SWAG��Ƶ

The mission of the School of Nurse Anesthesia is to provide an academic environment that allows students to master the intellectual and technical skills necessary to become competent in the safe conduct of anesthesia. This is accomplished by providing a select group of experienced, graduate-level critical care nurses with the highest level of didactic, simulation lab, and clinical site experiences. SWAG��Ƶ's graduate nurse anesthetists develop life-long scholarship, critical thinking skills, technical skills, and professionalism needed to become compassionate, patient-centered Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA's) in solo practice or within a collaborative anesthesia environment.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, have been providing anesthesia care in the United States of America for over 150 years. Currently, there are approximately 55,000 CRNAs in the country with more than 2,800 students graduating per year.

CRNA's are anesthesia specialists who safely administer approximately 49 million anesthetics to patients in the United States each year. As advanced practice nurses, they can serve in a variety of capacities in daily practice, such as a clinician, educator, administrator, manager, and researcher.  CRNAs work in the administrative positions of hospitals, academic institutions, and other health care facilities. 

• CRNA's administer anesthesia to patients across the lifespan for all types of surgical cases, using all anesthetic techniques and practice in every setting in which anesthesia is delivered, from university-based medical centers to free-standing surgical facilities and offices.
• CRNA's are the primary anesthesia providers in almost 100% of rural hospitals in the United States, affording access to anesthesia care where it would otherwise not be available. CRNAs also provide anesthesia in inner cities as well as urban areas including teaching institutions.
• CRNAs are qualified and permitted by state law or regulations to practice in every state in the nation. They provide anesthesia in collaboration with surgeons, anesthesiologists, podiatrists, dentists, and other healthcare professionals.

The School of Nurse Anesthesia at the SWAG��Ƶ has been involved in nurse anesthesia education since 1970, serving as an academic affiliate for hospital-based certificate nurse anesthesia programs. In 1988, we initiated a program leading to the Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia. In 1993, the SWAG��Ƶ MSNA program became the sole authority of the education of nurse anesthesia students when the last hospital-based program in Maine closed.

Two-Phase Program

The SWAG��Ƶ's program is a 27 month two-phase program. 

Phase I is conducted on our historic Westbrook College of Health Professions Campus, situated in the picturesque coastal city of Portland. The first two semesters of study consist of didactic instruction in basic sciences and anesthesia taught by our CRNA and science faculty. During the eight-month didactic curriculum  instruction using state-of-the-art task trainers and simulation labs is utilized to prepare students for the clinical experience.  In the summer of 2017, the Simulation Lab moved to a multi-million dollar, high fidelity center in Innovation Hall on the Portland campus, increasing the quality and number of simulation experiences provided.

Phase II of the curriculum entails clinical training based at our hospital affiliates for a period of 19 months. Didactic instruction continues during the clinical phase through hybrid and on-campus courses in advanced principles of anesthesia, research, and business and leadership in anesthesia practice. Anesthesia crisis resource management is taught in both lecture and simulation modalities.  The School has contractual relationships with over 38 hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and offices located in New England and throughout the country, which offer our students a varied and diverse clinical education experience. Our students are trained in collaborative anesthesia environments as well as in non-medically directed, CRNA-only sites. Students gain experience in all facets and types of anesthesia management, including ultrasound guided regional anesthesia, pain management, invasive monitoring, and pre and post-op patient assessment.

With successful completion of the 27-month program, students are awarded a Master of Science degree in Nurse Anesthesia (MSNA). The graduate is then qualified to take the National Certifying Examination. Upon successful completion of the exam, the graduate becomes a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist qualified to practice in all 50 states. To date, 100 percent of our students have passed the certifying examination in their first-year post-graduation and 100 percent have successfully obtained employment.

Transition Plan to the Entry-Level Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program: The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) requires that all students matriculating into a nurse anesthesia educational program on January 1, 2022, or thereafter, be enrolled in a program approved by the COA to award a practice doctoral degree. The SWAG��Ƶ Nurse Anesthesia program plans to submit its application to the COA for approval to award the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree in February of 2021. Pending approval by the COA, the program plans to enroll its first doctoral cohort of students in September of 2022. Further information regarding this transition may be obtained by contacting the Program Director, Cheryl L. Nimmo, DNP, MSHSA, CRNA at (207) 221-4519, or at cnimmo@une.edu.

