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Admission Criteria

Any questions concerning admissions or any other aspect of the program may be obtained by contacting the program director, Michael DeBroeck, DNP, CRNA, at 724-537-2638 or michael.debroeck@independence.health

Prerequisites:

  • Cumulative GPA for all undergraduate work must be 3.0 or above.
  • The minimum 3.00 is a cumulative average from all institutions of higher learning attended.
  • One of the following:
  • Baccalaureate degree in nursing.
  • Diploma or associate degree in nursing plus a baccalaureate degree other than a BSN, providing the program considers it appropriate. (Contact program for questions.)
  • If currently pursuing degree, degree must be conferred prior to matriculation. Acceptance is contingent upon satisfactory completion of degree.
  • Minimum of one year full time critical care experience prior to entrance to the school.
  • Critical care experience includes: CCU, ER (Level 1 Trauma only), ICU, MICU, NICU, PICU, TICU, SICU.
  • To determine if other clinical experience meets this requirement, contact the program for determination of acceptability.

Required Documents:

  • The applicant packet must include all of the following documents listed below: (You may also refer to the Application Checklist)
  • Anesthesia School Application Form
  • Professional Resume
  • Summary of interest (as noted at bottom of page three of the application form)
  • Application Fee ($65) made out to Westmoreland Hospital. In memo section of check, please note School of Anesthesia (or) SOA
  • Photocopy of current RN Licensure (display portion, if applicable)
  • Photocopy of current BLS card
  • Photocopy of current ACLS card
  • Photocopies of other professional certifications (PALS, CCRN, etc.)
  • Photocopy of Driver's License
  • Three (3) letters of reference. Letter of Reference.pdf
  • These letters must utilize the form in the provided link. One reference must be from your current unit manager/supervisor. Each letter must be in a sealed envelope with the applicant's name on the front and signature of sender across the back flap of envelope.
  • Official transcripts from every institution of higher learning attended (including community colleges) must be sent with your packet, even if you only took one class at that institution.
  • Transcripts included in the packets must be “original transcripts” in unopened envelopes, directly from institution(s) of higher learning.
  • A complete application, including transcripts and fee, is required every year that you apply. The only exception is that WES transcripts will be retained for one full admission cycle.

GRE'S preferred. School DI Code:0767.

Application packets must be complete, in one mailing, and mailed to:

Independence Health System
Latrobe Hospital
One Mellon Way
Latrobe, PA 15650

All application packets must be received by 3 p.m. on the January 15th deadline date the year prior to program start to be eligible for consideration. Documents sent separately will not be accepted.

Applicants need only to apply to Independence Health System; they do not need to apply to Saint Vincent College. If accepted into the program, Excela Health School of Anesthesia will initiate the enrollment process with Saint Vincent College.

Selection Criteria

All applicants will be considered without regard to race, gender, color, ethnicity, creed, marital status, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other factor protected by law. After review of the applicant's completed file, he/she may be selected for a personal interview by the Admissions Committee. Independence Health System reserves the right to interview only those candidates who show potential to succeed. Selection will be made based on academic and clinical qualifications and recommendations of the admission interviewers.

If accepted, the school will perform pre-admission and random drug screenings throughout the program.

Policy for Advanced Standing and Transfer Credits

Our curriculum is linear and builds from preceding classes, therefore, we do not accept any transfer credits nor award advanced standing for previous work accomplished, even if this work was done in another nurse anesthesia program.

Financial Aid

Financial aid may be sought through various state and federal channels. The Financial Aid Office at Saint Vincent College can provide additional information. They can be reached at 724-537-4540 or 1-800-782-5549.

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