[Pitbullgirl]

Does anyone have any insight/feedback for the Wolford School in Naples, FL? I think it used to be affiliated or part of Florida Gulf Coast's school, and it had some problems. Not sure of all the details. Any insight into this school would be very appreciated. Please feel free to PM me if you prefer. Thanks in advance!

[robertsrrna]

I have a friend of mine who graduated in the first class and advised me to look elsewhere. So i chose TWU in Fort Worth. I think this class is the last,Dec2006 graduation. The AANA magazine this month shows voluntary closure of the program. I did hear it's a wonderful place to live, but high cost of living.

[Pitbullgirl]

I emailed the school, and got this response:

"The program is a front-loaded, 72 semester hours and 28 months of continuous study. This means that in the first 12 months of the program the majority of time will be spent in the classroom in Naples, FL. During the remaining 16 months, students will be assigned to one of two primary clinical sites, one in Naples and the other in Tampa.

The program is fully accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, the professional accrediting agency for nurse anesthesia programs. Wolford College is provisionally licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education, License No. 2979."

[rn2crna]

Wolford College was once affiliated with Florida Gulf Coast University. Starting February 2005, Wolford College separated from FGCU and they are now it's own entity. It is a fully accredited program. I have spoken to several current students both from the Feb 2005 and the October 2005 classes, and all of the students have nothing but good things to say about the program. The college is very open to connecting you with current students so that you can feel out the program for yourself.

[Pitbullgirl]

Thanks rn2crna, I appreciate the feedback. My husband and I would like to relocate to Florida in the next couple of years, and that's why I was looking into Wolford. We are both sailors and have a small sailboat, and my dad lives in West Palm. On the east coast, but still easier to visit than Kentucky. And Florida is much better suited to scuba diving--either in the state, or quick ride from Miami to Cayman, etc.! Thanks again.

[Floridanurse]

Wolford was with Florida Gulfcoast University until their recent split. I worked with a nurse anesthetist who graduated from Florida Gulfcoast and he was AWESOME!!! Even the CVOR circulating nurses thought so. I would definitely go with it if it is the same professors, etc.

[JESKRN]

I copied and pasted this from the aana website. It shows that it voluntary closed. I also talked to a crna that graduated from there and told me not to apply.



Norman R. Wolford School of Nurse Anesthesia/
Florida Gulf Coast University
4933 Tamiami Trail North
Suite 201
Naples, FL 34103
Program Information
Date of Last Review: 10/2003
Next Review Date: 10/2007
Degree(s): Master of Science in Nursing
Program Length: 28 months
Starting Month(s): AUG
Program Status: Voluntary Closure - Awaiting Final Approval by COA Contacts
Lauren Corder, CRNA, MSN, ARNP, Program Director
Karen E Miles, RN, EdD, Director, School of Nursing
ph: (239) 649-0238
fax: (239) 649-0381
email: nwolford@wolford.edu
web: http://www.nrwsna.org

[ICUDOUCME?]

This thread isn't too old so I think I'll revive it as I have just applied to Wolford. I am waiting to hear if I get an interview. Anyone else? Pitbullgirl?

I don't have the second Chemistry class but they said I could still apply and if I get in, I can take a chemistry class this summer before the Fall term starts.

What I like about Wolford is that it is not affiliated with a university. They are an independent school strictly in business to educate nurse anesthetists. Another thing I like is that they take two classes a year. It seems like better odds to get into a school like that. Does anyone know the class size? I can't find it on their web site.

If any current or former students would like to provide feedback of any kind about Wolford, I would appreciate it so much.

[rn2crna]

I am in the second class at Wolford College which is not affiliated with FGCU. I think there are advantages and disadvantages to the program not being affiliated with a university. The faculty and staff are willing to go above and beyond for each and every one of their students. My class accepted 21 students. Fall 2007 class accepted 30 students. The interview was very laid back...the basic interview questions: why do you want to be a CRNA, have you shadowed a CRNA, what have you done to prepare yourself?
Naples is expensive with an average of $1100/month for 1 bedroom, not including utilities.
Good luck

[Pitbullgirl]

Hi ICUDOUCME,
I don't have the required critical care experience yet in order to apply; currently I'm an OR nurse, and just thinking ahead to CRNA for career development and interests. However, I'm definitely interested in Wolford down the road, probably in 2 years.

Best of luck and please let us know how it goes with Wolford!