The School of Nurse Anesthesia is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. The School of Nurse Anesthesia is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs through the fall of 2021. The program received the maximum 10-year accreditation length in June 2011. We are scheduled for reaccreditation in the fall of 2021. 

For the first 8 months (two semesters), students attend classes full time on SWAG��Ƶ's Portland campus or online as necessary.  The majority of the basic science and anesthesia didactic courses are offered during this period. The remaining 19 months of the program are clinically-based, with an emphasis on advanced coursework, clinical training, simulation lab experiences, and completion of a senior research project. All students are required to complete the entire curriculum with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Clinical Training

Upon completion of the didactic portion of the program, the students move on to the 19-month clinical portion of the curriculum. The primary focus is clinical anesthesia experiential education. The clinical experience obtained encompasses all areas for the student to achieve clinical competency in anesthesia. This is accomplished through affiliations at various clinical sites. The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs has set minimum standards for clinical experience that each student must achieve prior to graduation from the program to qualify for the National Certifying Examination. Each student is required to administer a specific number of anesthetics including all techniques, agents, and patients across the lifespan. Students complete more than the required minimum case numbers and clinical hours. All of the surgical specialties are included, including hands-on training in regional anesthesia techniques with ultrasound. Specialty experiences (i.e. neurosurgery, open-heart surgery, obstetrics) when not available at primary hospital affiliation sites, will be obtained from rotations at other medical facilities.

All types of anesthesia techniques and the latest agents are available for student learning. Students are able to obtain experience in general anesthetics, intravenous agents, invasive line placement, and regional anesthesia including spinal, epidural, and peripheral nerve blocks including the use of ultrasound. Students also rotate to CRNA-only rural sites for experience in autonomous practice settings.

Clinical Affiliates

Please refer to the clinical education website for a list of clinical sites currently utilized by the School of Nurse Anesthesia.

Graduation Requirements

The following criteria must be met to qualify for graduation:

1. Satisfactory completion of all didactic and clinical courses with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
2. Satisfactory completion of clinical experience as required by the School of Nurse Anesthesia and the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.
3. Satisfactory completion and fulfillment of stated SWAG��Ƶ School of Nurse Anesthesia Student Learning Outcomes.
4. Completion of twenty-seven actual months in the program, exclusive of probationary time.
5. All evaluations must be completed and signed, including University and Program evaluations.
6. All clinical records must be completed and submitted to the Anesthesia School Administrative staff.
7. Successful completion of the capstone project.
8. All fees must be paid in full.
9. All library books must be returned.
10. A current RN license and ACLS, PALS, BLS Certifications must be on file.
11. Successful completion of the Self-Evaluation Exam (SEE) from the NBCRNA. Students are required to obtain a SEE score of 425 or higher or three attempts before they can complete the program. The program will pay for the first attempt and the student is responsible for subsequent SEE payments until the minimum score is obtained. This may delay graduation from the program. Students who do not attain the required SEE score will take a series of comprehensive exams prior to graduation. 

WCHP Academic Policy

The Department of Nurse Anesthesia, the Westbrook College of Health Professions, and the SWAG��Ƶ are committed to offering a quality Nurse Anesthesia education program that complies with the evaluative criteria of the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA). The program provides learning experiences and didactic knowledge to enable graduates to take the National Certifying Exam and become providers of high quality anesthesia.  Please refer to the WCHP Graduate Program Progression Policies and Procedures (PDF) for a detailed description of academic standards.

PROGRAM COMPLETION TIMELINE

Students are expected to complete 27 actual months in the program.  

RULES OF CONDUCT WHILE ON AFFILIATION AT CLINICAL SITES

Success in the Nurse Anesthesia profession requires certain behavioral attributes including but not limited to personal commitment and hardiness, self-awareness, resilience, perseverance, empathy, discipline, honesty, integrity, personal regard for others, the ability to work effectively with others in a team environment, and the ability to address a crisis or emergency situation in a composed manner. Adherence to these attributes requires a high level of maturity and self-control, even in highly stressful situations. During the clinical phase, students must conduct themselves in a highly professional manner consistent with the patient care responsibilities with which they will be entrusted. Failure to adhere to these standards, as noted below, or comply with the Clinical Rotation Policies will result in disciplinary action ranging from a written warning to dismissal from the program (depending upon the violation and the circumstances surrounding the offense).

