MTSA Campuses

The Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia (MTSA) at the Madison Campus offers a comprehensive Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) program, designed to prepare certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) for advanced clinical practice. This rigorous 36-month program integrates didactic coursework, simulation training, and extensive clinical rotations to build expertise in anesthesia delivery across diverse patient populations.

• Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology: In-depth study of human physiology, focusing on cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurological systems, with emphasis on how disease states impact anesthesia management. Students explore cellular mechanisms, organ system interactions, and adaptive responses to surgical stress.
• Pharmacology for Anesthesia: Detailed examination of anesthetic agents, including inhalational and intravenous drugs, opioids, neuromuscular blockers, and adjunctive medications. Coursework covers pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, drug interactions, and safe administration protocols to optimize patient outcomes.
• Principles of Anesthesia Practice: Core curriculum on pre-anesthetic assessment, induction techniques, maintenance of anesthesia, emergence, and postoperative care. Includes airway management, regional anesthesia, and pain control strategies for various surgical procedures.
• Clinical Correlation and Simulation: Hands-on training using high-fidelity simulators to practice crisis management, such as difficult airways or hemodynamic instability. Integrates evidence-based guidelines from the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA).
• Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice: Instruction in research design, data analysis, and scholarly writing, culminating in a capstone project that advances anesthesia knowledge. Focuses on translating research into clinical improvements.
• Professional Role Development: Courses on leadership, ethics, healthcare policy, and interprofessional collaboration, preparing students for roles in perioperative teams, education, and administration.
• Specialty Rotations: Advanced electives in pediatric, obstetric, cardiac, and neuroanesthesia, providing specialized skills for complex cases in hospital and ambulatory settings.

The program emphasizes critical thinking, patient safety, and lifelong learning, with over 2,000 clinical hours ensuring graduates are proficient in delivering high-quality anesthesia care. MTSA's curriculum aligns with national standards, fostering competent, compassionate CRNAs who contribute to healthcare innovation and improved surgical outcomes. This holistic approach equips students to handle emergencies, advocate for patients, and lead in evolving medical environments, ultimately enhancing perioperative medicine across the United States.