Arkansas State University Jonesboro's
Nurse Anesthetist Program

Arkansas State University Jonesboro is one of only two CRNA schools in Arkansas.

Arkansas State University, Nurse Anesthetist Program

Arkansas State University
College of Nursing and Health Professions
School of Nursing
P.O. Box 910
State University, AR 72467

Contact Information
Amanda Waters, Administrative Specialist
ph: 870-972-3074
email: awaters@astate.edu

Sue Campbell, CRNA, MEd, MS, Program Director
ph: (870) 972-3390
fax: (870) 972-2954
email: scampbell@astate.edu

Quick Facts

CRNA Degree offered
Master of Science in Nursing in Nurse Anesthesia

Program Length
28 months, full time

Credit Hours
85 credit hours

Starting Month
January

Application Deadline
Applications are accepted year round. Completed applications must be submitted to be scheduled for an interview.

Cost of CRNA School at Arkansas State University Joneseboro. Tuition is calculated at the 2012 rates. Tuition at most schools increases each academic year. Over the duration of the program, expect to pay a tuition that is 5% to 15% higher than what is shown here.

Cost of Tuition: $30,600
*Fees and expenses: $15,395
Grand Total: $45,995

*This includes the cost of health insurance, books and supplies, test fees and miscellaneous school expenses. Tuition and fees information is taken from the university website.

Class Size
47-49

CRNA Program Summary

Unlike most CRNA programs, Arkansas State University Jonesboro begins clinical experience in the first semester. The transition from class work to clinical work is a gradual one. You will be given more responsibility as the program progresses.

This unique schedule allows you to put your academic knowledge in context from the start and build a synergistic relationship between the “how” and the “why” of clinical anesthesia.

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Program Requirements

CRNA Program Requirements

Required Baccalaureate Degree
Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a NLNAC or CCNE accredited College or University

RN
A current RN license in one of the states, or one of the protectorates of the United States is required. You must be eligible for licensure in Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri, and Mississippi.

Critical Care
A minimum of two full years of Critical Care experience as a RN within the past three years is required.

Acceptable critical care experience includes:

ICU (Intensive Care Unit)
CVICU (Cardiovascular ICU)
SICU (Surgical ICU)
MICU (Medical ICU)
Neuro ICU
CCU (Coronary Care Unit)

They do not accept:

OR (Operating Room)
OB (Obstetrics)

*Trauma and other experiences will be considered on an individual basis.*

GPA
Minimum cumulative 2.75 on all undergraduate courses or 3.0 on the last 60 hours of undergraduate courses.

GRE Scores
The minimum acceptable GRE score is 900; a score of 1000 is preferred. Scores from the analytical section are also required. The exam must be taken within the past 5 years.

TOEFL
International applicants must submit a minimum score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based) or 79 (internet-based) on the TOEFL.

Certifications

CCRN (Certification for Adult, Neonatal and Pediatric Critical Care Nurses)is required for admission
*CSC Cardiac Surgery Certification

*required by 2014

After acceptance the following are required:

BLS (Basic Life Support)
PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)
ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
Basic Disaster Life Support

Program Prerequisites

Statistics - 3 semester hour graduate level descriptive and inferential statistics course with a grade of B or better is required for admission
Theory of Nursing - graduate level class is strongly recommended (prior approval of the course is recommended unless taking at ASU)
Research - graduate level class is strongly recommended (prior approval of the course is recommended unless taking at ASU)

Arkansas State University Jonesboro’s CRNA program website

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CRNA School Performance

CRNA School Rankings - U.S. News & World Report (2011)
Arkansas State University Jonesboro received a score of less than 2.0 out of 5.0 and is considered “less than adequate” by US News and World Report.

*Please note: CRNA rankings are somewhat bias and subjective. Read disclaimer about how CRNA rankings are created.*

Accredited CRNA Programs are reviewed regularly.
Arkansas State University Jonesboro Nurse Anesthetist Program was last reviewed 06/2006. It was given 8 years accreditation and will be reviewed again 05/2014. This shows that the program is fairly stable.

Pass Rate for CRNA Boards at Arkansas State University Jonesboro

First-time test takers: 93% (2005-2010)
National average (2008): 89.9%

Attrition Rate
The attrition rate is approximately 2%. The program typically loses 1-2 students each year.

Employment Rate
100%

CRNA Salaries

An average nurse anesthetist salary in Arkansas
Arkansas CRNA salaries are about the same as the national average and fluctuate around the $140,000-$165,000 range.

An average annual nurse anesthetist salary in the US is $163,467 (according to a 2008 study)

Rural average: $174,214
Metropolitan average: $164,148
Suburban average: $156,630
Average starting CRNA salaries range from: $110,000-$130,000.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is ASU’s Nurse Anesthetist School right for me?
So… is Arkansas State University Jonesboro right for you? It’s the perfect choice if you’re looking for a less-competitive CRNA school that still offers a quality education. It’s even a great choice if you’re looking to relocate there because they don’t charge out of state tuition.

What is it like to live in Jonesboro?
Culturally, the Jonesboro area is predominantly Christian in religious views (it’s right there in the Bible belt), it has a much lower than average cost of living and it is a very safe place to live – especially for a city of its size (116,000 population). If you don’t mind a lot of humidity in the summer (it can get pretty uncomfortable), it may be just right for you!

All information given on this site about Arkansas State University Jonesboro's Nurse Anesthetist Program was taken directly from their website.

See CRNA School Reviews

*This page was updated January 20th, 2013.*