1. Creating or contributing to situations that jeopardize patient safety. 
2. Students are expected to follow all policies in the Student Code of Conduct section of the SWAG��Ƶ Handbook. Unethical behavior such as academic dishonesty, falsifying case logs, or medical records is considered a violation of the Program’s standards of conduct. 
3. Respect the confidentiality of patients and fellow students. One is not permitted to discuss any patients by name outside the clinical encounter situation. Students should not discuss other students with preceptors. For academic presentations, all identifying data, including name, initials, date of birth, and facility where seen will be omitted.
4. Unauthorized possession, use, copying, or distribution of hospital records or disclosure of information contained in such records to unauthorized persons.
5. Use, distribution, or unauthorized possession of intoxicating beverages or drugs on hospital premises or reporting to work under the influence of intoxicants.
6. Unauthorized absence from the Anesthesia Department during regularly scheduled clinical hours.
7. Failure or refusal to follow instructions of a duly assigned preceptor including refusal to accept clinical assignment.
8. Use of vile, intemperate or abusive language, or acting in a disrespectful manner to any employee, supervisor, patient, or visitor.
9. Any disorderly conduct on hospital premises.
10. Creating or contributing to unsanitary conditions.
11. Theft, fraud, or unauthorized use of property belonging to the hospital, patient, or visitor.

CLINICAL PRACTICUM COURSE EXPECTATIONS

To successfully complete each clinical practicum course, students must achieve a grade of A or B. Details regarding clinical practicum expectations will be detailed in the Student Clinical Practicum Handbook and course syllabus. Clinical progression will be monitored during each clinical practicum. If students are not meeting clinical objectives, they will be placed on Probation.

If a student is placed on a 30-day Probationary Status, they will continue with the clinical objectives scheduled for that level. The student will communicate with program faculty and clinical faculty to develop a plan based on their clinical evaluations, clinical faculty feedback and/or program faculty findings. The plan will include strategies for improvement of clinical performance. 

At the end of the 30-day Probationary Status, the student’s performance will be re-evaluated by the clinical and program faculty. If they are successful, they will resume their clinical practicum at the same level their peers are at and return to good standing. Being placed on probationary status will delay the student's graduation date accordingly. If progress continues to be unsatisfactory, the student will receive an 'F' for the course and be dismissed from the program.

Students may be placed on a second 30-day probationary period for additional (unresolved or newly identified) performance issues. The process described above would apply for this as well. Students are granted a maximum of two (2) probationary periods not to exceed 60 days total. If additional (newly identified) performance issues continue to occur after a student has been granted (2) probationary periods, the student would be immediately dismissed.

ESSENTIAL TECHNICAL STANDARDS

Principles
Nurse anesthesia education requires that accumulation of scientific knowledge be accompanied by the simultaneous acquisition of specific skills and professional attitudes and behavior. Nurse Anesthesia faculty have a responsibility to society to matriculate and graduate the best prepared nurse anesthetists, and thus admission to this program has been offered to those who present the highest qualifications. The essential technical standards presented in this document include pre-requisites for matriculation, subsequent promotion from year to year, and ultimately graduation from the SWAG��Ƶ School of Nurse Anesthesia. These standards pertain to all matriculated students. All required courses in the curriculum are necessary in a progressive order to develop essential skills and knowledge required to become a competent nurse anesthetist.

The faculty is committed to fostering relationships with its students that encourage human and professional growth. Its policies and procedures attempt to reflect this commitment to proactive and supportive communication.

It is imperative that all students recognize that the primary responsibility for a successful nurse anesthesia education, both in and outside the classroom, rests with the individual. Students, including students with disabilities, must have the capacity to manage their lives and anticipate their own needs. The School has incomplete influence in helping students achieve these personal adaptations. Situations can arise in which a student’s behavior and attitudes resulting from a disability or other personal circumstances represent a secondary problem which impairs the student’s ability to meet the School’s standards, even after implementation of all reasonable accommodations have been made by the School.

