The Excela Health School of Anesthesia is a 27 ½ month program in Nurse Anesthesia. The school of anesthesia in conjunction with St. Vincent College in Latrobe offers a Masters Degree in Health Science in Nurse Anesthesia. Graduates of the school are eligible to sit for the national certification exam administered by the Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs and Schools. We currently have 18 clinical affiliation sites in the tri-state area. Our students obtain a wide variety of anesthesia experiences. Please use the links option on the left for more information.


Mission Statement
Excela Health School of Anesthesia is an institution of higher learning that seeks to educate students in the art and science of nurse anesthesia; we also endeavor to help our students develop as an individual. We assimilate new members into our group assisting them to be aware and respectful of the rights of others. Man, as an individual, never stops growing, and during certain periods in life he takes giant steps forward. We acknowledge and encourage such development.


History
The school of nurse anesthesia, founded by Dr. F. D. Edgar, Jr., Chief Anesthesiologist and Medical Director of Westmoreland Hospital, graduated its first class of nurse anesthetists in 1955. During its 53 year history, the school has developed a comprehensive educational program supplemented by additional experience at Latrobe Area Hospital. The affiliation with Latrobe began in 1965 under the coordination of Dr. U. W. Sipe, Chief Anesthesiologist.

In 1991, the school entered into a joint effort with La Roche College to establish a Master's degree program for its students. In 2006, Excela Health School of Anesthesia began an affiliation with Saint Vincent College to award a Master of Science in health science to graduates of Excela Health School of Anesthesia. The anesthesia school is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs and Schools; current accreditation - October 1, 2000 - September 30, 2010.


Philosophy
Education is viewed as a continuing process that enables the individual to mature intellectually and culturally. Through the stimulation and guidance offered by the faculty, students are encouraged to develop qualities which enhance their contribution to their profession and society.

This 27 ½ month educational and scientific theory and the opportunity for clinical experience are supplemented by a sincere interest in helping each student develop the attitudes and motivation that will serve them well in their chosen career.

Our primary goals are to:

  • Educate registered nurses in the theory and clinical practice of anesthesia.
  • Educate these anesthetists to administer safe, effective anesthetics.
  • Provide a desire in our graduates to continue to improve their skills by practice and further educational efforts.
 

Clinical Affiliations

Excela Health School of Anesthesia offers
student rotations through clinical affiliations with the following hospitals:

• Allegheny General Hospital
• Altoona Regional Health Center
• Clarksburg United Hospital Center
• Conemaugh Medical Center
• DuBois Regional Medical Center
• Fairview Hospital
• Forbes Regional Hospital
• Excela Health Frick Hospital
• Jefferson Regional Medical Center
• Excela Health Latrobe Hospital
• Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh
• Monongahela Valley Hospital
• Monogalia General Hospital
• Trinity Hospital in Ohio
• Uniontown Hospital
• West Penn Hospital
• Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital
• WVU-Ruby Memorial Hospital