All anesthesia specific courses are currently held on the Newark campus. The curriculum exceeds all requirements of the Council on Accreditation and is designed to prepare the student for the clinical practice of anesthesia by introducing foundational and advanced concepts in a logical sequence. Core nursing courses (NURS prefix) are also available on the Stratford Campus and in web based format. Many students opt to take one or two core courses prior to the first semester of the anesthesia program. This requires consultation with the program director.
NURS5104 Advanced Pathophysiology
Credits: 3
Pre/Co-requisites: None
This course describes the disordered physiology and clinical consequences resulting from common disease processes. Seminar discussions focus on alterations in normal functions of major organ systems. Through problem-solving exercises and case studies, students are encouraged to recognize the pathophysiologic basis of clinical findings associated with disease processes. This course serves as an essential link between the basic sciences and clinical management.
NURS5102 Nursing Research
Credits: 4
Pre/Co-requisites: None
Students focus on the theoretical and scientific underpinnings for evidence-based advanced nursing practice. In-depth critical analysis of scientific research, and methods for systematic reviews, as relevant to patient care and health policy outcomes, are emphasized. Ethical, legal, economic, and cultural issues surrounding the conduct and utilization of research practice are examined.
CRNA5112 Physics and Chemistry
Credits: 3
Pre/Co-requisites: CRNA 5111, NURS 5102, NURS 5104, CRNA 5112, CSPD 5107
This course provides a detailed study of the chemical and physical principles as they relate to the practice of anesthesia. Specific topics discussed will include: chemical properties of drugs able to produce anesthesia; mechanics and dynamics of the anesthesia delivery systems; electricity, fires and explosion hazards; gas laws; force/pressure of fluid flow; osmosis and diffusion.
CRNA5111 Advanced Physiology
Credits: 3
Pre/Co-requisites: NURS 5104, NURS 5102, CRNA 5112, NURS 5105, CSPD 5107 , CRNA 5111
This course is an advanced study of the organ systems with an emphasis on the contribution to the integrative and control mechanisms of the body. Specific topics discussed will include: cellular physiology, neurophysiology, muscle function, and mechanisms of homeostasis, as well as a detailed study of the cardiac, pulmonary, autonomic nervous, endocrine, renal, hepato-biliary, and gastro-intestinal systems. A comprehensive understanding of the physiology of these systems will form the foundation for subsequent studies in anesthesia.
CSPD5107 Clinical Skills and Physical Diagnosis
Credits: 3 Clinical Hours: 45
Pre/Co-requisites: None
This course presents information that expands the student’s knowledge base related to current health patterns across the lifespan. In addition, faculty facilitates students’ acquisition of advanced skills in the collection of subjective data and performance of an adult physical and mental status examination. Students interpret data acquired through the assessment of adults and the results of laboratory and diagnostic tests.
NURS5105 Clinical Pharmacology
Credits: 3
Pre/Co-requisites: None
This course expands students’ knowledge of clinical pharmacology to provide a sound basis from which to engage in prescriptive drug management. Pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and pharmacotherapeutics of drug classes are explored through a variety of teaching-learning methodologies, including seminar discussion, problem-based case study presentations, focused readings, and web-based exercises.
CRNA5312 Pharmacology of Anesthetics
Credits: 3
Pre/Co-requisites: NURS 5104, NURS 5102, CRNA 5112, NURS 5105, CSPD 5107 , CRNA 5111 , CRNA 5212 , CRNA 5211 , CRNA 5413, NURS 5402, CRNA 5801
This course is a comprehensive study of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of anesthetic agents. Specific topics include: pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion) of intravenous and inhalation anesthetics; pharmacodynamics (mechanism of action) of injectable and inhalation drugs; pharmacology of ester and amide local anesthetics and their use in anesthetic practice; theories by which inhalation anesthetics produce CNS depression; factors associated with individual variability and altered drug response.
CRNA5212 Anesthesia & Co-Existing Disease
Credits: 3
Pre/Co-requisites: CRNA 5312, CRNA 5211, CRNA 5413, NURS 5402, CRNA 5801 , NURS 5104 , NURS 5102 , NURS 5105 , CRNA 5112, CRNA 5111, CSPD 5107
This course is an in-depth analysis of the pathophysiology of body systems relevant to the science and practice of anesthesia. These topics in human pathophysiology, which emphasize the changes in physiological parameters occurring during the disease process, will be presented along with clinical correlations, in order to integrate them into anesthesia practice. Specific topics to be discussed and integrated into the anesthetic framework will be anesthetic
management of the patient with altered physiologic systems including: Pulmonary, cardiovascular, neurological, endocrine, renal hepato-biliary, as well as potential pathology of the general/GYN surgical patient and hematologic pathology. Anesthetic considerations and accommodations, appropriate to each pathology will be explored.
