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Dr. Brian Radesic - Early Assurance Pathway to Nurse Anesthesia

This structured program guides and supports students who aspire to become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) from their high school years through their intensive care unit (ICU) experience. Through mentorship by our anesthesia faculty, participants will be led to meet essential academic and clinical milestones. This pathway prepares students to be accepted as solid candidates for The University of Akron’s Nurse Anesthesia Program upon completion of their ICU training.

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The program consists of four distinct phases:

  • Phase 1: Preparing for nurse anesthesia program entry while still in high school
  • Phase 2:  Completing undergraduate curriculum at UA
  • Phase 3: Acquiring Critical Care ICU experience as a new registered nurse
  • Phase 4: Applying to and completing the Nurse Anesthesia program at The University of Akron

Program Admission Requirements

The following requirements must be met by high school graduates in order to be considered for this early assurance nurse anesthesia program. The selection committee may choose up to 12 high school graduates annually: 

  • Complete the Dr. Brian Radesic - Early Assurance Pathway to Nurse Anesthesia application in your applicant portal. This will be available to eligible applicants of the Traditional - Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program.
  • 3.8 cumulative high school grade point average.
  • 28 ACT or 1300 SAT score submitted to The University of Akron. 
  • Complete 16 hours of CRNA job shadowing while in high school.
  • Apply to the Williams Honors College

The following are recommendations that will strengthen your application: 

  • Focus on Advanced Placement, Honors, or College Credit Plus coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
  • Join science clubs, volunteer in healthcare settings (e.g., hospitals, clinics), or participate in shadowing opportunities with healthcare professionals.
  • Obtain certifications like CPR or basic first aid.
  • Take leadership roles in extracurricular activities (e.g., student government, sports teams, or community service projects).
  • Dedicate time to volunteer work in health care settings to demonstrate commitment to nursing and patient care.

Program Progression Requirements

The following requirements must be met to progress through the early assurance nurse anesthesia program:  

  • Complete the required coursework for the BSN degree. 
  • Complete required coursework, including the research project, for the Williams Honors College.
  • Maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.7, with at least a 3.3 GPA in all science courses, earning no less than a B in any science course.
  • Must achieve satisfactory performance evaluations in all clinical rotations.
  • Prepare and pass the NCLEX-RN exam on the first attempt to obtain your RN license in Ohio.
  • Complete an additional 40 hours of CRNA job shadowing.
  • Join the National Student Nurses Association.

Nursing Experience

Graduates of this early assurance nurse anesthesia program will work to gain critical clinical ICU experience prior to applying to the Post BSN-DNP-CRNA program.

  • Work full-time as a registered nurse in a critical care ICU setting for at least 1-2 years. (Applicants must have at least one year of ICU experience by October of each year.)
  • Obtain critical care certification CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse) to enhance your knowledge and credentials; pass the test on the first attempt.
  • Stay updated on advances in anesthesia and critical care by attending at least one workshop and OSANA conference.
  • Must maintain an encumbered RN Ohio License.

Applying to UA's Post-BSN-DNP - Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesia Program

Students may apply to The University of Akron Graduate School. Participants of the Dr. Brian Radesic - Early Assurance Pathway to Nurse Anesthesia who have met all stated benchmarks will be offered direct admission to the program.

The University of Akron’s Post-BSN-DNP Nurse Anesthesia Program takes 36 months to complete. Students will participate in hands-on training in anesthesiology, pain management, and perioperative care. At the end of the nurse anesthesia program, graduates will prepare for the National Certification Examination (NCE) to become licensed CRNAs.  

Other Options

If you are not eligible for the Early Assurance Pathway, you can follow the traditional route to becoming a CRNA. This involves completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), gaining ICU work experience as a registered nurse, and applying to the Post-BSN-DNP CRNA program. Admission is highly competitive, and applicants with excellent grades, leadership experience, strong references, and an impressive resume will have a greater chance of being selected for an interview. 

How to Apply

Prospective UA students: First, apply to The University of Akron. See our Admissions page for details. 
Current UA students: Current students are not eligible to participate at this time.