- Accreditations
- Location Norristown, Pennsylvania
- Programs CRNA, Master's, Post-grad Certificate, Other
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The Frank J. Tornetta School of Anesthesia was founded under the direction of Frank J. Tornetta, M.D., Ph.D. in 1951. The School of Anesthesia at Einstein Medical Center Montgomery is in partnership with La Salle University School of Nursing and Health Sciences.
La Salle University was chartered in 1863 by the Legislature of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and is empowered by that authority to grant academic degrees.
Nurse Anesthesia Graduate Program
NOTE: The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs requires that all applicants are notified that on January 1, 2022 and thereafter, all students matriculating into an accredited program must be enrolled in a doctoral program. The Frank J Tornetta School of Anesthesia at Einstein Medical Center Montgomery in partnership with La Salle University School of Nursing and Health Sciences was approved to offer the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) by the Council of Accreditation of Nurse Educational Programs at its October 2017 meeting. The Nurse Anesthesia program currently offers an entry level BSN to DNP innovative curricular design that allows students to maintain full time employment during the first 24 months of the program as they complete online prerequisite DNP core courses. The remaining 29 month clinical residency portion of the program requires full time enrollment in the program.
Entrance Requirements
1. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from from an NLNAC or CCNE accredited program or a Master of Science in Nursing Bridge program
- Students with an undergraduate BSN GPA of less than 3.2 are required to present test scores from the GRE (Graduate Record Exam), MAT (Miller Analogies Test) or GMAT (Graduate Management Aptitude Test), to be considered for admission into LaSalle University
2. Current Registered Nurse (RN) licensure in Pennsylvania or your state of residence/employment
3. Minimum of one year of nursing experience in a critical care setting. COA defines a critical care setting:
- Critical care experience must be obtained in a critical care area within the United States, its territories or a US military hospital outside of the United States. The nurse ideally has experience in: invasive hemodynamic monitors (e.g., pulmonary artery, central venous pressure, and arterial catheters), cardiac assist devices, mechanical ventilation, and vasoactive infusions.
4. Statement of Interest detailing the candidate's desire to pursue a career in nurse anesthesia practice
5. A current curriculum vitae (CV) detailing professional growth/opportunities experienced since high school graduation
6. Three completed reference/recommendation forms from the following individuals:
- Nurse manager
- Physician (M.D. or D.O.) with whom you have worked/understands your skills
- 1 additional healthcare professional or than a peer nursing colleague
7. Proof of 15 hours of shadowing experience with a licensed anesthesia provider (CRNA or Anesthesiologist)
Length of Program
After 27 months of the clinical anesthesia program and upon recommendation of the Director, the student will be permitted to take the National Certification Examination to gain CRNA Certification.
Liability Insurance & Travel Requirements
The Health Care Network will provide professional liability insurance for each student. Students are required to travel to pre-arranged clinical sites.
Program Terminal Objectives
Students have expectations that exceed many universities. Patient safety and academic achievement are shown through the Frank J. Tornetta School of Anesthesia. The following objectives are not all inclusive:
- Refraining from engaging in extraneous activities that abandon or minimize vigilance while providing direct patient care (e.g., texting, reading, emailing, etc.).
- Protect patients from iatrogenic complications
- Conduct a comprehensive and appropriate equipment check.
- Use a variety of current anesthesia techniques, agents, adjunctive drugs, and equipment while providing anesthesia.
- Administer general anesthesia to patients of all ages and physical conditions for a variety of surgical and medically related procedures.
- Possess current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) recognition.
- Perform a comprehensive history and physical assessment.
- Pass the NBCRNA certification examination in accordance with NBCRNA policies and procedures.
- Effectively communicate with individuals influencing patient care.
- Participate in activities that improve anesthesia care.
Program Statistics
In 2016, the NBCRNA first time test takers passed with a 95.5%. Among those who graduated, 100% have secured employment.
Attrition Rates
- 2015: 4.8%
- 2016: 0%
Program Cumulative Pass Rate
- 2014: 100%
- 2015: 100%
I want a doctorate in nurse anesthesia. When will the DNP program begin?
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Frank J. Tornetta School of Anesthesia is slated to launch in 2020. Presently, students can continue full time employment while completing online DNP coursework at La Salle University School of Nursing during the first 24 months of the program.
Accreditation
The Frank J. Tornetta School of Anesthesia and La Salle University School of Nursing and Health Sciences are accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA).
Frank J. Tornetta School of Anesthesia at Einstein Medical Center Montgomery partners with La Salle University School of Nursing and Health Sciences. La Salle is accredited by The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
La Salle is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
