University of Nebraska Medical Center – College of Nursing
Evaluating a CRNA Program to Strengthen Nebraska’s Nurse Anesthesia Workforce
The Challenge
Nebraska continues to face growing demand for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), especially as workforce shortages and rising surgical volumes increase pressure on regional healthcare systems. To evaluate whether a new Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) / Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) program could meet these needs, the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) College of Nursing engaged Tripp Umbach to assess feasibility, financial viability, infrastructure capacity, and accreditation readiness.
How We Helped
Tripp Umbach delivered a data-driven feasibility report for UNMC, analyzing regional workforce needs, faculty and infrastructure capacity, financial scenarios, and strategic considerations. This provided UNMC leadership with insights required to determine program viability and next steps toward accreditation.
The Impact
The proposed DNP/CRNA program is designed to meet regional workforce needs by training nurse anesthetists through a partnership between UNMC’s College of Nursing and Nebraska Medicine. With aligned faculty, infrastructure, and financial plans, the initiative strengthens health-care delivery, enhances workforce development, and positions both institutions as leaders in nursing education.