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 […]
Category: FAQ
What is the COA’s process for revising the Standards?
The process for major revision of the Standards is described in the “Standards for Accreditation: Development, Adoption, and Revision” policy in the COA’s Accreditation Policies and Procedures manual. Please refer to this policy for a complete description. For a description of the most recent major revision of the Standards, please see the following article: […]
How do the COA Standards support the full scope of nurse anesthesia practice?
The scope of nurse anesthesia practice is determined by education, experience, state and federal law, and facility policy. The Standards for Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs and the Standards for Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Programs – Practice Doctorate are designed to prepare graduates with competencies for entry into anesthesia practice. A crosswalk between the […]
How did the COA establish the clinical experience requirements for the Standards for Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Programs – Practice Doctorate?
In the Standards for Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Programs – Practice Doctorate (trial guidelines- effective 1/2015) the requirements for clinical experience numbers for regional anesthesia techniques, overall case numbers, and total clinical hours are all increased over the current Standards for Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Programs clinical experience requirements. When creating the new Standards, the […]
What was the rationale for requiring a minimum number of clinical hours?
The COA established a minimum number of clinical hours as a new requirement that recognizes the value of students providing anesthesia care for longer and more complex cases versus an increased number of less complex cases. The required number of clinical hours was increased from a proposed number of 1,600 hours in draft one to […]
