Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing’s Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) program ranked No. 9 in the country in U.S. News & World Report’s latest ranking of the Best Nursing-Anesthesia Schools. This recognition places Goldfarb among the nation’s top programs preparing the next generation of CRNAs.
The U.S. News & World Report nursing‑anesthesia ranking is based on peer assessments from academic leaders and faculty across the country, highlighting programs recognized for academic quality, clinical rigor, and overall excellence.
“Placement among the nation’s top 10 CRNA programs reflects the strength of our national reputation and underscores our sustained commitment to excellence, driven by the expertise of our CRNA faculty and the collaborative leadership of WashU Medicine’s Department of Anesthesiology,” says Angela Clark, PhD, RN, FAAN, Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing president.
Goldfarb’s nurse anesthesia program builds on a legacy that dates back nearly a century. The school traces its roots to the Barnes School of Anesthesia, founded in 1929 by pioneering nurse anesthetist and educator Helen Lamb. That historic foundation continues to shape the program’s rigorous academic standards and emphasis on clinical excellence today.
The program is a full‑time, 36‑month course of study that prepares students for full-scope anesthesia practice across diverse patient populations and care settings. Graduates earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree with a concentration in nurse anesthesia and are equipped to deliver anesthesia care to all patients, including those with high‑acuity and complex medical needs.
In addition to real‑world clinical training, students benefit from instruction at Goldfarb’s state‑of‑the‑art Clinical Simulation Institute. The facility allows students to apply classroom knowledge in realistic, simulated environments, strengthening clinical decision-making, technical skills, and patient safety practices before entering the operating room.
“As demand for highly trained CRNAs continues to grow nationwide, Goldfarb remains committed to advancing nurse anesthesia education through innovation, clinical excellence, and leadership development,” says Bernadette Henrichs, PhD, RNA, CRNA, dean and founder of the CRNA program. “I’m proud of this recognition and even prouder of the work our students, faculty, and staff are doing every day to advance the practice and ensure excellent care for all patients.”
To view the entire listing, visit the U.S. News & World Report website.