CRNA5211 Principles & Practice I
Credits: 2
Pre/Co-requisites: NURS 5104, NURS 5105, CSPD 5107, CRNA 5111, CRNA 5112 , CRNA 5212 , CRNA 5801 , CRNA 5211 , CRNA 5413, NURS 5402
This course introduces principles and techniques of anesthesia administration. An overview of the anesthetic process and the patients’ preoperative course will be discussed, and organizational and time management skills will be stressed. The structure and functional principles of anesthesia delivery systems will be thoroughly examined. Principles of fluid and electrolytes management and resuscitation will be discussed. Principles and techniques of airway management and ventilation will be introduced. Pulmonary physiology and pathophysiology will be reviewed, and alterations during general anesthesia will be discussed. Basic and advance monitoring techniques will be reviewed. Basic psychomotor skills specific to anesthesia practice will be stressed. The formulation of an anesthetic plan, based upon the principles of safe anesthetic practice will be introduced.
CRNA5413 Regional Anesthesia
Credits: 2
Pre/Co-requisites: NURS 5105, CSPD 5107, NURS 5104, CRNA 5112, CRNA 5311 , CRNA 5312 , CRNA 5212 , CRNA 5211 , CRNA 5801, NURS 5402
This is a comprehensive course in the pharmacology of local anesthetics and their utilization in various modes of regional anesthesia. The theory and application of common techniques will include: local infiltration, peripheral nerve blocks, central neural blockade and topical anesthesia. Basic level psychomotor skills specific to regional anesthesia practice will be stressed.
NURS5402 Introduction to the APN Role
Credits: 1
Pre/Co-requisites: None
This course presents a variety of role-related topics designed to prepare the student for the advanced practice nursing specialty practicum. Beginning with a historical overview of the NP profession, the course will examine some of the critical issues that determine the APN’s scope of practice, career options, protocols and standardized procedures, and leadership. In addition, the course presents guidelines for resolving professional legal and ethical issues that are often confronted by the APN. Students will also be introduced to valuable tools for ongoing professional development such as professional organizations and journals.
CRNA5801 Clinical I
Credits: 1 Clinical Hours: 90
Pre/Co-requisites: CRNA 5312, CRNA 5212, CRNA 5211, CRNA 5413, NURS 5402 , NURS 5104 , NURS 5102 , CRNA 5112 , NURS 5105, CSPD 5107, CRNA 5111
This course is an initial introduction to the clinical setting. Students will have their first opportunity to experience the ongoing activities in the operating suite, as well as to observe CRNA scope of practice. The focus is on perioperative theory transfer, development of assessment skills, and the developmental implementation and evaluation of an individualized plan of care. Basic principles of decision making are emphasized throughout. Students will be evaluated weekly using established, objective criteria and will be expected to perform at a minimum level of “meets expectations with assistance”.
CRNA5311 Principles & Practice II (Cardiac)
Credits: 2
Pre/Co-requisites: CRNA 5212, CRNA 5211, CRNA 5312, CRNA 5801, CRNA 5802 , NURS 5401 , CRNA 5413 , CRNA 5513 , CRNA 5512
This is an intermediate course expanding on basic principles and techniques of anesthesia administration. An overview of the anesthetic process and the patients’ preoperative course will be discussed, organizational and time management skills will continue to be stressed. The structure and functional principles of anesthesia delivery systems will be thoroughly examined. Principles and techniques of airway management and ventilation will be introduced. Cardiac physiology and pathophysiology will be reviewed, and alterations during general anesthesia will be expanded upon. Basic monitoring will be reviewed, and advanced monitoring techniques will be introduced. Psychomotor skills specific to anesthesia practice will be stressed. Legal, ethical and practice impairment issues will be discussed. The development of a focused anesthetic plan will be reinforced.
