforms students into professionals ready to provide quality care.
