The Post-Master's Graduate Certificate in Nurse Anesthesia is a program of full-time study that prepares nurses as specialists in anesthesia care. As advanced practice registered nurses, CRNAs practice with a high degree of autonomy and professional respect. Clinical core and specialty courses, including clinical internships, are the same as the MSN nurse anesthesia program. These courses, along with the clinical internships, provide the opportunity for students to gain experience in nurse anesthesia practice in all specialty areas. Students study advanced physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology and gross anatomical dissection in cognate courses. Upon completion of the 42-credit, 28-month post-master's graduate certificate program, the nurse is prepared to take the certification exam offered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists, leading to the designation CRNA.