The Board of Regents at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center has approved the establishment of a doctor of nursing practice with a specialization in nurse anesthesia program at the school of nursing in Abilene, Texas.
The TTUHSC senior vice president for academic affairs will seek approval for the program from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
a??Establishing a Doctor of Nursing [Practice] Program of this specialty is very important to the healthcare community and just another example of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center leading the way,a?? Chancellor Kent Hance said in a news release. a??The great people of Abilene continue to help make this a premier healthcare city for the Big Country region, and we are truly grateful for their support.a??
The need for CRNAs will increase over the next decade, according to the release. The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists recently reported that 20% of its CRNA members plan to retire in the next six years. The number of surgical cases performed each year is rising and is expected to continue to rise as baby boomers age. In addition, with the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, more people will have access to healthcare.
By starting a program in Abilene, West Texas nurses could attend a local program and then be recruited to work in local hospitals upon graduation, School of Nursing Dean Michael L. Evans, RN, PhD, FAAN, said in the release.
"The Abilene community has committed to extensive backing of this program through financial support along with support for clinical experiences pledged by local anesthesiologists,"? Evans said in the release.