Recommendations

1. No otherwise qualified individual will be denied admission to the School of Nurse Anesthesia based solely upon a disabling condition.
2. Candidates with disabilities applying to the School of Nurse Anesthesia will be expected to have achieved the same requirements as their non-disabled peers.
3. Matriculation into the School of Nurse Anesthesia assumes certain levels of cognitive, emotional, and technical skills. Nurse anesthetist candidates with disabilities will be held to the same fundamental standards as their non-disabled peers. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to assist the candidates in learning, performing, and satisfying the fundamental standards, so long as the candidate provides timely, comprehensive documentation establishing the candidate’s disability status and need for reasonable accommodation.
4. Reasonable accommodations that facilitate candidate progress will be provided but only to the extent that such accommodation does not significantly interfere with the essential functions of the School of Nurse Anesthesia, fundamentally alter the program, significantly affect the rights of other candidates, or pose a health or safety risk to any individual including patients. 
5. The School, under the law, is obligated to provide all reasonable accommodations that will eliminate or minimize the barriers disabled candidates may face in the process of successfully completing the requirements for graduation from the SWAG��Ƶ’s School of Nurse Anesthesia.

Abilities and Skills
A candidate for this program must have abilities and skills of five varieties including observational skills; communication skills; fine and gross motor skills; intellectual skills: conceptual, integrative and quantitative abilities; and behavioral and social/emotional attributes.

I. Observational Skills
The candidate must be able to acquire a defined level of required information as presented through demonstration and experiences in the basic sciences and anesthesia courses including, but not limited to, information conveyed through labs and simulated anesthesia exercises. Furthermore, a candidate must be able to observe a patient accurately, both at a distance, and close at hand, acquire information from written documents and visualize information as presented in radiographic images and patient monitors. The candidate must have visual and hearing acuity, including use of depth perception and peripheral vision; hearing normal and faint body sounds (blood pressure and heart sounds) and hearing auditory alarms on monitors and anesthesia delivery systems. Such observation and information acquisition necessitate the functional use of visual, auditory, and somatic sensation while being enhanced by the functional use of other sensory modalities.

In any case where a candidate’s ability to observe or acquire information through these sensory modalities is compromised, the candidate must demonstrate alternative means and/or abilities to acquire and demonstrate the essential information without reliance upon another person’s interpretation of the information. The university will provide appropriate reasonable accommodations to foster the student’s ability to meet these standards, so long as the student registers with SWAG��Ƶ Disability Services.
 
II. Communication Skills
The candidate must be able to effectively and efficiently communicate using verbal, written, and reading skills, in a manner that demonstrates sensitivity to patients, their families, and all members of the health care team. A candidate must be able to accurately elicit information, describe a patient’s change in mood, thought, activity, and status. He or she must also demonstrate established communication skills using traditional or alternative reasonable means that do not substantially modify the standard.

III. Fine and Gross Motor Skills
The candidate must be able to, with or without the use of assistive devices, but without reliance on another person, interpret x-ray and other graphic images and digital or analog representations of physiologic phenomenon (such as EKGs).

The ability to participate in basic diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers and procedures (e.g. palpation, auscultation) is required. It is also essential for a candidate to possess the gross motor skills sufficient to provide a full range of safe and effective care to patients. These include the ability to move within confined spaces, reach above shoulders, bend, stoop, squat, stretch, and reach below the waist. Fine motor skills are necessary to perform psychomotor skills such as picking up objects, grasping, pinching with fingers (intubations, manipulating a syringe, starting IVs), twisting and squeezing.

Physical stamina sufficient to complete the rigorous course of didactic and clinical study is required. In addition, physical endurance and strength are requirements in order to tolerate training during an entire shift (including overtime or call), standing for long periods of time, and sustaining repetitive movements (performing CPR, positive pressure ventilation, etc). Candidates must be able to provide hands-on patient care such as lifting, pushing, and pulling excessive weight to position patients, pick up and carry children, ambulate patients and transfer anesthetized patients from stretchers and beds. When transporting patients to patient recovery areas, the candidate is required to move not only the patient's weight but also the heavy bed.

The candidate is required to carry heavy equipment and supplies, sit for long periods of time on stools with and without any back support, twist and turn to visualize monitors and the surgical field, and possess the strength and flexibility to assist in the restraint of combative patients. In addition, the candidate must be able to move quickly to respond to emergencies. At all times the ability to administer care to patients in a safe manner is paramount.
 
