As MTSA bids farewell to outgoing Program Administrator Rusty Gentry, DNAP, CRNA, deep appreciation for his servant-hearted leadership at the institution was a recurring theme among faculty, staff and students.

MTSA President Chris Hulin praised Gentry’s efforts in elevating the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice program; increasing graduates’ National Certification Exam (NCE/boards) pass rates; advancing nurse anesthesia education in Guyana; overseeing the curriculum and program through successful Council on Accreditation (COA) and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) reaffirmation reviews; and guiding the program through the transition to doctoral education.

Gentry joined MTSA as the Assistant Program Administrator in December 2016 and was made the Program Administrator in January of 2017. Soon after coming on board, the school transitioned to doctoral education, which included a site visit by the Council on Accreditation. Later that year, MTSA was approved and received the maximum length of accreditation. Gentry then oversaw the acceptance of two cohorts within one year – the last master’s cohort and the new doctoral cohort, which enabled clinical rotations to continue with the same start and finish timeframe.

Over the course of his tenure, MTSA bucked the national trend of declining board scores with the move to the doctoral degree, increasing to the most recent graduating class which achieved a 97% first-time pass rate.

“We worked hard to develop better strategies of mentoring students using the board preparation tools to properly prepare them,” Gentry said. “We made several adjustments when going to a doctoral degree, and I think those adjustments have improved the program and quality of the education of the students. One major change was going to all-day clinicals. This provided the students more continuity; instead of coming to class for half a day, they could focus on being in clinical all day. We’ve added classes and rearranged things to better fit the curriculum to optimize student learning and to also incorporate the newest techniques.”

Under Gentry’s leadership, MTSA was one of the first schools that had PoCUS simulation and taught TEE. PoCUS was incorporated into the physical assessment class, and a new clinical evaluation tool was implemented that allows for more robust feedback from preceptors about students’ clinical performance and identification of at-risk students.

“I think it’s confirmation when you see former students and they say, ‘The program wasn’t easy, but I was well prepared to provide safe anesthesia.’ That’s what a program administrator wants to hear, that they can function at the level they desire in the anesthesia community whether that be in Nashville or anywhere else in the country,” Gentry said.

“One of the things I’ll miss is getting to see the growth of an individual obtaining a higher level of confidence in their abilities to perform in one of the most stressful environments in the medical profession,” Gentry added. “I’ve seen all different kinds of students – whether they’re timid or strong – and our job is to get them all the way to the end to be that confident provider.”

In Gentry’s view, the growth of the individual is of greater concern than “perfecting” skills to the highest level. “There’s a lot of satisfaction in seeing students reach the end of the program, walk across that graduation stage and start their career. There’s no ‘easy’ button; spending hours in the operating room is the only way to gather that level of confidence in cases, and the exposure to the different types of anesthetics in clinicals comes with time,” he said.

“We couldn’t have achieved what we did during my tenure if it hadn’t been for the faculty and the clinical partners. We’ve grown the number of clinical sites considerably over the years that I’ve been here, and we partnered with clinical sites that we hadn’t been in for 20 years. Without our clinical partners it would be impossible to do what we do,” Gentry added.

“At MTSA we care about our students in a unique, Christian way. I appreciated being able to pray with our students, having the freedom of a Christian heritage, and incorporating my own values into the way I approached the position,” he said.

During his tenure at the school, Gentry participated in five international mission trips with MTSA, including Haiti twice and Guyana three times. Reflecting on those trips, and the guiding principles of his work, he said his message to students is to “always remember it’s about the patient. I always tell them you have a very limited window of opportunity to gain the trust of someone who’s going to place their life in your hands.”

From all those whose lives he has touched, MTSA wishes Rusty all the best and many blessings in his future endeavors!

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Chris Hulin, DNP, MBA, CRNA
President

As Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia participates in the annual AANA Congress, our message to the anesthesia community is clear: MTSA is the only institution of its kind – fully dedicated to advancing the CRNA profession. If CRNAs need it, MTSA delivers it. From cutting-edge doctorate programs to advanced training courses, we offer CRNAs a proven pathway to excellence in their practice.

No other institution has the same uncompromising commitment to nurse anesthesia. That’s because MTSA is a single-purpose entity that is centered on the needs of working CRNAs and the unique challenges of the profession. When an innovative program is needed, we design it. When a specialized skillset is required, we provide the tools to achieve it – one student at a time. This is evident in our new $1.7 million renovation and expansion to create new and enhanced student study space, the addition of a gross anatomy lab, and new space for practice labs and workshops.

