Students in USD’s Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Program Benefit from $2.25 Million HRSA Grant
The grant, now in its third of five years, has been instrumental for several students in USD’s Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice program. The grant lessens the financial burden in students’ paths to becoming CRNA providers in South Dakota—a field of professionals that is desperately needed in the state—and will help fill gaps in the state’s health care workforce.
CRNAs provide high-quality, safe, patient-centered care in various settings where there is a shortage of anesthesia providers. Access to anesthesia can save rural patients from long drives for care.
“South Dakota is a highly rural state, and we need to ensure that our rural communities are receiving the quality anesthesia care that CRNAs provide,” said Shauna Rich-Jacobsen, DNAP, USD DNAP program administrator and project director. “Equity and access to care are at the heart of this grant.”
The USD DNAP program launched in 2022 and currently has 46 students enrolled.
Eric Hansen, a married father of three in his second year of the DNAP program, is one student to benefit from the grant.
“The grant has eased the financial burden of being a full-time student,” Hansen said. “The support from the HRSA grant has provided crucial relief, enabling me to stay focused on my academic and professional goals while helping ensure that my family’s needs are still met.”
Hansen chose the DNAP program because of its distinctive advantages.
“I was attracted to the degree and occupation for its work-life balance. While the CRNA role is demanding, I believe it offers the opportunity to provide high-quality, focused care while also supporting the personal goals I value most, spending meaningful time with my family and achieving greater financial stability.”
Ashley Lowe, also in her second year of the program, agreed that the grant helps alleviate financial concerns, whilst allowing her to focus on school and family.
“Receiving the HRSA grant has made a significant difference in my ability to pursue my education while raising young children,” she said. “Balancing school, clinicals and family life is demanding, and this financial support helps alleviate some of the stress that comes with tuition and living expenses. It allows me to stay focused on my goal of becoming a CRNA without compromising the time and attention my children need.
“The CRNA role demands advanced training in physiology, pharmacology and critical decision-making,” she continued. “These are areas I was eager to master so I can provide the highest level of care to patients.”
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