What percentage of programs would you say offer an "in state" advantage...

[Roland]

to applicants. Since we live in Indiana where there are NO CRNA programs we will have to move without regard to which program we wish to attend. However, as referenced in a previous post it seems that at least SOME programs give a definitive advantage to those applicants who are already residents in that state. I am trying to get a handle on how pervasive and widespread this policy is practiced. If it does turn out that living in the state of application is a big advantage my top picks are Ohio, Penn., Tx., Fl., and Tenn. All of these states offer AT LEAST five CRNA programs to which one may apply. Does anyone have input into which of these states might be BEST in terms of cost of living verses RN/ICU pay (for my wife who will be supporting me during school).

[Roland]

I was wrong there are only four in Texas. These are the programs I am aware of there:

1. US Army Graduate Program in Anesthesia Nursing in San Antonio

2. Baylor College of Medicine

3. Texas Wesleyan University

4. University of Texas- Houston Health Science Center.

I think the fact that Houston has two schools caused me to "jump" to an incorrect conclusion. Furthermore, I'm not sure if we can really even say there are four given that the first is likely restricted to Army personnel.

[Roland]

that some states like PA have TEN schools while others like CA have only three or as is the case in my home state of Indiana NONE. Is it espcially difficult to start a program? It certainly seems like there is a DEMAND here for CRNA's (reading the Indy Star classifieds I see several adds most weeks). Could there be subtle (or not so subtle) pressure from MD's not to offer more such programs? If so why is Penn. seemigly immune to such pressure. Conversely, does it possibly represent efforts by CRNA's themselves to limit supply in order to facilitate higher salaries?

[kmchugh]

Yes, its pretty difficult to start a program. I was in the first class at my program (Newman University, Wichita, Kansas), and had a conversation or two with the director about it. First, you must find an institution willing to have the program, no small feat in and of itself. When Dr Chipas first had the idea to start a program, he was working on his PhD in adult education at the time. He approached Wichita State University, which has a nursing program. He was told that since KU, another Regent's University, had a CRNA program, it would be difficult to get one started at WSU. I guess they said they would consider it, but recommended to Tony that he stop working on his PhD, to get his BSN at WSU!

Next, he went to Newman, who also had a BSN program. After examining the idea, Newman told him to go ahead with the program, and that's when the real work began. He had to make sure there were enough anesthesia groups willing to take students to support the program, and obtain program certification from the COA. In all, from approval to admitting and starting his first class, it took Tony two years to get the program up and running. By all accounts, that's pretty fast.

Kevin McHugh

[kmchugh]

BTW, I don't think there is any pressure on the part of MDA's to limit programs, nor on the part of CRNA's to control supply of new graduates. Currently, the rate of retirement of CRNA's exceeds the rate of new graduates coming out, so there is a real squeeze, that's only going to get worse. Some programs (TWU, NU) have even expanded their programs to admit more students in the last couple of years.

There used to be a much larger number of programs, but when the decision was made to require programs to grant master's degrees at the end of the school, many hospital affiliated programs shut down. There has not been a big rush to fill the void left by these closures.

Kevin McHugh