By Erica Techo
The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing has received international recognition for its Post-BSN to DNP Pathway for Nurse Anesthesia.
The International Federation of Nurse Anesthetists (IFNA) designated the School’s pathway with a Level 3 IFNA Accreditation, the highest level of program approval offered by IFNA.
“Fewer than 20 schools worldwide have received this IFNA Accreditation,” said Associate Professor and Nurse Anesthesia DNP Pathway Director Susan McMullan, PhD, CRNA, CNE, CHSE. “IFNA is affiliated with the International Council of Nursing, and the accreditation process involves reviewers from health care settings across the world. By completing the process, the pathway demonstrates commitment to nursing across the multicultural spectrum as well as advancing global standards of care, and embraces entry into the international community of nurses.”
IFNA was founded in 1989 to represent nurse anesthetists, serve the public and its members, and to advance education standards and practices within anesthesiology. To meet Level 3 accreditation a program must submit a pledge to meet IFNA standards and submit its curriculum and related material for review by the IFNA Education Committee.
“Complying with IFNA education standards that have been endorsed by more than 40 member countries recognizes the School’s and faculty’s commitment to building capacity for nurse anesthetists internationally,” said Associate Professor and Director of Global Partnerships Adelais Markaki, PhD, RN, FAAN. “It also provides a network for sharing of information and experiences among anesthesia educators throughout the world.”
The Level 3 IFNA Accreditation is valid through July 2026. At that time, the School will once again be reviewed to ensure the program continues to meet IFNA requirements.
The UABSON Post-BSN to DNP Pathway for Nurse Anesthesia is also accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA), with full continued accreditation through May 2031.