Wolford CRNA School in Naples Pros/Cons?

robertsrrna · Jan 18, 2006

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 · Jan 18, 2006

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 · Jan 21, 2006

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 · Jan 21, 2006

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 · Jan 26, 2006

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 · Feb 3, 2006

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: [email protected]

web: http://www.nrwsna.org

ICUDOUCME? · Apr 4, 2006

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 · Apr 4, 2006

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 · Apr 4, 2006

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!

ICUDOUCME? · Apr 5, 2006

rn2crna,

Thank you for your reply. I don't mean to barrage you but since you were so kind as to respond...

It helps to know that the class sizes are big enough to give an applicant a fighting chance. I am encouraged by that. Do you know how many applicants applied to your class and the previous one?

I know Naples is expensive. Does it pay to live out a ways and commute in?

Since you mentioned the interview, is it a panel interview? How many people on the panel and are they all faculty? Is it a 1/2 hour type interview? Intimidating? What are they really looking for in your answers?

If you don't make the semester that you want due to applicant pool vs.spaces, is it easier to get in the following class?

And finally, are there any "40 somethings" in your class? I'm 46 and I'm wondering if they are looking to educate younger people...

Thank you.

And to Pitbullgirl, Thanks for the response and for starting this thread! Good luck to all your future goals. I happen to think this is a good one.

a55il3m · Apr 5, 2006

Thanx for all of the helpful info about wolford since they've split on their own. I'm applying to wolford and barry. They're the only two in florida that start classes in jan/feb and the rest start in the fall. Naples is beautiful, I'll agree it's expensive too.