Franciscan Skemp School of Anesthesia

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Is anyone familiar with Franciscan Skemp in LaCross, Wisconsin? I have read their website multiple times and read every thread on here that I could find, but I would like more information about their anesthesia program. From what I've read, I like the cost (it's is probably the least expensive, aside from the military programs), the small class size (they only accept 10 students per year!!), the focus on science (Masters of Science in Biology, not MSN, so no "theory of nursing" classes!!). Although I have years before I would apply to CRNA school, I thought it doesn't hurt to start looking now...

My main questions are:

  • Does this program prepare SRNAs to be independent, knowledgeable anesthesia providers? I have heard that there is no competition with medical schools for anesthesia cases, but I don't know if this is true.
  • Do students in this program have the opportunity to practice a variety of skills and work on a variety of cases? I read that the hospital the program is connected with does not do open hearts, and that SRNAs go to other hospitals in the area for additional specialized procedures, including open hearts. They seem to offer experience at CRNA only practices in Wisconsin, which seems really cool.
  • They offer 1800 hours of clinical experience, is this good, bad, average?
  • Does having a MS in Biology (rather than in nursing) limit further educational opportunities, such as getting a DNP later on?

Here is their website:

School of Nurse Anesthesia - Mayo Clinic Health System

Thanks!

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I know nothing about this program, but if those things about which you write are true, go for it. Small class size is a huge plus. CRNA only rotations are a huge plus. 1800 hours is great, outstanding really. Don't get too hung up on the DNP thing. They are all kind of the same. The DNP comes from a school of nursing , while a DNAP comes from all others. Just not a big deal. As far as cost, to get all that at a cheap price is great.

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Thank you so much! I appreciate your help!

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Has anyone else had experience with this program? :nurse:

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Specializes in CCU, MICU, and GMF Liver.

I was researching this program as I really want to get into a CRNA only school as well. Relative to other programs Franciscan Skemp has lax admission requirements and they actually let you work while in school, which I found interesting.

If there's any current or past students who want to share an opinion please do!

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