Why choose WSU

Leadership in nurse anesthesia education

Toleka Taylor
Read about Toleka Taylor's experience as a student in Wayne State's Nurse Anesthesia program.

The program strives for new innovations to expand the educational and marketability opportunities for our graduates and propel the profession forward. In 2001 in collaboration with Children's Hospital of Michigan, a Pediatric fellowship was developed for graduates and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists interested in pursuing a certification in pediatric anesthesia.

The program collaborated with Children's Hospital of Michigan to develop a curriculum for nurse anesthetists that would mirror their existing residency fellowship program. In 2001, Wayne State University approved the program's request to offer a post-master's certificate. Today, more than 12 certified registered nurse anesthetists make up a cohesive team of anesthesiologists and CRNAs, and Children's Hospital of Michigan is one of our clinical sites for our students.

A similar collaborative approach was used with the Pharmaceutical Sciences department to offer a track for our graduates. Currently, the program has partnered with the School of Medicine Pharmacology Department offering nurse anesthesia students and graduates a unique opportunity to pursue a PhD in pharmacology. The program partnered with the School of Medicine Pharmacology department to offer a dual degree, a DNAP degree and a PhD in Pharmacology. This innovative opportunity is offered to a select number of students each year.

The dedicated faculty are instrumental in helping the program achieve these milestones, and as such, we are proud to be ranked as one of the top 25 graduate nurse anesthesia programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. In addition, many dedicated faculty share their commitment to our students' success and several students tell stories about how they explored the benefits of the role of nurse anesthetists with their future goals.

A premier university in the heart of Detroit

As Michigan's only urban research university, Wayne State is known for academic and research excellence, success across a diverse student body, and meaningful community engagement. Here are a few ways we stand out: 

  • More than $350 million awarded to WSU students annually in federal, state, institutional and private aid through scholarships, grants, loans and work-study programs.
  • Significant opportunities for experiential learning and clinical practice at major health systems and urban community organizations within walking distance of campus.
  • A partner with U-M and MSU in the University Research Corridor, which generates 95% of research in Michigan. 
  • Lowest undergraduate resident tuition among the state's three research universities.
  • Ranked in the top 1.4% of universities worldwide. 
  • One of the nation's 50 largest public universities. 
  • Awarded the highest rankings for research and community engagement by the Carnegie Foundation.
  • Offering a culturally rich, well-rounded, diverse educational experience in the heart of Detroit. 
  • More than 500 student organizations promoting camaraderie and hands-on experience beyond the classroom. 

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