IV. Intellectual Skills - Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities
The candidate must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, and synthesize information in a timely fashion. In addition, the candidate must be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and to understand the spatial relationships of structure. Problem-solving, the critical skill demanded of nurse anesthetists, requires all of these intellectual abilities. These problem-solving skills must be able to be performed in a precisely limited time demanded by a given clinical setting. In addition, the candidate must be able to adapt readily to changing environments and deal with unexpected activities.

V. Behavioral and Social/Emotional Attributes
Candidates must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of their intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients, and the development of mature, sensitive and effective relationships with patients.

Candidates must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress. They must be able to adapt to changing environments, to display flexibility, and to learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of patients. They must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze and synthesize information effectively in a precisely limited time demanded by a given clinical setting, while under stress, and in an environment in which other distractions may be present.

Compassion, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, self-reflection, emotional intelligence, interest, and motivation are all personal qualities that will be assessed during the admissions and educational processes.

Upon completion of this educational program, the student shall demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the faculty, specific competencies expected of graduates. These competencies identify the knowledge and skills necessary for competent entry-level practice of nurse anesthesia. Upon completion of the program, the graduate will:

1. Demonstrate understanding of the perianesthetic management of patients based on theory and research evidence learned in the basic sciences and basic and advanced principles of anesthesia practice during the didactic phase of the program.
2. Apply theoretical and evidence-based knowledge learned during the didactic phase of the program and demonstrate mastery in the perianesthetic management of the patient in the clinical setting.
3. Effectively communicate with all health care professionals, patients, and families in the delivery of culturally competent perianesthetic care throughout the anesthesia experience.
4. Demonstrate vigilance and adherence to patient safety principles throughout the anesthetic experience.
5. Demonstrate professional responsibility, integrity, and accountability to their peers, interprofessional colleagues, and other health care stakeholders throughout the program and perianesthetic clinical experiences.

Transfer Credit

Transfer credits are not awarded.

Advanced standing

No advanced standing placement is available

Experiential Learning

No credit awarded for experiential learning

Important Notice

The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) requires that all students matriculating into a nurse anesthesia educational program on January 1, 2022 or thereafter be enrolled in a program approved by the COA to award a doctoral degree. The SWAG��Ƶ Nurse Anesthesia program is currently in the process of gaining approval from the COA to award the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree with a major in Nurse Anesthesia. Pending approval by the COA, the program plans to enroll its first doctoral cohort of students in Fall 2022. Additional information about this transition may be obtained by contacting the program directly at (207) 221-4519.
 

APPLICATION and ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

Items to submit:

• Application with application fee
• Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
• Three (3) letters of recommendation 
• Resume
• Proof of current RN licensure
• Copies of required certifications/score reports: ACLS, PALS
• Proof of satisfactory completion of Biochemistry Prerequisite*
  *If you are unsure whether or not a specific Biochemistry course will count towards our prerequisite requirement, please submit the . Your submission will be reviewed and a reply will be sent to you via email within 5-7 business days.

APPLICATION

All SWAG��Ƶ Master of Nurse Anesthesia Program applicants should apply through the SWAG��Ƶ Online Graduate Application.

DEGREE REQUIREMENT

Completion of Bachelor’s Degree (or higher) in Nursing OR
Completion of an Associate’s Degree in Nursing and a Bachelor of Science degree in a science-related field of study.

All degrees must have been completed at a U.S. regionally accredited college/university or international equivalent, and all nursing degrees must have been completed at an accredited nursing program, prior to starting the Nurse Anesthesia program.

GPA REQUIREMENT

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, specifically in the sciences, is highly recommended.
• Due to the competitive nature of the program, meeting minimum admission requirements does not guarantee an interview or acceptance.

PREREQUISITE COURSEWORK REQUIREMENT

• Biochemistry (3-4 semester credits)
  • Course must be upper-division (300 level+)
  • Community College courses are not acceptable

Other Important Prerequisite Coursework Notes:

• Biochemistry must be completed with a grade of “B” or better (“B minus” grade is not acceptable) 
• Biochemistry course must have been completed no more than five years prior to the application deadline for the SWAG��Ƶ Nurse Anesthesia program
• Course must be successfully completed with an official transcript submitted to the SWAG��Ƶ Office of Graduate Admission no later than the application deadline.

offers an online, accelerated Biochemistry course that can be used to fulfill this prerequisite requirement.

