A study comparing characteristics of nurse anesthesia programs with the success rate on the certification examination

This study was conducted to determine if a relationship exists between various characteristics of nurse anesthesia schools and their success rate on the national certification examination (NCE). Independent variables included the number of students per class, number of clinical rotation sites, program length, type of degree or certificate granted, program structure, and date of graduation. Data were collected by a questionnaire mailed to all anesthesia schools in the country. Statistical analysis of the data was by Pearson's Product Moment Correlation Coefficient and analysis of variance. No statistically significant relationship was found between any of the variables studied. Recommendations for future study include correlating the schools' passing rate with admission criteria, curriculum, and required instructor qualifications.