CRNA5513 Pediatric Anesthesia
Credits: 2
Pre/Co-requisites: CRNA 5212, CRNA 5312, CRNA 5211, CRNA 5413, CRNA 5802 , NURS 5402 , CRNA 5801 , CRNA 5512 , CRNA 5311, CRNA 5802
This is a specialized course in the anesthetic management of pediatric patients. The development of critical decision making skills, utilizing knowledge of the anatomic and physiologic characteristics unique to the pediatric patient will be the focus of this course. Discussion of the theory and application of anesthetic principles and techniques appropriate for the pediatric population will include: pre-anesthetic assessment, anatomic and physiologic characteristics, fluid and electrolyte management, common surgical procedures, airway management and pain management. The administration of general and regional anesthesia and conscious sedation is detailed. Discussion will include the psycho-social needs of the pediatric patient and family, management of pediatric emergencies and anesthetic complications.
CRNA5512 Obstetrical Anesthesia
Credits: 2
Pre/Co-requisites: CRNA 5312, CRNA 5212, CRNA 5211, CRNA 5211, CRNA 5413 , NURS 5402 , CRNA 5801 , CRNA 5513 , CRNA 5311, CRNA 5802
This is a specialized course in the anesthetic management of obstetrical patients. The development of critical decision making skills, utilizing knowledge of the physiologic changes of pregnancy as they affect anesthetic management, as well as specific considerations relating to fetal well being will be emphasized. Discussion of the theory and application of obstetrical anesthetic techniques will include: pre-anesthetic assessment of the pregnant patient, anatomical and physiologic changes of pregnancy, pathological conditions associated with pregnancy and delivery, techniques for labor analgesia, techniques for obstetric anesthesia, anesthetic management of obstetric emergencies, pharmaceutical agents used in obstetrics, and peri-natal pain management techniques.
CRNA5802 Clinical II
Credits: 2 Clinical Hours: 90
Pre/Co-requisites: CRNA 5312, CRNA 5212, CRNA 5211, CRNA 5413, CRNA 5513 , CRNA 5512 , CRNA 5311 , CRNA 5802
This course enables the student to move along a continuum from healthy adults and children to patients with multi-system failures. The focus is on anesthetic perioperative theory transfer, development of assessment skills, and the developmental implementation and evaluation of an individualized plan of care. Patient interviews and teaching are integral to the process. Basic principles of decision making are emphasized throughout. This is the second of six required clinicals.
CRNA5412 Pharmacology of Accessory Drugs
Credits: 3 Clinical Hours: 180
Pre/Co-requisites: CRNA 5513, CRNA 5512, CRNA 5311, CRNA 5802, CRNA 5411 , CRNA 5803
This course provides a comprehensive study of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of concurrent drugs commonly used in conjunction with anesthetic drugs to provide a complete and thorough drug therapy. Specific Topics discussed will include: pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion) and pharmacodynamics (mechanism of action) of:
antihypertensives, antiarrhythmics, drugs used in the treatment of COPD and asthma, drugs that manipulate the autonomic nervous system, anticoagulants, psychiatric drugs, chemotherapeutics, drugs that treat TB and AIDS, hormones as drugs, antiemetics, and over-the-counter medications.
CRNA5411 Principles & Practice III (Neuro)
Credits: 2
Pre/Co-requisites: CRNA 5513, CRNA 5512, CRNA 5311, CRNA 5802, CRNA 5412 , CRNA 5803
This is an intermediate course expanding on principles and techniques of anesthesia administration. An overview of the anesthetic process and the patients’ preoperative and perioperative course will be discussed, with organization and time management skills being stressed. The structure and
functional principles of anesthesia delivery systems will continue to be thoroughly examined. Principles and techniques of airway management and ventilation will be reinforced. Neurologic physiology and pathophysiology will
be reviewed, and alterations during general anesthesia will be expanded upon. Standard monitoring will be reviewed, and more advanced, invasive monitoring techniques will be introduced. Psychomotor skills specific to anesthesia practice
will be stressed. Legal, ethical and practice impairment issues will be examined. The development and implementation of a focused anesthetic plan will be reinforced.
CRNA5803 Clinical III (Full time)
Credits: 4 Clinical Hours: 180
Pre/Co-requisites: CRNA 5513, CRNA 5512, CRNA 5311, CRNA 5802, CRNA 5412 , CRNA 5411
This course enables the student to move along the continuum from the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification I & II adults and children to the more complex ASA III & IV classifications. The focus continues to be on perioperative theory transfer, development of assessment skills, and the implementation and evaluation of an individualized plan of care. Patient interviews and teaching remain integral to the process. In addition to operating rooms and diagnostic suites, practice settings will include emergency rooms and other anesthetizing/emergency intubation sites. Experience in surgery and anesthesia will now include more opportunities in neurosurgery, obstetrics and pediatrics. More advanced principles of decision making are emphasized throughout. This is the third of six required clinical’s.
