By james art 
Image via WilmU.
Wilmington University has launched the first nurse anesthesiology program in Delaware in partnership with ChristianaCare.
Wilmington University, in collaboration with ChristianaCare and the support of Anesthesia Services Pennsylvania (ASPA), launched Delaware’s first nurse anesthesiology program, the Delaware Nurse Anesthesiology Program at ChristianaCare and Wilmington University.
This innovative, full-time, 36-month program leads to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), preparing graduates to sit for a national certification exam and become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).
A CRNA (or nurse anesthetist) is an advanced practice registered nurse who administers anesthesia and provides related care before, during, and after surgical, therapeutic, diagnostic, and obstetric procedures.
The program will offer students more than 2,000 hours of hands-on clinical experience in high-acuity environments across a variety of surgical specialties, supported by partnerships with ChristianaCare, ASPA—Delaware’s largest anesthesia group—as well as other healthcare organizations. Students will hone their clinical skills and decision-making in state-of-the-art simulation laboratories while participating in a variety of clinical settings. Led by experienced practitioners and faculty, the curriculum integrates anesthesiology-specific courses with advanced nursing practice, ensuring graduates are well prepared to meet the changing demands of clinical practice and systemic challenges in healthcare.
“We are proud to partner with ChristianaCare and ASPA to launch this transformative program,” said Wilmington University President Dr. Laverne Harmon. “At Wilmington University, our caring, student-centered approach prioritizes academic achievement and personal well-being. While this initiative addresses Delaware’s critical need for anesthesiology professionals, we will be equally focused on fostering an environment where students can excel and grow into compassionate, skilled leaders in the evolving field of healthcare.”
“ChristianaCare is thrilled to partner with Wilmington University and our colleagues at ASPA on this much-needed program to help address Delaware’s growing need for highly qualified CRNAs,” said Janice E. Nevin, MD, MPH, President and CEO director of ChristianaCare. “By providing advanced training and education in anesthesia services, we are helping to develop the next generation of healthcare professionals who will serve our community with high-quality, safe care.”
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 38 percent growth in the employment of nurse anesthetists from 2022 to 2032, driven by increased demand for health care services such as elective surgeries. Delaware’s health care system faces similar challenges due to a shortage of anesthesiologists and CRNAs, many of whom are nearing retirement. Because 15 programs in neighboring Pennsylvania cannot accommodate all qualified applicants, the Delaware Nurse Anesthesiology Program at ChristianaCare and Wilmington University aims to bridge this gap by providing primarily local training to meet the growing demand of the workforce. strength.
“With an emphasis on evidence-based practice and patient-centered care, our graduates will be exceptionally prepared to provide high-quality anesthesia services in a variety of healthcare settings,” said Wilmington University Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Dennis Wells. “This collaboration aims to cultivate a local pool of qualified registered nurses who will advance their careers as CRNAs, contributing to the workforce of Delaware and the surrounding region.”
“Anesthesia Services, PA has been a leader and innovator in the delivery of anesthesia care in Delaware for the past 37 years,” said ASPA Board Chair Lee Makeda, MD, MBA. “This joint partnership with ChristianaCare and Wilmington University allows us to combine our expertise and resources to train the next generation of anesthesia providers for the communities we serve and exemplifies our commitment to invest in the future advancement of perioperative care.”
Dr. Jacqueline Mainwaring, Ph.D., DNP, CRNA, was recently named the inaugural director of the Delaware Nurse Anesthesiology Program at ChristianaCare and Wilmington University.
“I am excited to be a part of this groundbreaking initiative that will provide our state’s critical care nurses with the opportunity to advance their careers and become leaders in anesthesia care,” said Mainwaring, who is also an associate professor. “We are committed to creating a high-quality program that prepares our graduates to excel in today’s complex healthcare landscape. This program will not only address the shortage of anesthesiology professionals in Delaware and the region, but will foster a learning environment that emphasizes student well-being, clinical excellence, and interprofessional collaboration.”
The leaders of the Delaware Nurse Anesthesiology Program at ChristianaCare and Wilmington University, currently undergoing a competency review, are seeking initial accreditation from the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesiology (COA) Educational Programs. Please note that no students can be enrolled until initial accreditation has been awarded.
Below is the COA contact information:
Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) 10275 W. Higgins, Suite 906
Rosemont, IL 60018
Phone: 224-275-9130
Email: [email protected]
Learn more about the Delaware nurse anesthetist program at ChristianaCare and Wilmington University. Wilmington University is a private, non-governmental, open-access, accredited institution that serves traditional students beginning their college careers, non-traditional students, and working adults seeking advancement through higher education.