Delaware’s first nurse anesthesiology education program launched

Wilmington University, in collaboration with ChristianaCare and the support of Anesthesia Services PA, recently announced the Delaware Nurse Anesthesiology Program at ChristianaCare and Wilmington University, Delaware’s first nurse anesthesiology program. This innovative, full-time, 36-month offering leads to a doctor of nursing practice degree, preparing graduates to sit for the National Certification Exam and become certified registered nurse anesthetists.

A CRNA is an advanced practice registered nurse who administers anesthesia and provides related care before, during and after surgical, therapeutic, diagnostic and obstetrical procedures.

The program will offer students over 2,000 hours of hands-on clinical experience in high-acuity environments across various surgical specialties, supported by partnerships with ChristianaCare, ASPA –the largest anesthesia group in Delaware – and other healthcare organizations. Students will refine their clinical skills and decision-making in state-of-the-art simulation labs while engaging in diverse clinical settings. Led by experienced practitioners and educators, the curriculum integrates anesthesiology-specific coursework with advanced nursing practice, ensuring graduates are well prepared to meet the evolving demands of clinical practice and systemic healthcare challenges.

“We are proud to partner with ChristianaCare and ASPA to launch this transformative program,” said Wilmington University President Dr. LaVerne Harmon. “At Wilmington University, our caring, student-centered approach prioritizes academic excellence and personal well-being. While this initiative addresses Delaware’s critical need for anesthesiology professionals, we will focus equally on fostering an environment where students can excel and grow into compassionate, skilled leaders in the evolving healthcare field.”

“ChristianaCare is excited to partner with Wilmington University and our colleagues at ASPA in this much-needed program to help address Delaware’s growing need for highly qualified CRNAs,” said Janice E. Nevin, MD, MPH, president and CEO of ChristianaCare. “By providing advanced training and education in anesthesiology services, we are helping to develop the next generation of healthcare experts who will serve our community with high-quality, safe care.”

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 38% growth in nurse anesthetist employment from 2022 to 2032, driven by increased demand for healthcare services like elective surgeries. Delaware’s healthcare system faces similar challenges due to a shortage of anesthesiologists and CRNAs, with many nearing retirement. With 15 programs in neighboring Pennsylvania unable to accommodate all qualified applicants, the Delaware Nurse Anesthesiology Program at ChristianaCare and Wilmington University aims to bridge this gap, providing essential local training to meet the growing workforce demand.

“With an emphasis on evidence-based practice and patient-centered care, our graduates will be exceptionally equipped to provide high-quality anesthesiology services in diverse healthcare environments,” said Dr. Denise Wells, Wilmington University vice president of academic affairs. “This collaboration aims to cultivate a local pipeline of skilled registered nurses who will advance their careers as CRNAs, contributing to Delaware’s workforce and the surrounding region.”

“Anesthesia Services PA has been leading and innovating anesthesia care delivery in Delaware for the past 37 years,” said ASPA Board Chair Li Maceda, MD, MBA. “This joint partnership with ChristianaCare and Wilmington University allows us to combine our expertise and resources to train the next generation of anesthesia providers for the communities we serve and exemplifies our commitment to invest in the future advancement of perioperative care.”

Dr. Jacqueline Mainwaring was recently named inaugural director of the Delaware Nurse Anesthesiology Program at ChristianaCare and Wilmington University. “I am excited to be part of this groundbreaking initiative that will provide critical care nurses in our state with the opportunity to advance their careers and become leaders in anesthesiology care,” said Mainwaring, also an associate professor. “We are committed to creating a high-quality program that prepares our graduates to excel in today’s complex healthcare landscape. This program will not only address the shortage of anesthesiology professionals in Delaware and the region, but will foster a learning environment that emphasizes student well-being, clinical excellence and interprofessional collaboration.”