From training in point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) to regional anesthesia and pain management, MTSA responds to the call of our profession. Everything we do is aimed at advancing CRNAs. We exist for your success across the continuum of your career, and we invite you to grow and learn to be the best practitioner you can be!

And, we are not finished yet. Look out for our next big announcement about how MTSA is meeting yet another need within the nurse anesthesia profession coming Jan. 1, 2024…

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MTSA faculty and staff packed 100 Emergency Food Bags for FiftyForward’s Fresh/Meals On Wheels program for those who may not have access to food in emergency situations. Each bag included an encouraging handwritten note.

Several MTSA staff and students participated in FiftyForward’s annual Whistlestop event. All volunteers were from MTSA, including Class of 2025 students Caitlin Curl and Michael McCance. Whistlestop benefits FiftyForward Madison Station and its diverse community of nearly 500 members. Through the center, members gain access to vital services, including transportation, legal advocacy and education.

MTSA staff volunteered at The Bridge Ministry to pack snack bags for the Bridge to Kids program. The organization helps alleviate the suffering of underprivileged children, the homeless, and the working poor by providing life-sustaining resources and a message of hope.

MTSA faculty and staff recently spent time at King’s Daughters Daycare, helping with weeding, mulching, and cleaning up flower beds around the property.

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MTSA SRNAs receive hands-on experience at a variety of clinical sites, but they also have the opportunity to make an impact on the patients they serve. We are pleased to share these comments received from clinical sites showcasing the skill and compassionate care of these SRNAs.

Steven Cuzzilla
Special recognition for Steven for his performance during a recent procedure. Thank you, Steven!

Ross Ham
Ross did an amazing job helping out when needed and being motivated. He was walking in the hallway and I grabbed him and said, ‘hey are you busy?’ He said, ‘nope,’ and didn’t hesitate to help me transport a patient. Then he followed up to see if I needed help going back upstairs. When I got called to [a patient’s room] he came to the room and helped out.

Alexandra Harris        Kate Priebe        Alfred Wong
Alexandra, Kate and Alfred were incredibly helpful and flexible. [Recently] we did a big spine with the new O-Arm, we had a few levels, and at times were scarce with available staff. Each one was helpful on the floor when they were in between cases. They were each helping with line placements/charting during induction, flipping spines, giving breaks/lunches, and helping turnover rooms. They were so proactive and taking initiative as team members. Of course, with weekends the assignment can often change rooms throughout the day. They were all flexible and even helped set up rooms for others. It was just incredible, and they really made the weekend run smoothly. Greatly appreciative for their help and positivity.

Lynette Hokenson
Rather than relaxing in the breakroom waiting for something to do, Lynette has been helping 2nd shift with stocking a room. It’s awesome that she is willing to help wherever she can.

Katie Patten
Kudos to Katie for a job well done on a challenging renal Tx, and saw it through to the end even though it was after midnight.

Kayla Raines
Kayla has been a pleasure to work with and teach. She has excelled since I started working with her. Kayla stays longer than required because she has an eagerness to learn. Everyone, including one of the anesthesiologists, Dr. Burr, recognized this unique characteristic. Other things I noticed when working with Kayla include: increased confidence; she chooses appropriate doses of meds at appropriate time; she is learning to manage the pre-op, maintenance, and post-op phase; and she is not hesitant to ask for help or direct others when necessary, during intubation. She chooses appropriate airway adjuncts and can maintain the airway with a jaw thrust or chin lift. She recognizes changes in her patient’s status and responds quickly.

The Board of the Sigma Theta Tau Iota At-Large Chapter, which includes Vanderbilt University School of Nursing and MTSA, has voted for U.S. Army LTC Jamilia Adams-Henderson, DNAP, CRNA, to serve as a chapter delegate to the Sigma Theta Tau International Annual Convention in November 2023. Dr. Adams-Henderson is a recent MTSA DNAP-Completion graduate and is enrolled in MTSA’s inaugural Nurse Educator Track cohort, which begins this fall.

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Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia hosted the 9th annual Mission & Awards Gala, presented by AMG – U.S. Anesthesia Partners, on March 4, 2023, at the Hutton Hotel in Nashville. The evening of celebration, dining and silent auction benefited MTSA’s forthcoming partnership with the People of Peru Project and featured Peruvian cuisine.

