CRNA Program Director, Methodist College

Methodist College, in partnership with Carle Health, is seeking a visionary Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) to lead the development and implementation of our new Nurse Anesthesia program in Peoria, Illinois. This role involves curriculum development, faculty leadership, student mentorship, and collaboration with Carle Health's clinical sites to provide exceptional training opportunities for future CRNAs. The Program Director will uphold Methodist College's commitment to best practices, clinical reasoning, and culturally competent healthcare while supporting Carle Health's mission of delivering high-quality patient care.

Methodist College is a private, not-for-profit institution committed to preparing healthcare professionals through rigorous academics and hands-on clinical experiences. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), we are launching a Nurse Anesthesia program designed to meet the highest standards of advanced practice nursing education.

Key Responsibilities

• 0.2 FTE admin/0.8 FTE clinical role with additional administrative time throughout program development.
• Provide strategic leadership for all aspects of the Nurse Anesthesia program, including planning, administration, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and maintain program policies, procedures, and accreditation standards to ensure compliance and quality outcomes.
• Recruit, mentor, and evaluate faculty; promote a culture of collaboration and academic excellence.
• Design and oversee curriculum delivery in classroom, online, and clinical settings.
• Ensure compliance with the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) and the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA).
• Establish and maintain clinical partnerships; coordinate student clinical placements and monitor case requirements.
• Manage program-specific budgetary needs and contribute to long-term resource planning.
• Serve as a liaison between the program, college leadership, and external accrediting bodies.
• Maintain accurate student records and ensure timely reporting to NBCRNA and other regulatory entities.
• Represent the program to prospective students and stakeholders through outreach and communication initiatives.

Qualifications

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from an accredited institution with a focus on nurse anesthesia required. Graduate preparation in nurse anesthesia from a COA-accredited program required.
• Current CRNA certification through NBCRNA required.
• Minimum of 5 years of clinical practice experience as a CRNA required. At least 2 years of experience in academic leadership, program administration, or teaching in a nurse anesthesia program preferred.
• Experience with curriculum development, accreditation processes, and simulation-based education is highly desirable.
• Must be able to obtain Illinois RN and APRN licensure.
• Experience in a Magnet-designated healthcare system with a focus on nursing excellence and patient-centered care.
• Prior involvement in securing or maintaining COA-accreditation for a nurse anesthesia program.
• Active participation in professional organizations (AANA) or Illinois Association of Nurse Anesthetists.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants must submit the following materials to Amber Favot, Provider Recruitment Manager (amber.favot@carle.com) in order to be considered for our opportunity:

1. Cover Letter
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. Statement of Teaching and Leadership Philosophy
4. Official Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended

The application deadline for this position will be January 16^th, 2026.

Located in the Heart of Illinois, Peoria is a vibrant River City full of art, entertainment, sports, history and more! Explore the great outdoors through the Peoria Park District, the largest and oldest park district in Illinois, or take a trip up Grandview Drive to experience the "world's most beautiful drive." (According to Theodore Roosevelt.)