Little Rock, Arkansas – The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has announced a major milestone for its College of Nursing, with its Nurse Anesthesia Program receiving a 10-year accreditation—the longest term possible—from the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. This recognition follows a comprehensive site visit in April, during which officials confirmed that the program meets rigorous standards designed to prepare graduates for clinical practice.
The Nurse Anesthesia Program at UAMS was launched in 2020, initially receiving five-year accreditation. Since then, the program has grown steadily, graduating 52 students who are now eligible for national certification as certified nurse anesthesiologists. The program’s curriculum spans three years of full-time study, combining classroom instruction with clinical training to ensure students gain the skills and knowledge required for a demanding healthcare specialty.
“An achievement like this is only possible because of the hard work of our staff and faculty in the Nurse Anesthesia Program,” said Sarah Rhoads, Ph.D., DNP, dean of the UAMS College of Nursing. “I appreciate them all for the support they provide to our students from orientation through graduation.” Rhoads emphasized that the accreditation reflects the dedication and expertise of the program’s faculty, as well as the commitment of the students who have successfully completed the rigorous coursework and clinical requirements.
The 10-year accreditation represents not only a vote of confidence in the program’s quality but also a significant step for UAMS as it continues to expand its nursing education offerings. The recognition comes on the heels of a series of recent accreditation achievements within the College of Nursing. Earlier, four other UAMS nursing programs—the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Nursing Science, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and the postgraduate advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) certificate program—were also granted 10-year accreditation following a site visit by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Officials said the extended accreditation period provides stability for the program, allowing faculty and staff to focus on educational innovation, clinical excellence, and student support without the immediate pressures of a shorter accreditation review cycle. For students, it guarantees that the quality of instruction, clinical training, and resources meets the highest national standards, preparing them for successful careers in nurse anesthesia.
The UAMS Nurse Anesthesia Program’s achievement highlights the College of Nursing’s broader commitment to excellence in advanced nursing education. By maintaining stringent standards and fostering a supportive learning environment, the program continues to produce highly skilled professionals ready to meet the growing demand for nurse anesthesiologists across Arkansas and the United States.
As UAMS looks to the future, officials say the focus will remain on expanding access to nursing education, supporting students in rigorous clinical programs, and sustaining the high-quality training that has earned the program recognition from national accrediting bodies. The 10-year accreditation marks a significant milestone in that ongoing mission.