Gala Chair Deana Vandivier, CRNA, welcomed guests, followed by an invocation by Kelly Gentry, Class of 2024. Lewis McCarver, DNP, CRNA, served as Master of Ceremonies, and the Nashville Jazz Collective provided musical entertainment.

During his introductory remarks, MTSA President Chris Hulin said the school had explored mission partnership opportunities where students could serve in the operating room, providing anesthesia and acute pain management: “We identified the People of Peru Project, which has a long-standing history serving the people of Iquitos, Peru, especially poverty-stricken women and children.”

The Project is expanding to include two new operating rooms, and MTSA is assisting in this project and developing a relationship that includes clinical anesthesia practice. Hulin said MTSA is planning a humanitarian relief and building project in Iquitos that will be non-anesthesia related to include a cross section of MTSA personnel who are not medical providers but instrumental in the education of every MTSA student.

During the award presentations, the following individuals were recognized for their unique achievements:

• Mary Elizabeth “Ikey” DeVasher Distinguished Alumni Service Award: Lois J. Bernard, MS, CRNA
• Mission & Heritage Award: Timothy Jones, DNP, CRNA
• William O.T. Smith Clinical Excellence Award: Donna Cornelius, BSN, MSN, CCRN, CRNA
• Nevin Downs Leadership Award: Paul Mazzoni, MD

Event sponsors included:

• Presenting Sponsor: Anesthesia Medical Group, PC – U.S. Anesthesia Partners
• Silent Auction: NorthStar Anesthesia
• DeVasher Distinguished Alumni Award: Ted and Alescia Bethea
• Mission & Heritage Award: Apex Anesthesia
• William O.T. Smith Clinical Excellence Award: Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists
• Nevin Downs Leadership Award: Pinnacle Financial Partners

ABOUT THE GALA AWARDEES

Lois J. Bernard, MS, CRNA
Mary Elizabeth “Ikey” DeVasher Distinguished Alumni Service Award

Lois J. Bernard, MS, CRNA, graduated from nursing school in 1958 and began her career as a Registered Nurse at Riverside Hospital in Nashville, working there for 10 years before deciding to attend Madison Hospital School of Anesthesia, the institution which eventually became MTSA. She earned her BA from the University of Tennessee and a Master’s degree from MTSA in 1994.

Ms. Bernard’s mother, Grace McDonald, the OR supervisor at Riverside, was friends with Bernard V. Bowen, CRNA, founder of MTSA. The two teamed up to convince her to become a nurse anesthetist. After completing school, she worked at Meharry in Nashville for 27 years and was the department chief for 25 of those years, followed by work as a CRNA at outpatient surgery clinics. She is a charter member of MTSA’s Alumni Council.

“I loved working in anesthesia. One of the best parts of being a CRNA is tending to one patient at a time and being able to ease their fear,” Bernard said. “I also have very fond memories of my time at MTSA. Mr. Bowen was one of my teachers, and I was in school around the same time as Ikey DeVasher. I appreciate this recognition, and I’m honored to be given this award. Many people have been supportive of me throughout my career, including my mom and dad, my three sons, William, Jeffrey and David, and my husband, Louis.”

Prior to Louis’s passing in 2016, Ms. Bernard and her husband had been married nearly 41 years.

The Mary Elizabeth DeVasher Distinguished Alumni Service Award is awarded to an MTSA alumnus in honor of this MTSA alumnus and former Dean/Vice President/Program Administrator to celebrate and honor her years of dedicated work and distinguished service to the institution.

Timothy Jones, DNP, CRNA
Mission & Heritage Award

Timothy Jones, DNP, CRNA, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Magna Cum Laude, from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, TX. He accepted a scholarship with the U.S. Navy as a registered nurse and entered the Navy Nurse Corps anesthesia program at Georgetown University. Following his military retirement, he returned to his home state of Texas and practiced for 12 years as an independent CRNA at a critical access hospital in the Texas panhandle. During this time, he obtained a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Texas Christian University and served on the Board of Directors for the Texas Association of Nurse Anesthetists (TxANA), which culminated serving as President of TxANA and Chair of the AANA Political Action Committee. In 2020, he joined NorthStar Anesthesia, P.A., as Vice President of Academic Affairs working with faculty at university nurse anesthesia programs promoting clinical rotations for nurse anesthesia residents at NorthStar sites.

For the past 13 years Dr. Jones has served the people of Guatemala with Refuge International. In 2022, he was asked to serve on the Refuge International Board of Directors where he invites other anesthesia providers, nurse anesthesia residents, and surgeons to join the medical mission opportunities of the organization.