LETTERS OF EVALUATION

Three (3) letters of evaluation are required*

• One letter must be from the immediate acute care nursing supervisor or manager attesting to the total length of time, in years and months that an applicant has worked in the acute care setting as a registered nurse.
• It is recommended that the remaining two letters come from those that can attest to the clinical and professional skills of the applicant.

*Letters from friends or family members are not acceptable

EXPERIENCE HOURS

Clinical Experience: All applicants are encouraged to shadow a nurse anesthetist for at least 1 day in the operating room prior to application to more fully understand the commitment involved in studying to become a nurse anesthetist.

• Minimum of at least 18 months (2 or more years is recommended) current experience as a critical care nurse.
• All experience hours must be completed prior to application submission
• Acceptable areas: ICU, CCU, CVICU, SICU, MICU, NICU, PICU and Neuro ICU 

LICENSURE and CERTIFICATIONS

• Proof of current unencumbered RN licensure in your home state at the time of application; licensure in the state where clinical experience occurs is obtained after enrollment.
• Certifications Required-
  • Current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification
  • Current Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Certification
• Certifications highly recommended-
  • CCRN and/or other specialty certification (i.e., CEN) highly recommended
    • Submit a copy of the certification
    • Submit score report

PERSONAL STATEMENT

• Please refer to the online application for a specific writing prompt and additional information.

INTERVIEWS

Interviews are a required part of the application and admission process:

• Qualified applicants will be contacted and invited to interview during the fall semester, prior to the summer start of the Masters in Nurse Anesthesia program.
• Interviews are by invitation only.
• Alternate interviewing modalities (including virtual interviews) may be instituted as necessary to address ongoing public health concerns with COVID-19. The Office of Graduate Admissions will be in touch with any updates, as needed.

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

International applicants and those with foreign degrees and coursework are required to satisfy the following additional requirements:

• Official credential evaluation by , confirming degree and grade equivalency to that of a U.S. bachelor’s degree. Please refer to the International Admissions section of the SWAG��Ƶ website for more information on the type of credential evaluation required for admission review.
• Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate written and spoken fluency through the successful completion of a SWAG��Ƶ approved English language proficiency test.
• Applicants should refer to the English Language Proficiency page on the SWAG��Ƶ website for specific information and minimum score requirements.
• All supporting documents must be submitted directly to the SWAG��Ƶ Office of Graduate Admission.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Prior to matriculation, accepted and deposited students will be required to complete the following compliance requirements:

• Completion of physical examination with proof of up-to-date immunization status. Please refer to SWAG��Ƶ’s Student Health Center for detailed information.
• Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen prior to matriculation, as well as periodically throughout the program (as required by clinical affiliations).
• All students must have the ability to meet the Academic and Technical Standards of the Nurse Anesthesia profession.
• Admissions decisions are non-rolling and made by the program Admissions Committee after all interviews are completed.

Note: All materials submitted as part of the application become the property of SWAG��Ƶ and will not be returned or released to anyone, including the applicant. This policy includes letters of reference, primary and secondary applications, personal statements, transcripts, and other supporting materials.

Due to continuing developments with the COVID-19 pandemic, some application requirements and processes may change during the cycle for the health and safety of the university, its employees, and prospective students/applicants. We appreciate your flexibility and consideration.

POLICY EXCEPTIONS

• Policies have been established to ensure fair and consistent admissions practice for all applicants
• All criteria presented in this summary are subject to change per professional accreditation requirements, changes in curriculum or other institutional standards, and clinical affiliation requirements
• Exceptions to existing admission policies are rare and made on a case by case basis, only when it is deemed necessary and appropriate to maintain fair and consistent practice for all candidates, not individual candidates

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog. Miscellaneous fees that students should plan for in the program include but may not be limited to the following (approximate amounts):

Financial Aid

Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office at the Biddeford Campus. Call (207) 283-0170, ext. 2342 or by visiting the Financial Aid website.