Meet Joshua Horner: Nurse Anesthesia Program prepares him for new career in field he loves

 As part of The University of Akron’s sesquicentennial celebration — honoring 150 years of our people, place and promises — we are hosting a “Celebration of Academic Excellence” to highlight the history and future of our many academic disciplines. Here is a Q&A with graduate student Joshua Horner.

Joshua Horner

• Undergraduate degrees: Associate Degree in Nursing at Herzing University and B.S. in Nursing at Ohio University
• Graduate degree: MSN in Nurse Anesthesia at The University of Akron
• Hometown: Wadsworth, Ohio

What brought you to The University of Akron — and to the Graduate School specifically?

I’ve been a registered nurse in the Akron area since 2010. I enjoyed my work in the surgical intensive care unit, but eventually found myself wanting a change of pace. I spoke with several Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) at my hospital and some former co-workers who had gone through CRNA school. The more I learned, the more determined I became to pursue this profession.

Many of the CRNAs I spoke with highly recommended The University of Akron’s Nurse Anesthesia Program. They all warned of an exceptionally competitive program interview followed by 27 months of top-notch training. I’ll say that I am definitely getting my money’s worth so far. Speaking of money, the tuition rates at Akron are fantastic!

In summary… I came to The University of Akron’s Nurse Anesthesia Program because it is highly recommended/ top quality / low cost education — it’s a no brainer.

How did you choose nurse anesthesia to pursue as a career?

I chose nurse anesthesia as a career because it will allow me to engage my brain every day while performing optimal care for my patients and for the same reasons I became a United States Marine… I like to push myself and I take pride in being a member of an elite, specialized unit.

 What have you been working on in your graduate program?

The program provides a solid mix of didactic work and clinical experiences. I spend a good amount of time each week learning the assigned material and preparing for boards. I’ve rotated through several wonderful clinical sites and met many incredible anesthesia providers. Up to this point they’ve guided me through 724 widely varied cases over 2,371 clinical hours. Every day is a new adventure.

What experience here at UA has contributed the most to your growth?

Anesthesia school is a very humbling experience. You instantly transform from a highly skilled ICU nurse with years of experience, into the newest of newbies. There is so much to learn. The intense training at UA and affiliated clinical sites have contributed greatly to my personal growth. With each day of training, I gain confidence in my abilities as an anesthesia provider. Overcoming adversity is good; it builds character.

Is there anyone here, perhaps a faculty member, that you regard as a mentor?  

Absolutely! The Nurse Anesthesia Program faculty members are extraordinary. They are each very invested in the success of their students. I’ve learned a great deal about anesthesia and life in general from Dr. Brian Radesic, Dr. Kelly Pond and Dr. Melody Betts. It is no surprise that UA faculty members have claimed the Ohio State Association of Nurse Anesthetists Educator of the Year award for two years running. I’d also like to give a shout out to Valerie Cox, student services counselor in the program, for keeping everything moving in the right direction and to Brian Sapola, an associate lecturer in the School of Allied Health Technology, for being a walking Guyton and Hall Medical Physiology book. All jokes aside, he is an excellent professor and his classes prepared me well for the anesthesia coursework.

In your spare time, what do you like to do on and around campus? 

I like walking to Chick-fil-A on my lunch breaks. The campus is nice, though I’ve only explored a small percentage of it. Additionally, my classmates and I have been known to travel to local pubs for the occasional celebratory post exam beverage.

What’s ahead after graduation?

I plan to contribute to a third consecutive year of UA Nurse Anesthesia 100% first time board pass rate. After which, I will begin work at Summa Health in the wonderful profession of nurse anesthesia. I hope to maintain a good work/life balance and spend many more happy years with my lovely wife, Marie.