Nurse Anesthesia Program Open House

Michael Neel of Bangor fell in love with the nursing profession a decade ago while working as an emergency room technician for St. Luke’s University Health Network.

"My experiences with nurses there inspired me to go to nursing school,” said the Parkland High School graduate, who received a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Penn State University before completing an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Moravian University in 2016.

Since then, he has worked at St. Luke’s, gaining valuable experience, certifications and licenses as a pre-hospital registered nurse (RN), and then as a critical care RN.

Now, through a new program partnership between St. Luke’s and DeSales University, he is pursuing advanced nursing education as a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA).

CRNA training is rigorous: After gaining critical care experience as an RN, students must complete a doctoral level nurse anesthesia program and pass a national certification exam.

The St. Luke’s/DeSales University Nurse Anesthesia Program (NAP) consists of 39 courses with 94 credits, offered over 12 semesters. Classes are offered both online and in-person/on-campus. St. Luke’s/DeSales University NAP students complete 2500+ hours of clinical practicum throughout 17 SLUHN clinical sites before completing their doctoral education.

St. Luke’s is the exclusive clinical affiliate of the St. Luke’s/DeSales University NAP. The first student cohort began matriculating in August 2025.

The program is holding an open house for prospective candidates for its next cohort on Saturday, Sept. 20 at St. Luke’s Bethlehem Campus.

CRNAs are advanced practice registered nurses trained to administer all types of anesthesia and manage patient care before, during, and after procedures. They work in diverse settings including hospitals, surgical centers and outpatient facilities

Beyond their clinical expertise, CRNAs are known for their compassion and commitment to patient-centered care. Many also take on leadership roles, educate future nurse anesthetists and advocate for health policy improvements.

For students and nurses exploring career options, becoming a CRNA offers a meaningful path that combines science, critical thinking and an opportunity to make a real difference in patients’ lives.

Open House info:

8 am-12 noon, Saturday, Sept. 20, St. Luke’s University Hospital Bethlehem Campus, Priscilla Payne Hurd Education Center, 801 Ostrum Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015

Valuable information will include:

• Program overview
• Tips on how to be a standout candidate
• Program cost breakdown
• Breakout demos with simulation
• Q&A forum
• Light refreshments

Click to Register