CRNA5414 Principles of Pain Management
Credits: 1
Pre/Co-requisites: CRNA 5412, CRNA 5411, CRNA 5803, CRNA 5612, CRNA 5511 , CRNA 5804
This is a course in the physiology and pathophysiology of pain. The etiology and
course of both acute and chronic pain syndromes will be examined. Various methods of diagnosing and treating pain, including opiate and non-opiate analgesics, adjunct medications, regional techniques and less conventional therapies will be discussed. Psychological issues commonly encountered with acute and chronic pain patients will be explored.
CRNA5511 Principles & Practice IV (ENT & Adv Airway)
Credits: 2
Pre/Co-requisites: CRNA 5412, CRNA 5411, CRNA 5803, CRNA 5612, CRNA 5414 , CRNA 5804
This is an intermediate course expanding on principles and techniques of anesthesia administration. An overview of the anesthetic process and the patients’ preoperative and perioperative course is discussed, with organization and time management skills stressed. The structure and functional principles of anesthesia delivery systems will continue to be thoroughly examined. Principles and techniques of airway management and ventilation are reinforced. Patient’s undergoing ear, nose and throat (ENT) procedures, which commonly have airway pathology that pose major airway management challenges, are examined. Advanced, invasive monitoring techniques are examined. Higher level assessment and problem-solving skills are emphasized. More advanced psychomotor skills specific to anesthesia practice are stressed. Legal, ethical, and practice impairment issues are
discussed. The formulation and implementation of a focused anesthetic plan is reinforced.
CRNA5612 Trauma & Emergency Anesthesia
Credits: 2
Pre/Co-requisites: CRNA 5412, CRNA 5411, CRNA 5803, CRNA 5414, CRNA 5511 , CRNA 5804
This is an advanced course in the anesthetic management of trauma patients and presenting to the operating room emergently. Development of critical decision making skill is the main focus of this course. The theory and rationale for anesthetic management in various emergent situations is discussed. Anesthetic techniques studied include; basic and advanced airway management, indications for and techniques of establishing surgical airways, volume resuscitation, safe and effective operation of resuscitative equipment, transfusion of blood and blood products, respiratory support of the trauma patient, considerations for head trauma, orthopedic injury, blunt trauma, penetrating trauma and burns. Emphasis is placed upon methods of maintaining homeostasis and enhancing outcomes for patients undergoing emergent anesthetics. Advanced level psychomotor skills specific to anesthesia practice in an emergency setting are stressed.
CRNA5804 Clinical IV (Full time)
Credits: 4 Clinical Hours: 180
Pre/Co-requisites: CRNA 5412, CRNA 5411, CRNA 5803, CRNA 5612, CRNA 5414 , CRNA 5511
This course enables the student to continue to move along the continuum from the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I & II adults and children to the more complex ASA III & IV patients with multi-system problems. Students will also have their first introduction to the on-call experience. In addition to operating rooms and diagnostic suites, practice settings will include emergency rooms and other anesthetizing/emergency intubation sites. Emphasis is placed on refinement and perfection of decision-making skills in patient care management and rapid assessment of health status of patients. Experience in surgery and anesthesia includes cardio-thoracic, neurosurgery, obstetrics, pediatrics and trauma. Collaborative practice within a team structure is emphasized. CRNA and MD faculty members and preceptors act as guides.
This is the forth of six required clinicals.
CRNA5613 Directed Research/ Evidence-Based Practice
Credits: 1
Pre/Co-requisites: CRNA 5612, CRNA 5414, CRNA 5511, CRNA 5804, CRNA 5611 , CRNA 5805
This course focuses on the practical aspects of research. Prior research knowledge is used to dissect recent anesthesia studies in an effort to bridge current research knowledge into clinical practice. Students are expected to be involved with current Department of Anesthesiology and/or any relevant- to-practice IRB approved studies as guided by a mentor through the various research phases: plan proposal phase, Institutional Review Board requirements, clinical trial completion, paper completion and/or poster presentation, and formal oral presentation. Each student works closely within a group dynamic.