Jones has worked alongside several MTSA residents in Guatemala and anticipates a continued relationship, adding, “Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia has shown a strong determination in representing Christ throughout the nations as evidenced by this Gala. There is no greater privilege than being a part of the hand of Christ to others across our globe.”

Married to his high school sweetheart for nearly 43 years, Jones and his wife, Kim, a practicing CPA, have two sons and daughters-in-law, two grandsons and one granddaughter.

The Mission & Heritage Award is awarded to an individual who embodies and exemplifies the heritage, mission and core values of MTSA.

Donna Cornelius, BSN, MSN, CCRN, CRNA
William O.T. Smith Clinical Excellence Award

Donna Cornelius, BSN, MSN, CCRN, CRNA, earned her Master’s degree from MTSA in 2006. She graduated from the University of Denver as an NCAA Division 1 gymnast and completed nursing school at Belmont University. She has worked in various roles at St. Thomas Midtown in Nashville and has been clinical coordinator for anesthesia students there since 2017.

In her role, Cornelius coordinates the anesthesia students during their rotations, conducts evaluations, and serves as their liaison at the hospital. “My job is to build students’ confidence, show them what we do and why we’re there,” she said.

Cornelius believes MTSA’s program benefits from its focus on Christ and the fact that students are able to go to a variety of clinical sites, allowing them to handle nearly any situation as soon as they begin their career.

“Ikey DeVasher was one of the greatest influences in the MTSA program. She was the mother figure that helped us all through the program, and there were many preceptors that took an interest in me. All I wanted to do was give back and make anesthesia school an accomplishment
for students and not a bad memory. MTSA is a fantastic program and I’m proud to be part of it!” she added.

In 2019, Cornelius was inducted into the Tennessee Gymnastics Hall of Fame. She and her husband, Troy, have been married for 26 years. They have two boys; Cole is 24 and is an OR nurse at St. Thomas Midtown, and Dane is a freshman in high school.

The William O.T. Smith Clinical Excellence Award is awarded to an anesthesia provider (anesthesiologist or CRNA) or clinical site (hospital, clinic, etc.) that provides a nurturing and exemplary atmosphere with true eagerness to instruct, train and educate MTSA students. The recipient will embrace the MTSA mission and core values.

Paul Mazzoni, MD
Nevin Downs Leadership Award

Paul Mazzoni, MD, is a Founding Partner at Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists (CVA). Originally from New York City, he attended Tulane University for both undergraduate and medical school. He completed his anesthesia residency and cardiac fellowship at Maine Medical Center in Portland. This was followed by a neuroanesthesia fellowship in New York City.

Dr. Mazzoni began his career with CVA at Saint Thomas Hospital in 1984 and has continued with the group since that time. He still maintains a full clinical load, splitting his time mostly between cardiac and neurosurgical cases. Presently he serves on the Board of Trustees of MTSA. His leadership at CVA ushered in an approach to anesthesia that helped expand the scope of practice for CRNAs in cardiovascular cases.

“I would like to thank Carol, my wife of 47 years, who has been there from the very beginning and supported me throughout all the ups and downs along the road. I would like to thank my three sons for putting up with the sometimes insanely long hours we worked. Two of them – Adam and Alex – are graduates of MTSA, and it is my great fortune to work with them daily. Throughout my career I have tried to lead by example and never ask anyone to do something I wouldn’t do myself. Many great CRNAs have supported me over the years. The vast majority are from MTSA. It is no exaggeration to say that CVA would not be here without their support. Together we have fashioned CVA into the longest continuously operating private practice in Tennessee. I believe we are ready to navigate the waters of the next forty years,” Mazzoni said.

The Nevin Downs Leadership Award is awarded to an anesthesia provider (anesthesiologist or CRNA) who personifies the integrity, honesty, fairness and exemplary leadership with which Dr. Downs served the profession including his advocacy of nurse anesthesia and MTSA.

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Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia hosted Commencement Exercises for the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Class of 2022 on Dec. 9, 2022, at the Madison Church of Christ.

Speakers included Nathan Renner, lead pastor of Madison Campus Seventh-day Adventist Church, and Lorraine Jordan, PhD, CRNA, CAE, FAAN, Chief Science & Practice Officer for the AANA.

During the ceremony, MTSA President Chris Hulin presented the President’s Medal to Lani Hensel for her project, Simulation to Meet Continuing Education Needs in Low-Resource Countries: A Survey of Guyana Nurse Anesthetists. The award recognizes doctoral work which advances or has the potential to impact the current practice of nurse anesthetists locally, nationally, or even globally.

