Otterbein/Grant CRNA Program Dissolution FAQ

The Otterbein University and OhioHealth Grant Medical Center Nurse Anesthesia Program is currently not accepting future applications and has paused offering admission.

Are Otterbein University and OhioHealth Grant Medical Center no longer continuing the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) program, or have they decided to part ways?

Otterbein University and Grant have mutually decided to terminate the existing dual-authority CRNA program effective May 2026. Dr. Kacy Ballard and Dr. Brian Garrett will continue to work for OhioHealth as Program Director and Assistant Director. Professor John Chovan continues in his role as Chair of the Otterbein Department of Nursing and Chief Nurse Administrator.

Will you be taking a new cohort?

Otterbein and Grant will still welcome the incoming Class of 2026 on May 8, 2023. The program’s co-management will continue as normal through graduation of this final class. Grant and Otterbein are committed to working collaboratively through this transition to ensure neither our programing nor student experience will be impacted.

Does this decision influence other Otterbein partnerships with OhioHealth?

No, this termination only impacts the CRNA program. OhioHealth and Otterbein will continue their partnership in all other existing capacities. Otterbein will maintain clinical rotations for our other graduate and undergraduate nursing programs at all current locations.

Will there be future CRNA programs?

Otterbein and OhioHealth are free to explore opportunities for creating new programs, as educating and supporting future CRNAs remains our top priority. As is always the case, other institutions may create programs as per the rules of the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Are you accepting applications for future classes?

We are no longer accepting applications. The Class of 2026 will be our final class as part of the joint Otterbein and OhioHealth CRNA program. Parties interested in becoming a CRNA should seek advice regarding other programs from trusted professional sources.