CRNA5611 Principles & Practice V (Endo/Orth)
Credits: 2
Pre/Co-requisites: CRNA 5612, CRNA 5414, CRNA 5511, CRNA 5804, CRNA 5613 , CRNA 5805
This is an advanced course expanding on principles and techniques of anesthesia administration. An overview of the anesthetic process and the patients’ preoperative and perioperative course is analyzed, with organization and time management skills stressed. The structure and functional principles of anesthesia delivery systems will continue to be thoroughly examined. Principles and techniques of airway management and ventilation are reinforced. Endocrine function, physiology and pathophysiology are analyzed, and alterations during general anesthesia is expanded upon. Pathophysiology of the obese patient and related comorbidities are examined, with integration of advanced anesthetic management. Anesthetic management of the orthopedic surgical patient is examined. Standard monitoring is reviewed, and more advanced, invasive monitoring techniques are integrated. Psychomotor skills specific to anesthesia practice are stressed. Legal, ethical and practice impairment issues are examined. The development and implementation of a focused anesthetic plan is reinforced.
CRNA5805 Clinical V (Full time)
Credits: 4 Clinical Hours: 180
Pre/Co-requisites: CRNA 5612, CRNA 5414, CRNA 5511, CRNA 5804, CRNA 5613 , CRNA 5611
This course enables the student to continue to move along the continuum from the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification I & II adults and children to the more complex ASA III & IV classifications that include patients with multi-system problems. Emphasis is on refinement and perfection of decision-making skills in patient care management and rapid assessment of health status of patients. In Addition to direct patient care, participation in journal club, clinical case reports, and in-service resentations to a multidisciplinary audience provide the environment for the student to display his/her role as an advanced practice nurse. Practice sites include operating rooms, diagnostic suites, emergency rooms and other anesthetizing/emergency
intubation sites. Experience includes cardio-thoracic, neurosurgery, obstetrics, pediatrics, trauma, post anesthesia care and critical care units. Collaborative practice within a team structure is emphasized. Implementation and evaluation of the overall anesthetic process will be stressed. CRNA and MD faculty members and preceptors act as guides. This is the fifth of six required clinicals.
NURS5403 Advanced Practice Nursing Role Transition
Credits: 2
Pre/Co-requisites: All courses in your program or permission from the Assistant Dean of Graduate Studies.
Taken in last semester of study
This course presents a variety of role-related topics designed to prepare the prospective advanced practice nurse for practice. The practice concepts explored will prepare the nurse practitioner graduate to enter the business of health care with the tools needed to be successful. The areas of focus will include: collaborative practice and consultation, scope of practice, development of joint protocols, reimbursement (Medicare, Medicaid, fee for service, managed care organizations); billing; state regulations; federal regulations; malpractice; credentialing and privileging; the certification process and the evaluation of the APN role performance. In addition, students are encouraged to investigate the inter-relationships among various social, economic, legal and political factors and the structure and operation of health care delivery systems.
CRNA5711 Principles & Practice VI (GI/Hepatic/Renal)
Credits: 2 Clinical Hours: 90
Pre/Co-requisites: CRNA 5613, CRNA 5611, CRNA 5805, NURS 5403, CRNA 5806
This is an advanced course that continues to expand upon principles and techniques of anesthesia administration. An advanced review of the anesthetic process, the patients’ preoperative and perioperative course, as well as postoperative management are discussed. Principles and techniques of anesthesia will continue to be covered, with the focus on developing expertise derived from a broad knowledge base. Demanding assessment and problem-
solving skills, in conjunction with highly developed psychomotor skills, are implemented and evaluated. Various monitoring modalities will continue to be reviewed, and ways to reduce anesthesia-related complications is emphasized. Physiology and pathophysiology of aging, the gastro-intestinal, hepatic and renal systems are examined, and alterations to these systems during general anesthesia are integrated. The development of a knowledgeable anesthesia provider who assesses, plans and prepares thoroughly and meticulously is the focus of this course.
CRNA5806 Clinical VI (Full time)
Credits: 4 Clinical Hours: 180
Pre/Co-requisites: CRNA 5613, CRNA 5611, CRNA 5805, NURS 5403, CRNA 5711
This course enables the student to focus his/her efforts towards the anesthetic management of the more complex American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA)classification III & IV patients with multi-system problems. Emphasis is on further refinement and perfection of decision-making skills and rapid assessments in patient care management which prepares the student for a full scope of practice in nurse anesthesia. Direct patient care, participation in journal club, clinical case reports, and in-service presentations to a multidisciplinary audience will further provide the student opportunities to implement his/her role as an advanced practitioner. Practice sites include operating rooms, diagnostic suites, emergency rooms and other anesthetizing/emergency intubation sites. Integration and interfacing with an interdisciplinary team structure is emphasized. Implementation and evaluation of the overall anesthetic process will be stressed. CRNA and MD faculty members and preceptors act as guides. This is the last of six required clinicals.
