MTSA has been ranked #5 in the nation in the latest Best Nursing-Anesthesia (CRNA) Schools list published by U.S. News & World Report—its highest placement to date.

“Being recognized by our peers in this way is especially meaningful,” said MTSA President Chris Hulin, DNP, MBA, CRNA. “These rankings reflect the collective perspective of leaders across nurse anesthesia education, and to be included among the top programs in the country speaks to the dedication of our faculty, staff, partners, and students. Our focus has always been on preparing CRNAs to excel in practice while also contributing to the advancement of the profession.”

Founded in 1950, MTSA is the nation’s only independent, fully accredited anesthesia institution of its kind, dedicated exclusively to nurse anesthesia education. At the center of its offerings is the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) program, a 36-month, full-time doctoral program that provides rigorous academic preparation alongside extensive clinical experience in the peri-anesthesia setting.

As a standalone nurse anesthesia education institution, MTSA concentrates all of its resources on a single specialty, allowing for a highly focused and immersive educational experience. Beyond the DNAP program, MTSA offers a range of advanced educational opportunities designed to support CRNAs at every stage of their careers. These include the Acute Surgical Pain Management Fellowship, the Hornsby Business Institute, and the Nurse Anesthesia Educator Program—all aimed at expanding clinical expertise, leadership capabilities, and career pathways.

CRNAs are expected to bring a broader and more advanced skill set to their work. From regional anesthesia and point-of-care ultrasound to leadership within complex healthcare systems, the demands of the profession continue to evolve. Hulin views the school’s responsibility as ensuring that graduates are not only prepared for practice on Day 1, but positioned to lead and adapt as the field continues to grow.

“At MTSA, we see education as a continuum,” Hulin said. “Many of our students come to us to advance their clinical practice and go on to become leaders, educators, and mentors within the profession. That progression is intentional. It reflects a strong community and a clear mission to develop CRNAs who are equipped for wherever their careers may lead.”

About MTSA
Founded in 1950, Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia (MTSA) provides graduate-level education and training of nurse anesthetists in a Christian environment born of its Seventh-day Adventist heritage. MTSA is the only independent, accredited anesthesia institution of its kind in the nation, instilling excellence through innovative and diverse clinical experience. The campus is located in Madison, Tennessee. For more information, visit www.mtsa.edu.