Wolford CRNA Fall 2017

tiffanycoulter82 · Dec 2, 2017

They're not currently taking applicants so problem solved.

AllIcanbe · Dec 2, 2017

Wolford undoubtedly needs to get it together. All of us are worried. The unfortunate part is that Wolford is a good school but the administration has slipped and they really do need to pull it together. They are currently accredited. COA will be back. If it's a no at that time, they will have continued accreditation until 9/2018. It's up in the air but what students don't need is people talking crap and saying things that aren't true.

What crap are people talking? That future applicants should be aware? Oh well...if anyone is hell bent on going to Wolford...goodluck! But i find it worrisome that some are so defensivve about Wolford. Newsflash- there are other anesthesia schools taking applications..

and what has anyone said that is not true? As it is, what are the chances that they are gonna pass COA in January since COA gave them enough chances before its decision?

ConceredCRNA · Jan 10, 2018

There is no question that Wolford has had issues with the COA. I know the people there. I believe they are doing the best they can do for their students. They are excellent educators and mentors.

The issues revolve around the COA requirement for regional accreditation. The regional accreditor for Florida is SACS - the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Wolford is one of two "Single Purpose Institutions" training CRNAs. The other is the Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia. As you can well imagine, not being associated with a large college or university, it can be difficult navigating the accreditation requirements. It is very costly and time consuming to achieve regional accreditation. The COA standards now require all programs to be regionally accredited. Wolford has been aware of this change for years. They are therefore out of compliance with the current accreditation standards. Most programs receive 8-10 years of accreditation between visits. Wolford received 1 year. They have also failed to achieve the minimum first time test taker NCE pass rate and attrition rates. To me these combined create an ominous red flag. For those who are currently enrolled there you should be fine. The COA requires a "teach out plan" for any program that is in jeopardy of closing. They have to ensure that those currently enrolled can finish. No current student will be left "high and dry".

Since we are discussing regional accreditation let me add this. Having a degree from a non-regionally accredited university makes using it for intentions beyond clinical practice very difficult. Non-accredited degrees are rarely accepted at other universities (notice I didn't say never). They cannot as a rule be certified for academic appointments. It is just the way things are. The only DNP program I am aware of that will accept graduates is Chamberlain. Of course this is all tied to the rules of the regional accreditor - so you can understand why it is in their best interest. If they didn't control that it would de-incentivize schools to maintain regional accreditation.

Please do not think I am "hating" on Wolford. I am just trying to clear the air since there is confusion. I have worked with excellent CRNAs who graduated from Wolford. I have great respect for the CRNA faculty there. This is a very unfortunate situation indeed. With the rise in AAs we need to continue to produce high quality CRNAs. I would love to see them turn things around. In the meantime for those looking to attend be sure you know what you are getting yourselves into.

loveanesthesia · Jan 10, 2018

One thing to be aware of about the teach out plan: Since Wolford is a single purpose instituion, they can close down the program and entire institution without notice. If they run out of money it will be difficult to to keep the doors open. How long will the most dedicated faculty be able to keep teaching if they are not being paid?

Bluebolt · Jan 10, 2018

I have no stake in Wolfords school so I'm just throwing this out there, they are a rare infamous program. When I was getting ready to apply to programs it was the only one I was warned away from. Pretty much all CRNA programs adhere to strict guidelines and provide a sufficient or excellent learning environment, with the rare exception to the rule.

I've heard lots of things about Wolford like the program was started or ran by anesthesiologists, students were used as staff to make profit in OR rooms, SRNAs are left to teach or monitor other SRNAs, trained to work in direction/supervision model like an AA, frequently out of compliance with COA and struggling with controversy.

Perhaps none of this is true at all and Wolford is the Harvard for CRNA programs but I'm just giving you the perspective other people outside Florida may be saying about Wolford. Perhaps if none of this negative stuff is true the program should evaluate where this stuff is coming from and how to change the dialogue about it.

I wish the students currently enrolled the best and am sure that any bright student who is ambitous could run their own anesthesia practice eventually. If you're disadvantaged you may just have to work a little harder to get all your advanced skills down. I hear the weather in Naples, Florida is amazing.

BigPappaCRNA · Jan 11, 2018

I would also like to add, that the since Wolford is not regionally accredited with SACS, only with the COA, that current students hoping to transfer to another program will not be able to do so. The student might be accepted to a program, but they will not be allowed to transfer any of their credits earned, as they were not earned at a regionally accredited school. The other schools CANNOT accept Wolford credits, without placing their own accreditation at risk. Students still applying to this program, just need to have all the information so they can make their own informed decision.

mi_top_rn · Feb 1, 2018

Can anyone update us on what the accreditation status of Wolford college is? I know they had a COA visit in January and they were going to decide by February if they will still be in business.

tiffanycoulter82 · Feb 1, 2018

Actually one of our instructors told us this morning that they have received an answer and they would let us know soon. We are supposed to know for sure before next semester which starts 2/19. Wolford was granted candidacy by SACS before COA came back in January and it is his understanding that between that fact and Wolford's legal team, the vibe coming from administration is positive. I realize that is not an official answer but we'll know soon.

mi_top_rn · Feb 1, 2018

Thanks for the update. I have heard lots of positive things from current students about the school. I hope all works out as planned.