Work and Study

Students receive the required clinical experience under the instruction/supervision of CRNSs and anesthesiologists.  The hours of practicum vary in order to offer a wide variety of clinical experiences and to enable the student to correlate theory and practice.  Graduate and clinical component clock hours average approximately 35 hours per week per semester.  Additional time is required for preoperative and postoperative visits, care planning and independent study.  The time committed to study, class and practice may consume over 60 hours per week.

Evaluation Process

Students receive a letter grade at the end of each semester for each course.  Grading is on a 4.0 scale; a student must earn a 3.0 grade point average in both the graduate credit and clinical residency to be eligible for graduation.  Examinations in the classroom are given during and upon completion of each course.  There will be cause for dismissal if a student makes a grade lower than a "B- or below" in more than 6 semester hours of course work, has earned a "B- or below" in any nursing specialty course, has earned a failing grade in any course, or has a GPA that indicates the inability to meet the 3.0 required for graduation. 

Daily evaluations for the clinical practicum are completed by the clinical faculty during the first and second year.  A "B" or above in the clinical practicum and the clinical case management is required throughout the program.

Absences and Transfers

Fifteen personal leave days are permitted during the 24-month period without penalty.  Unexcused absence is not permitted.  Although a leave of absence may be granted by the Director in unusual circumstances, additional time in the program may be required which could extend the educational period.  Transfers from other programs are discouraged.

Vacation Time

Ten days of vacation time are granted each year.  No less than five days may be taken at any time.  Vacation may not be taken during the last week of fall or spring semesters.

Student Expenses

Students are required to purchase their own textbooks, notebooks, lab coats, stethoscopes and other such items.  The cost of the required textbooks used by RSNA is approximately $1500 (other textbooks will be required by UNCG).  The cost of required accessory equipment is approximately $300.  Students are required to provide their own health insurance; however, a student policy is available through UNCG.  Liability insurance coverage for the student while in the clinical area is provided by RSNA.

Students must provide their own living accommodations within a reasonable driving distance of the metropolitan Raleigh area.  Students who choose to go to Portsmouth Naval Hospital and Womack Army Hospital are responsible for housing costs and meals.

The cost of meals and transportation to affiliate sites, including UNCG, are the responsibility of the student.

In the operating room, students are required to wear cotton scrub dresses or suits.  these will be furnished by the individual clinical site.  Long white lab coats are worn over scrub clothes when leaving the operating room for meals, conferences or patient rounds.

Associate membership in the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists is strongly encouraged.  The fee is $100 for the two-year educational period.  Membership in other professional nursing organizations is highly recommended.