The COA’s process for the accreditation of a new nurse anesthesia program is focused on ensuring the program’s compliance with the accreditation Standards. The process, as identified in the COA’s Accreditation Policies and Procedures, is consistent with the recognition requirements of both the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation […]
Category: FAQ
What is the role of the Council in regard to the profit margins of nurse anesthesia programs?
The Council does not play a role in the profit margins of anesthesia programs. However, the COA’s Standards require programs to provide evidence that adequate resources exist to support the size and scope of the program to appropriately prepare students for practice and to promote the quality of graduates including: Financial resources that are budgeted […]
Should a standardized entrance examination(s) be required for applicants to nurse anesthesia educational programs?
A valid, reliable entrance examination, specific to nurse anesthesia, does not exist. Programs are required to enroll students who are academically and experientially prepared for nurse anesthesia education in the following ways: Applicants have achieved academic success in baccalaureate-level degrees thereby demonstrating critical thinking abilities consistent with that level of education. Successful completion of the […]
How did the COA determine the entrance requirements for applicants to nurse anesthesia educational programs, including the requirement for a minimum of one year of critical care experience?
In developing Standards (both master’s and doctoral) related to admissions requirements, the COA strengthened the existing standard and defined “Critical Care Experience” to ensure students enrolled in nurse anesthesia programs possess the appropriate professional preparation. Master’s Standard III, C13b: At least one year of experience as a RN in a critical care setting (see Glossary […]
What is the COA’s process for revising the Standards?
It is the responsibility of the Council to formulate, adopt, evaluate, and revise the Standards for the accreditation of nurse anesthesia educational programs. Although the nature and scope of this responsibility rests with the Council, major (substantive) revisions are subject to review, hearing, and comment by the Council’s communities of interest (including nurse anesthesia students, […]
