The most recent graduates from the nurse anesthesia master’s program all passed their National Certification Examination (NCE) to become certified registered nurse anesthetists within 60 days of graduation. This is the second consecutive year graduates from the program have had a 100 percent pass rate.
“Administration closely monitors the NCE pass rate as a quality indicator for the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs,” said program coordinator Stacey VanDyke, DNP, CRNA. “The fact that we have had such major success with this aspect two years in a row is a testament to the enhanced quality of the program of study we offer at FSU PC.”
CRNAs provide anesthesia in collaboration with surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentists, podiatrists and other qualified healthcare professionals. After passing their certification exam, graduates practice in settings such as hospital surgical suites, obstetric rooms, emergency rooms, dentist offices, medical specialist offices, pain management clinics and more. 
“The faculty and staff are dedicated to student success, and FSU Panama City’s stellar record of CRNA exam pass rates proves that,” Dean Randy Hanna said. “We are committed to continue developing programs and enhancing our curriculum to prepare all of our students for their career and educational goals.”
FSU Panama City also recently hired a fourth full-time nurse anesthesia faculty member, Gerard Hogan, DNSc, CRNA, ARNP-BC. The nationally recognized nurse anesthesiology educator and former president of the Florida Association of Nurse Anesthetists will focus on curriculum development for a future doctoral program. 
The nurse anesthesia program’s mission is to advance the human sciences through a philosophy of passion-infused scientific education, application of clinical education and practice for the betterment of citizens in the community, both locally and nationally. The rigorous 28-month program focuses on patient care before, during and after surgical procedures. Curriculum highlights critical thinking, communication and professionalism conducting various anesthesia techniques and emphasize analysis, evaluation and decision-making rather than memorization. Each student will begin a one-on-one clinical practicum within the first week for immediate application of skills.
The highly competitive, limited-access program offered through Florida State’s College of Applied Studies admits 24 students each year.