A version of this story first appeared in the 2024 issue of On Call, a publication of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga School of Nursing.
In surgery, it’s not just the surgeon’s hands that matter. As patients “go under,” the nurse anesthetist takes command, managing the delicate line between unconsciousness and stability.
With every adjustment, the CRNA keeps vital signs in balance—a high-stakes role where each decision is critical and calm is just as essential as precision.
At the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, this expertise is cultivated with care, preparing future nurse anesthetists to handle operating room pressures with confidence and skill.
———————————————
Click here to learn more about UTC School of Nursing
———————————————
Now, with the program’s recent 10-year accreditation from the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, UTC’s commitment to excellence has been reaffirmed. Extending through 2034, the accreditation reflects the rigorous standards that set the program apart and its continued role in shaping health care’s future.
“This accreditation isn’t just about maintaining our standing—it’s about validating that our graduates have the skills and knowledge to step into critical roles right away,” says Dr. Chris Smith, School of Nursing Director and UTC’s Chief Health Affairs Officer.
“Hospitals know they can trust UTC graduates to handle complex cases from day one.”
Expanding roles
The landscape for CRNAs has transformed over the past decade with advances in technology and expanding roles in specialized anesthesia care. They’re now indispensable in outpatient surgical centers, pain management clinics and even telehealth. CRNAs’ ability to practice independently in many states has made them vital in rural and underserved areas where access to health care is limited.
“Our program ensures students graduate not just with technical skills but with the confidence to work autonomously,” says Dr. Linda Hill, UTC Nurse Anesthesia Program Coordinator.
Hill has seen CRNAs rise as leaders in health care innovation, underscoring the need for advanced education and the vital role of programs like UTC’s in shaping skilled, compassionate leaders.
“We’ve adjusted our curriculum to reflect what’s happening in the real world where CRNAs are leading anesthesia care in diverse settings,” adds Hill.
For students, the impact is immediate. Practicing CRNAs bring the latest techniques into the UTC nursing classroom, helping students step confidently into leadership roles. Hands-on courses like peripheral regional anesthesia prepare them for practice in both bustling hospitals and rural clinics.
A focus on simulation
“One of the goals of simulation is to match the learner’s growing abilities as they progress,” explains Dr. Rachel Nall, assistant professor and UTC Simulation Committee chair. “Using high-fidelity simulation allows our learners to participate in HALO scenarios—high-acuity low-occurrence events like malignant hyperthermia or anaphylaxis that must be managed with precision.”
While high-fidelity simulation replicates real-world clinical scenarios using advanced technology, hands-on training emphasizes mastering specific technical skills like administering anesthesia or performing regional blocks.
But simulation isn’t just a teaching tool at UTC—it’s a core part of CRNA training across the profession. TANA, for example, places strong emphasis on advanced simulations—from ultrasound-guided airway assessments to emergency response drills.
Future-proofing nurse anesthetists
As health care evolves, CRNAs are expected to play an even greater role in cost-effective patient-centered care. The rise of telehealth, remote anesthesia monitoring and opioid-sparing techniques has put CRNAs at the forefront of innovation.
“We continuously refine our program so our graduates don’t just keep pace—they lead. The students we train today will shape the future of anesthesia care,” Hill says.
With advanced simulation-based training, a commitment to clinical excellence and a forward-thinking curriculum, UTC equips CRNA graduates to excel in high-pressure, real-world scenarios—shaping the future of health care one surgery at a time.
Click here for more details about visiting the UTC School of Nursing.
Learn more
