Goldfarb’s Nurse Anesthesia Program Ranks Among the Best

The Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) program ranked #11 in the latest U.S. News & World Report ranking of the nation’s Best Nursing-Anesthesia Schools.

Emily Shands and Brianna Baker, who are currently enrolled in the program, are not surprised by the ranking. “I knew about Goldfarb’s CRNA reputation from attending undergraduate nursing school (at Goldfarb),” says Brianna. “I also worked in the cardiac intensive care unit at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and every ICU nurse who wants to attend CRNA school in this area knows Goldfarb is #1. Our program is exposed to the highest acuity patients and trains at the best Missouri hospital, so it was a no brainer.” 

Emily calls the clinical experience “unparalleled.” She says, “I am honored to have been selected among the many who apply each year. It’s a tough program but worth it to learn from the top educators across the country.”

Bernadette Henrichs, PhD, CRNA, CCRN, CHSE, FAANA, FAAN, developed the CRNA program at Goldfarb and, with the help of a close partnership with Washington University’s Department of Anesthesiology, continues to lead it. Dr. Henrichs is excited that this year’s ranking is an improvement over past years and feels fortunate to offer such a strong clinical and academic program. “The faculty for the nurse anesthesia program all work in the clinical setting, strengthening their teaching,” says Dr. Henrichs. “They strive to present the best, most current education to the students.”

The Goldfarb campus includes a state-of-the-art operating room, complete anesthesia equipment, and high-fidelity simulators and task trainers. While the cohort size remains small, the growth of the program is vital for the nurse anesthesia profession. 

Dr. Angela Clark, PhD, RN, CNE, FAAN, president of Goldfarb, says the ranking is an incredible testament to Henrichs’ leadership, our partnership with Washington University School of Medicine, support from BJC and of course the dedication of our CRNA students. 

Emily Shands and Brianna Baker, students in GSON’s nurse anesthesia program.