Curriculum

The Nurse Anesthesia curriculum is a full-time, continuous 28 month, 66 credit hour program resulting in the degree of Master of Science in Anesthesia. The degree is granted from Mercer University, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The anesthesia program receives its accreditation from the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA), providing the candidate with the prerequisite didactic and clinical knowledge to be eligible for certification as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. The program mission is derived directly from the shared missions of The Medical Center of Central Georgia and Mercer University School of Medicine. The mission of this program is based on the foundation that all patients should have access to safe, high quality anesthesia care irrespective of their socioeconomic status or geographic residency.

The Nurse Anesthesia program follows the academic standards as set forth by the Mercer University School of Medicine. Once accepted into the program, a candidate will be given a Program Student Handbook that outlines all the operational details of the Anesthesia Program.

Masters of Science, Anesthesia

MSA 611 Applied Clinical Anatomy (4 Credit Hours)
The study of selected anatomical structures pertinent to the practice of anesthesia. Selected experiences in the cadaver laboratory.

MSA 641 Applied Pharmacology I (3 Credit Hours)
General principles of pharmacology including biochemistry, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of anesthetic agents and muscle relaxants. Focus is on clinical pharmacology with inhalation anesthetics, opiods and non-opioids as compared to the ideal anesthetic agent. Includes study of drug interactions, drug abuse and addiction.

MSA 642 Applied Pharmacology II (3 Credit Hours)
Study of pharmacology related to the autonomic nervous system, cardiac and endocrine systems. Includes study of local anesthetics, fluid management and blood replacement.

MSA 743 Applied Pharmacology III (3 Credit Hours)
Study of the development and approval of drugs in the United States. Miscellaneous topics such as antimicrobial therapies, treatment of bronchospasm and histamine antagonists. Includes drugs and other treatments for acute and chronic pain.

MSA 612 Applied Physiology and Pathophysiology (6 Credit Hours)
Advanced study of physiology and pathophysiology of the cell and body systems: blood, nerve, heart and circulation, body fluids and kidney, respiration, nervous system, liver, and endocrine. Emphasis is on feedback mechanisms, homeostasis, assessment and intervention.

MSA 691, 692, 793, 794, 795, & 796 Clinical Anesthesia Practice I - VI
First year – Spring (1 Credit Hour); Summer (5 Credit Hours)
Second year – Fall (5 Credit Hours); Spring (5 Credit Hours); Summer (5 Credit Hours)
Third year – Fall (5 Credit Hours) = Total (26 Credit Hours)
Laboratory experience with simulated practice. Supervised clinical practice, case conferences (minimum of 45 contact hours), assigned readings and independent study.

MSA 631 Introduction to Research (2 Credit Hours)
The study of methodology, design, and data analysis in the planning, implementation and evaluation of research related to anesthesia. Students must develop a proposal to complete the study of a clinical problem or issue prior to the summer semester of the second year of study.

MSA 751 Leadership Seminar (2 Credit Hours)
A review of current theories and approaches to management and leadership; development of skills to manage, lead and succeed as an employee or employer.

MSA 601 Orientation Seminar (1 Credit Hour)
Introduction to clinical practice and an overview of the professional aspects of nurse Anesthesia.

MSA 621 Principles of Anesthesia I (3 Credit Hours)
Basic principles of anesthetic techniques and procedures involved in preparing patients for anesthesia, and the equipment used during the administration of anesthesia. The course includes didactic and clinical content needed to systematically assess patients. Clinical judgment, diagnostic and monitoring skills and teaching are integrated as components of assessment. Chemistry and physics applied to safe use and care of equipment, preanesthesia care, positioning, airway management and monitoring are included.

MSA 622 Principles of Anesthesia II (3 Credit Hours)
Principles of anesthetic management and postanesthesia care of adult, geriatric and pediatric patients undergoing a variety of procedures such as orthopedics, trauma and burns. Includes related anatomy, physiology, pathophysiolgy, pharmacology, techniques and procedures for clinical experiences that are generally encountered by students during the first year of study.

MSA 723 Principles of Anesthesia III (3 Credit Hours)
Anatomy, pharmacology and anesthetic techniques of regional anesthetics and analgesia. Principles of anesthetic management and postanesthesia care of patients undergoing a variety of procedures related to clinical experiences that are generally encountered by students following the first year of study. Includes related anatomy, physiology, pathophysiolgy, pharmacology, techniques and procedures related to anesthesia for neurological, thoracic, vascular, cardiac, obstetrics and neonatal surgeries.

MSA 724 Principles of Anesthesia IV (3 Credit Hours)
The development of optimal anesthetic care plans derived from knowledge of basic and advanced principles of anesthesia, individual research, and problem solving skills.

MSA 732 Research Seminar (2 Credit Hours)
Practical experience with using methodology, design, and data analysis in the planning, implementation and evaluation of research related to anesthesia. Completion of an approved study of a clinical problem or issue prior to the summer semester of the second year of study.

MSA 752 Synthesis Seminar (2 Credit Hours)
Includes the writing of the Self Evaluation Examination during enrollment in the program. Preparation for writing the Certification Examination to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. Additional fees required.