The UTHSC Nurse Anesthesia Concentration Class of 2019 in the UTHSC College of Nursing achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on the National Certification Exam.
The National Certification Exam (NCE), administered by the National Board of Certification & Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA), is required to practice as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.
“It’s quite the feat to accomplish 100% first-time pass rate on this exam,” said Dwayne Accardo, DNP, CRNA, program director of the Nurse Anesthesia Concentration. “We are excited and it’s definitely an accomplishment for sure. We are proud of the graduating Class of 2019.”
This places the UTHSC Nurse Anesthesia Concentration above the national average, which according to the NBCRNA was at an 84.3% in 2018 for first-time pass rates. The 100% first-time pass rate was also achieved by the UTHSC Nurse Anesthesia Concentration Class of 2016.
Employment among graduates for the UTHSC Nurse Anesthesia Concentration is 100% at six months after graduation. The program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.
“Continually evolving our preparation for the NCE throughout the program provides students with all of the information and time they need to prepare for this rigorous exam,” said Cindi Dabney, DNP, CRNA, Associate Program Director of the Nurse Anesthesia Concentration.
A scheduled outline for students to adhere to in order to prepare for the exam is provided, along with quizzes and structured meetings with faculty to define a study plan based on each student’s level in the program and their results from the self-evaluation exam. During their last semester, students are relieved from clinical duties at noon in order to participate in four-hour intensive board review sessions dedicated to preparation for the NCE.
“We are incredibly proud of the efforts put forth by this class,” said Dr. Dabney. “These students took full advantage of the opportunity that was provided to them and their countless independent study hours outside of clinical and didactic education proved successful as evidenced by the 100% first-time pass rate.”