Program Overview

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Introduction to the LEAP Certificate Pathway

The Leadership Excel and Achievement Program (LEAP) is designed to optimize the Nurse Anesthesia (CRNA) workforce by engaging a wider student pool. LEAP is ideal for students who have been previously rejected from an accredited CRNA doctoral program.

Program Overview

The Nurse Anesthesia DNP program at the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University is working with multiple affiliate institutions to offer this program. Institutions participating in this program include:

• Case Western Reserve University
• Columbia University
• Emory University
• the Medical University of South Carolina
• Newman University
• Rosalind Franklin University
• Rush University
• University of Cincinnati
• University of Arizona
• University of Alabama at Birmingham

This one-year certificate program concentrates on science, understanding the professional role, and scholarship. Upon successful completion of this one-year certificate program, graduates will be matched with one of the participating doctoral-level CRNA programs at one of the affiliate institutions. Successful completion means LEAP admitted students need to earn an 80% or better in the required courses and participate in required activities.

Curriculum

The LEAP program is offered remotely. During the last semester of the program, activities will take place on one of the affiliate program's campuses that students are required to complete successfully. The curriculum focuses on three targeted areas to increase student aptitude and competitiveness: science, scholarship and testing, and mentorship and professional socialization.

Summer Semester

• Study skills and test-taking strategies
• Writing Workshop I
• Introduction to CRNA Specialty I
• Chemistry and Physics (module)
• Professional Role of a CRNA

Fall Semester

• Physiology
• Writing Workshop II
• Introduction to CRNA Specialty II
• Clinical (observation)

Spring Semester

• Pathophysiology
• Writing Workshop III
• Introduction to CRNA Specialty III
• Clinical (observation)

Additional Activities

• Attendance at professional CRNA organization meetings: AANA Midyear Conference
• Study groups
• One-on-one mentoring sessions
• Simulation on campus at one of the affiliate schools (last semester)

Eligibility

Applicants to the LEAP Certificate Program must meet the following criteria:

• Previous denial from an accredited CRNA program
• Meet minimum 2.7 GPA for both nursing and science
• Submit and complete the online application by the deadline, November 15
• Have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or equivalent and at least 1 year of ICU work experience

Application Requirements

• Three recommenders (names and email addresses)
• Essay: Respond in essay form to the question: Why do you need this type of program at this juncture in your life, and describe the barriers that prevented you from achieving your goals?
• Resume or CV: Include employment history, military service, academic and professional fellowships, memberships, and publications
• Transcripts: Applicants can submit unofficial transcripts for application review. If applicants are offered admission and accept, applicants must submit official transcripts to the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition for the three-semester program is by credit hour. The program is 16 credits. Tuition may be supplemented by scholarships and program sponsors. Travel expenses are additional.