Hensel underwent a systematic review of anesthetic education needs in low resource countries and conducted a survey, requiring a full IRB application for review and approval. The survey had a high response rate of nurse anesthetists in Guyana, and the project is serving as the basis for future doctoral projects to develop education materials based on the needs reported. She presented the findings of her systematic review to the Global Alliance for Surgical, Obstetric, Trauma and Anaesthesia Care in September 2022.

In addition, Director of the Acute Surgical Pain Management Fellowship Christian Falyar, DNP, CRNA, presented the AANA/MTSA Outstanding Fellow Award to Emilia Hutto. Awardees are selected by MTSA and the AANA based on their ability to contribute to clinical expertise and scholarship, advance scope of practice, and develop innovative approaches to pain management, among other achievements.

CLASS OF 2022 CLINICAL EXPERIENCE

Each year MTSA graduates well-exceed requirements of the National Board of Certification & Recertification for Nurse Anesthetist (NBCRNA) regarding the number of cases and procedures for clinical experiences in order for the candidate to be eligible to take the National Certification Examination.

The following statistics were derived from the information provided to the NBCRNA for certification requirements for the graduates as of Nov. 21, 2022.

NBCRNA requires a minimum number of 600 cases. The average number of cases performed by members of the class of 2022 was 861 cases. The graduate with the highest number of cases performed was Timothy Creps who completed 1064 cases.

NBCRNA requires a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical time. The average number of clinical hours by the members of the class of 2022 was 2,843 hours. The graduate with the most hours in clinical was Timothy Creps with 3,210 hours.

NBCRNA requires each graduate to have administered anesthesia to at least 40 pediatric patients. Members of the class of 2022 performed an average of 93 anesthetics for pediatric patients. The graduate with the highest number was Herman Ahuchowski with 203 pediatric cases.

NBCRNA requires each graduate to have provided anesthesia for at least 30 obstetrical patients. The average number of anesthetics in this category for members of the class of 2022 was 80. The graduate with the highest number was Michaeline Williams with 222 obstetrical patients.

Graduates from all programs across the United States are required to perform a minimum of at least 35 regional anesthetics. These 35 can be from a combination of all categories of regional anesthesia. The members of this graduating class administered an average of 122 regional anesthetics. Epidural and spinal anesthesia are techniques of regional anesthesia. The members of this class performed an average of 27 spinal anesthetics. The members of this class performed an average of 51 epidurals.

GRADUATE AWARDS

During the graduation ceremony, awards were presented to the following graduates:

Team Spirit Award: Jeffrey Benton

This award is voted on solely by students and given to the person in their class who has continually offered encouragement and was always willing to lend a helpful hand.

Bernard Bowen Award for Academic Excellence: Emma Caroline Joseph

This award is named for the founder and first Program Director of the school of nurse anesthesia in 1950. The recipient was chosen by votes from the MTSA faculty and administration. The student selected for this award must have upheld the mission and core values of MTSA, achieved a GPA of 3.75 or higher, exhibited professionalism during interaction with classmates and academic faculty, and fostered a spirit of academic excellence beyond the expectations and degree requirements.

Agatha Hodgins Award for Clinical Excellence: Carolyn Chay Costilow

This award is named for the founder and first president of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. Ms. Hodgins was also a strong advocate for the education of nurse anesthetists. The clinical affiliates of Vanderbilt, along with MTSA Administration, had input into the selection of the recipient for this award. The student selected for this award must have upheld the mission and core values of MTSA, achieved a GPA of 3.75 or higher, and exhibited professionalism during interaction with clinical faculty and classmates, and fostered a spirit of clinical excellence beyond the expectations and degree requirements.

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MTSA is accepting applications for a wide range of nurse anesthesia programs to help you excel as a CRNA. Visit mtsa.edu/apply for details.

Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP)

For RNs: DNAP Entry to Practice Program
MTSA offers the DNAP Practice Doctorate to registered nurses who have met each of the application requirements for admission. The DNAP Practice Doctorate is a full-time course of study for 36 consecutive months. For more information, visit mtsa.edu/practicedoctorate.

For CRNAs: DNAP Completion Program
The DNAP Completion program is specifically designed with the working CRNA in mind and in an online format. All students accepted into the program must be currently licensed CRNAs. The program can be completed over two years. For more information, visit mtsa.edu/doctorate.

