CRNAs work in a variety of practice settings including hospital employment, group practice or as independent contractors. CRNAs administer anesthetics for obstetrical births and all types of surgical cases in hospitals, clinics and offices. Anesthesia care is not only provided during surgery, but the CRNA cares for each patient individually before surgery and through the immediate postoperative period. In addition to perioperative care, CRNAs administer regional blocks for the management of acute and chronic pain. CRNAs in California enjoy a scope of practice that is independent of the scope of practice physicians. CRNAs can provide anesthesia services in all settings in California without the supervision or direction of a physician anesthesiologist or surgeon.
Nurse anesthesia is an attractive career for both men and women.
The goal of the USC program of nurse anesthesia is to provide the graduate student with an advanced scientific knowledge base, research experience and a comprehensive array of clinical skills that hallmark the standard of care in anesthesia practice. USC nurse anesthesia graduates are academically and clinically prepared to provide quality anesthesia care to meet the health care needs of the community and its diverse population. Upon completion of all clinical and academic requirements, the graduate will be eligible to take the national certification examination given by the Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists. The USC program of nurse anesthesia offers an intense academic and comprehensive clinical curriculum. Students will be exposed to all clinical specialty areas including cardiothoracic, neurosurgical, genitourinary, gynecologic, head and neck, plastic, orthopedic, trauma, obstetric, pediatric and outpatient procedures.