Date of Defense
11-25-2026
Date of Graduation
5-2026
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Dawn Smith
Second Advisor
Susan Houtrouw
Abstract
The demand for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and their delivery of safe, high-quality anesthesia care has increased significantly due to nationwide anesthesia provider shortages and the growing reliance on CRNAs to meet healthcare system needs. This demand underscores the importance of expanding nurse anesthesia programs in Michigan and across the United States to support nurses pursuing advanced education and to improve patient access to essential care within their communities. The CRNA profession has evolved over time to meet the changing needs of the healthcare system, and current CRNA programs require applicants to satisfy rigorous and highly specific admission criteria. Although expansion of CRNA programs offers substantial benefits, it also presents several notable barriers that must be carefully considered. Evidence from quantitative data analyses and comprehensive literature reviews indicates that expanding CRNA programs highlights three primary benefits. First, expansion increases accessibility to advanced practice education for registered nurses through improved acceptance rates and reduced financial barriers associated with doctoral-level education. Second, expanding program capacity helps mitigate anesthesia workforce shortages by producing a greater number of qualified anesthesia providers to meet nationwide demand, while also promoting in-state retention of graduates to strengthen local healthcare systems. Third, expansion improves patient access to affordable and comprehensive anesthesia services, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Despite these advantages, CRNA program expansion is hindered by three primary barriers: the challenge of securing adequate funding to support the establishment and operation of new programs, exacerbated by noncompetitive Medicare reimbursement that may discourage hospitals and anesthesiologists from training Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists (SRNAs); difficulty recruiting and retaining qualified faculty and staff due to clinical workforce shortages and noncompetitive academic salaries; and the time-consuming process of achieving accreditation to ensure compliance with established standards prior to admitting students. Ultimately, investment in the expansion of CRNA programs offers a sustainable solution for strengthening the anesthesia workforce, enhancing patient safety, and ensuring equitable access to essential anesthesia care across the nation.
Recommended Citation
Van Zweden, Grace, "The Benefits and Barriers to Expanding CRNA Programs in Michigan" (2026). Honors Theses. 4063.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/honors_theses/4063
Access Setting
Honors Thesis-Open Access
Presentation