Nurse Anesthesia Educator Track

MTSA’s Nurse Anesthesia Educator Track is a 12-month course of study that prepares students to function in the Nurse Educator role. Students learn about the theoretical foundations of nursing education, how to assess educational needs, various evidence-based teaching and assessment strategies, curriculum design and development, and program evaluation. For more information, visit mtsa.edu/nurseeducator.

Nurse Faculty Loan Program

Admitted students in the Nurse Anesthesia Educator Track may be eligible for HRSA Nurse Faculty Loan program (NFLP) with a 4-year nurse educator employment commitment post-graduation which provides 85% loan forgiveness when this educator employment is completed. For more information, visit mtsa.edu/nflp.

Acute Surgical Pain Management Fellowship

As the only fellowship of its kind for CRNAs in the United States, the Acute Surgical Pain Management Fellowship (ASPMF) meets the growing need for an evidence-based approach to optimize patient care throughout the perioperative continuum. The goal of this post-graduate certificate program, is to provide CRNAs a path to expand their current regional anesthesia skillset in the treatment of acute perioperative pain.

The Fellowship uses a hybrid format, with a combination of on-campus intensives, online (didactic) education, cadaveric workshops, and clinical experiences with experienced preceptors to teach providers the necessary skills to manage acute surgical pain and improve patient outcomes throughout the perioperative period.

MTSA offers dual enrollment in the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) Completion program along with the Fellowship or the Nurse Educator Track, allowing students to complete two academic tracks at once!

For more information, email Terry Owens at terry.owens@mtsa.edu, or visit mtsa.edu/fellowship.

Regional Cadaveric Workshops

Ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia cadaveric workshops at MTSA incorporate anatomic dissection, live model scanning, and procedural cadavers to provide a comprehensive overview of the regional anesthesia procedures commonly used in the management of perioperative pain. The workshops are clinically focused, and techniques learned are easily translated into a provider’s daily practice.

Prior to the workshop, participants complete online modules detailing the important aspects of the blocks to be covered. This allows attendees to focus on improving scanning and needling techniques during the workshop. A low student-to-faculty ratio (approximately 4:1) ensures participants receive individualized attention and maximum scanning times (up to six hours).

For more information, email Terry Owens at terry.owens@mtsa.edu, or visit mtsa.edu/workshops.

NEW!
Regional Anesthesia Foundations Class

This comprehensive 15-week post-graduate course is designed for CRNAs seeking to broaden their scope of practice by incorporating regional anesthesia. The class covers a wide variety of regional anesthesia related topics, including ultrasound principles, neuromuscular functional assessment, local anesthetic dosing, peripheral nerve blocks commonly used in the perioperative management of patients, and postoperative considerations. It combines online didactic lectures and interactive synchronous events to ensure a thorough learning experience. The course culminates in a hands-on cadaveric workshop, providing a practical application to reinforce your understanding of anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology specific to regional anesthesia.

APPLY AT: mtsa.edu/regionalfoundations

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MTSA’s Mission Initiative has supported students in the first cohort of the Bachelor of Anesthetic Nursing program in Guyana. Curriculum for the Master’s degree in Nurse Anesthesia is being prepared and will be the first Advanced Practice Nurse program recognized in the country. Special thanks to those who have supported MTSA’s various fundraising opportunities, allowing the school to provide the iPads for the students, and to Apex for the online program to enhance their education.

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MTSA hosted numerous special events throughout the year, including a Career Fair, Open House, and an outing to a Nashville Sounds game.

Career Fair

Open House

Sounds game

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Golf Tournament at Topgolf – Sept. 28, 2023

Alumni Homecoming – Sept. 29, 2023

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2023

Sept. 7 – White Coat Ceremony (PD 2025)
Sept. 28 – Top Golf Tournament
Sept. 29 – Alumni Homecoming
Dec. 8 – Graduation

2024

April 7 – Sporting Clay Tournament (Supporting ongoing operations of SUPM)
May 5 – Essential Cadaveric Workshop
May 6 – PoCUS and TEE Workshops
July 14 – Advanced Cadaveric Workshop
July 15 – PoCUS and TEE Workshops
Oct. 27 – Essential Cadaveric Workshop
Oct. 28 – PoCUS and TEE Workshops

For additional details, visit mtsa.edu/events.

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Take advantage of discounted rates and lower fees on mortgages, which were historically available only for physicians. Plus, enjoy Private Banking checking and savings accounts with additional benefits.

Contact Chad Anderson 423-794-0747 Chad.anderson@SimmonsBank.com

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