Westmoreland-Latrobe/LaRoche College

Published

Does anyone have any thoughts about Westmoreland-Latrobe/LaRoche College Nurse Anesthesia Program in Pennsylvania? I have researched their program and have an interview there next month. Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Does anyone have any thoughts about Westmoreland-Latrobe/LaRoche College Nurse Anesthesia Program in Pennsylvania? I have researched their program and have an interview there next month. Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks!

No idea..try posting on PAs board. Just wanted to say hi from a fellew PAer!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Does anyone have any thoughts about Westmoreland-Latrobe/LaRoche College Nurse Anesthesia Program in Pennsylvania? I have researched their program and have an interview there next month. Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks!

I am currently in my third week of classes at said school. There is much studying to do in order to comprehend the concepts being taught. It is nothing like undergrad school. Clinicals do not start until January. So far so good. Tests begin next week. Good luck with your interview!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Does anyone have any thoughts about Westmoreland-Latrobe/LaRoche College Nurse Anesthesia Program in Pennsylvania? I have researched their program and have an interview there next month. Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks!

32 years in anesthesia, worked with many students and grads of this program, they get a very good education. I did anesthesia in Altoona and was an instructor @ Akron Children's Hospital for 14 years. This school affiliated for pediatric anesthesia. You will do well to attend their program.

My rating is excellant for them. I think Howard Armour is still the director.

Bill Sturniolo CRNA

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yes, Howard is still the director. I inteviewed there last year, but decided to go to a different school closer to where I live, and more conducive to my learning environment. I was looking at class pictures from the previous years when I noticed many of the students they accepted seemed older. I just felt I should enter a class that also has students more of my own age who I could relate to better.

As for the interview process, they asked me clinical questions pertaining to my field. I work as a cardiovascular surgical nurse. They specifically asked me about cardiac output/index, hemodynamics, etc. They wanted to know what a maximum dose of dopamine was, which too me is a bogus question, because it depends on who uses it and in what situation. I guessed at the answer. I figured it was 20mcgs/kg, but I've never used dopamine that high EVER. I said if you need dopamine that high, you may want to consider another vasoconstrictor. You can get a better effect with a lot less fluid. I don't think they liked my interjection.

Also, Laroche/Westmoreland seem to concentrate on the fact that I didn't specifically teach anything, like ACLS or any other courses. I admitted that teaching wasn't my concentration, and maybe that was a stupid thing to admit, but I don't know any nurse anesthetist who goes into it specifically wanting to teach it. Well, this perturbed me of course, and I think I was visibly irritated during the interview now that i look back on it. I offerred my role as staffer and preceptor at work, and volunteer experience teaching BLS as roles for instructing. The lady gave me a lecture about how passing on information to other students and other nurses is of critical importance. I thought she would have recognized I realized this when I told her I was a preceptor. The feeling I got during the interview however was that it was not enough for them.

The interview was not a disaster, but it wasn't a great interview, put it that way. I didn't like them, and they didn't like me, so it worked out for the best. I just figured I'd let you know my situation. From what I understand they have a good school with a lot of personal attention given to the students (the lady I interviewed with professed it too me like it was bible speak). This is why I selected the school to interview at, but I did not appreciate her excessive pride even though it is probably well deserved. She made it seem like there wasn't another school as good as LaRoche. Anyway, you get the picture. I'm sure it was possible that it was just my interview. I would definitely recommend interviewing there. They seem to be a good school, and from what I hear, Howard is an excellent teacher. He only came in at the end of the interview, so I didn't get to chat with him much, but from what I gathered, he was real down to earth. I did interview with 3 people, a recent graduate, a student, and this damn lady who asked me all her dumb *** questions, but I can't remember what her name was.

OK, hope I didn't discourage you. I honestly do think it is a good school, and it is possible that my interview just wasn't the best. If you have any questions, let me know.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Also, I think there is another thread or two on Westmoreland/Latrobe, so you may want to do a search for it.

Good Luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

A co-worker just started at Westmoreland and last I heard, he was very busy and very happy. He, too, said that his interview was a lot of clinical questions mixed with the standard "why do you want to be a CRNA?" questions. I can't vouch for the program personally, but I know some graduates from the program in our facility are excellent CRNAs.

I didn't apply there because it's a little too far for me. I went east instead!

Hi to all other PA residents!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for the positive feedback. And yes, Howard Armour is still the director.

32 years in anesthesia, worked with many students and grads of this program, they get a very good education. I did anesthesia in Altoona and was an instructor @ Akron Children's Hospital for 14 years. This school affiliated for pediatric anesthesia. You will do well to attend their program.

My rating is excellant for them. I think Howard Armour is still the director.

Bill Sturniolo CRNA

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Does anyone know if there is a website for the Westmoreland-Latrobe CRNA program? I would like more info about this program

Up Vote Up Vote ×

On the aana site, I noticed it was called Excela Health Anesthesia School. It sounds as if that is the name of the health system now, and they are probably still affilliated with LaRoche is my guess. There is some information on the LaRoche College website if i'm not mistaken. I think I requested a packet of info. to get the most info I could since they did not have a lot online, so you may have to request it. you can go on the aana site, and look for Howard Amour's address.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am a southwestern PAer also. Latrobe and Westmoreland joined up and the system name is Excela Health. Thus the new name of the CRNA program. In addition, I believe that the program is no longer affiliated with La Roche, but now with St. Vincent/Seton Hill. It is a front-loaded program and awards a MS in Health Science. It is a 28 month program.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

What does front-loaded program mean? Thanks

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion