If you live in or around Pennsylvania and are interested in pursuing education as a CRNA, you have a large variety of options. While many states are only home to 1 or 2 CRNA schools (and some do not have any), the state of Pennsylvania has 12 CRNA schools located in-state and is currently the state with the most options for CRNA education. This is very beneficial to Pennsylvania residents as it gives them many options to choose from as well as, perhaps, a better chance of being able to attend a CRNA school that is more conveniently located for them. With all of these options available, it may seem overwhelming to attempt to compare and contrast them. This article will help with that process by explaining some of the potential differences that may be found among CRNA schools in Pennsylvania. This article will also provide information on CRNA jobs in Pennsylvania as well as a listing of all CRNA schools in Pennsylvania.
Differences among CRNA Schools and Programs
Below is a list of some factors of CRNA education programs that can vary between schools.
Program Duration
Many CRNA schools have CRNA degree programs which are set up to be completed within 24 to 36 months. This is an average range and does vary. The length of a program may depend upon whether a student is attending full or part-time and also on the type of nurse anesthesia degree a student is pursuing.
Classroom and Clinical Study
CRNA programs will all include some type of classroom study as well as some type of clinical experience. The way in which these are carried out is through a front-loaded program or through an integrated program. Front-loaded programs usually begin with classroom work and then transition into the clinical experience. Integrated programs combine classroom and clinical work from the beginning and throughout the length of the program.
Start Months and Application Deadlines
While traditional undergraduate programs usually being in the fall, graduate CRNA programs have many different start months. Some of the more common ones include August, September, January, and January. Application deadlines are based on the start month for the next incoming class so it is important to consider the start month and application deadline of each individual school to which you apply.
In-Person or Online Education
While this category is usually not an “all-or-nothing” approach, some CRNA schools may have more options for online education than others. Of course, all CRNA programs will require that time be spent in a medical facility completing clinical hours, but for the classroom learning portion of the degree, some schools are increasingly offering online learning options for distance learners for at least part of the CRNA program.
Admission Requirements and Guidelines
The admission requirements and guidelines can be the most important factors to consider when applying to CRNA school. Some program administrators may have more stringent requirements than others and all will likely have individual guidelines which make them different from other schools. It is crucial to check and follow the admission guidelines for each individual CRNA program to which you apply.
CRNA jobs in Pennsylvania
There are many CRNAs working in the state of Pennsylvania. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was among the top ten metropolitan areas in the nation for highest employment level of CRNAs. Philadelphia was also ranked as the third highest metro area in the nation for CRNA salary with an average annual wage of $199,720. State-wide, the general average salary for a CRNA in Pennsylvania was reported as $173,580.
Listing of CRNA Schools in Pennsylvania
Allegheny School of Anesthesia
320 East North Avenue 5th Floor, South Tower
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Crozer Chester Medical Center /Villanova University Nurse Anesthesia Program
1 Medical Center Blvd. POB II Suite 424
Upland, PA 19013
Drexel University Nurse Anesthesia Program
245 N. 15th Street MS 501
Philadelphia, PA 19102-1192
Excela Health School Anesthesia
One Mellon Way Latrobe Area Hospital
Latrobe, PA 15650
Frank J. Tornetta School of Anesthesia Einstein Medical Center Montgomery/ La Salle University School of Nursing
Professional Building Attn: Mike Kost, DNP, CRNA
Anesthesia School 1330 Powell Street
Norristown, PA 19401
Geisinger Health System /Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Nurse Anesthesia Program
100 N. Academy Ave.
Danville, PA 17822
The University of Scranton Nurse Anesthesia Program
800 Linden Street
Scranton, PA 18510
Thomas Jefferson University Jefferson School of Nursing Nurse Anesthesia Program
130 S. 9th St., Suite 7th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107
University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing Nurse Anesthesia Program
Claire M. Fagin Hall 418 Curie Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing Nurse Anesthesia Program
3500 Victoria Street 360A Victoria Building
Pittsburgh, PA 15261-0001
UPMC Hamot School of Anesthesia /Gannon University
201 State Street
Erie, PA 16550
York College of Pennsylvania /WellSpan Health Nurse Anesthetist Program
441 Country Club Road Diehl Hall
York, PA 17403