Foundations of Anesthesia Business

Foundations of Anesthesia Business

Program Description

This intensive 8-week online course combines the real-world experience of CRNA leaders with actionable business education specifically tailored for nurse anesthetists. The Foundations of Anesthesia Business course equips CRNAs with the financial, operational, legal, and strategic skills they need to confidently step into leadership, explore independent practice, or simply gain a deeper understanding of the systems that shape their daily work.

Content is delivered through a dynamic combination of asynchronous video modules, downloadable resources, structured reflection activities, and a live interactive session with faculty. Learners engage with peers in discussion boards and complete guided assessments designed to reinforce knowledge and encourage practical application in their current or future roles.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to critically evaluate business opportunities, navigate regulatory and legal considerations, contribute to organizational sustainability, and make informed decisions that advance both patient care and professional autonomy. Whether you’re preparing for a leadership position, considering independent practice, or aiming to better understand the systems influencing your work, this course offers the foundation and tools needed to thrive in today’s healthcare economy.

Target Audience:

  • CRNAs in or pursuing leadership roles
  • CRNAs exploring group practice or independent
  • Clinicians seeking to expand their professional toolkit beyond the clinical setting

Faculty

  • Larry G. Hornsby, BSN, CRNA, FAANA
  • Christopher P. Hulin, DNP, MBA, CRNA
  • Katrina Despinos, MSN, CNM, APRN, FNP

Content Experts

  • Matt Zinder, DNAP, CH CRNA
  • Juan Quintana, DNP, MHS, CRNA
  • Mike Mackinnon, DNP, FNP-C, CRNA
  • Tracy Young, MSNA, MBA, CRNA
  • Rosann Spiegel, JD, DNAP, CRNA, APRN
  • Gavin Baker, MSN, CRNA
  • Chase Chiasson, MSN, CRNA

Disclosures: Individuals involved in the planning, reviewing or execution of this activity have indicated they have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

  1. Participants will need a computer and an internet connection sufficient for streaming media for the online educational modules
  2. Navigate to courses.mtsa.edu
  3. Choose the Foundations of Anesthesia Business class you would like to attend and select "Enroll"
  4. Add a Voucher code if applicable and select "Recalculate"
  5. Select "Checkout"
  6. New Learner: select "Create Account"
  7. Already Registeres: select "Login"
  8. Complete the Invoice Details, Payment Options, & Important Information then select "Proceed"
  1. Introduction to the Business of Anesthesia
  2. Going Into the Business: Anesthesia Practice Models
  3. Economics, Data, Advocacy, and Messaging (EDAM) Framework
  4. Three Es of Advocacy
  5. Reimbursement, Productivity, & Billing
  6. Anesthesia Provider Cost
  7. Contracts, Finances, RFP, & Legal
  8. Negotiations, Value vs. Volume, 1099 Contracts, & Staffing
  9. Anesthesia Productivity & Advocacy
  10. Anesthesia Business & Liability
  11. Empowering Anesthesia Leaders

To receive 22 MAC ED CE credits and your certificate of completion, please ensure the following:

  1. Completion of all online educational modules
  2. Achieve a minimum score of 80% on the post-test (with two attempts allowed)
  3. Attendance on the synchronous event
  4. Completion of the learner self-evaluation

All components of the activity are completed online. The assessment and post-test will remain locked until all video modules have been completed. 

It is estimated that each video will take approximately 2 hours to complete. 

The certificate of completion is available for download once all requirements have been met. The certificate is can also be emailed to the learner’s email upon request.

 

At the conclusion of this activity, participants will be able to:

  1. Explain key foundational business principles relevant to anesthesia practice.
  2. Evaluate the personal and professional considerations of entering independent anesthesia practice or becoming a business owner.
  3. Explain how to use the EDAM model in advocacy for CRNA practice and professional advancement.
  4. Explain and analyze the key components of anesthesia billing and reimbursement, including base units, time units, and modifiers. Be able to calculate annual CRNA productivity.
  5. Evaluate the relationship between provider productivity metrics and financial outcomes.
  6. Evaluate the cost effectiveness of different anesthesia practice models and explain why CRNA utilization offers value and efficiency.
  7. Explain effective advocacy strategies CRNAs can use to protect their scope of practice and grow their business presence.
  8. Explain how CRNAs can engage in state and federal advocacy efforts to support full practice authority and policy advancement.
  9. Analyze the financial and policy implications of incorporating AAs into anesthesia care teams and their impact on CRNA practice models.
  10. Explain key contractual elements and financial considerations important in employment agreements for anesthesia providers.
  11. Explain how to evaluate and calculate the cost components of an anesthesia services proposal. Describe the process of projecting revenue as part of a request for proposal for anesthesia services.
  12. Explain the legal considerations and scope of practice limitations that CRNAs must understand to ensure safe and compliant practice.
  13. Analyze how regulatory and contractual issues can create risk or protection for CRNA providers.
  14. Identify types of negotiations and formulate a strategy to effectively prepare and engage in contract negotiations.
  15. Explain billing and payment structures and assess the value of CRNA services in various healthcare delivery models.
  16. Compare and contrast the legal, financial, and practice implications of 1099 and W-2 employment models for CRNAs.
  17. Identify the key components and considerations when reviewing a 1099 contract.
  18. Explain how the revenue cycle system manages claims processing and payment as well as revenue generation.
  19. Explain the structure and reimbursement benefits of Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) and rural pass-through arrangements for CRNAs.
  20. Understand how macroeconomic and operational trends influence cost management, staffing, and reimbursement in anesthesia services.
  21. Explain the broader economic, political, and healthcare trends influencing anesthesia as a profession.
  22. Examine the essential elements of liability insurance coverage for CRNAs, including policy types, limits, and contract language.
  23. Summarize key takeaways from the course and reflect on how course content will apply to future CRNA practice.
  24. Explain the purpose and structure of a Request for Proposal (RFP) in the context of anesthesia services.
  25. Analyze the components of a sample RFP to determine how to effectively respond as a CRNA or anesthesia group. Evaluate strategies for crafting a competitive and compliant RFP response using real-world examples and group discussion.
  26. Evaluate anesthesia productivity by interpreting time units, base units, and modifiers, and apply this understanding to assess CRNA workload, efficiency, and its impact on compensation and staffing models.
  27. Explain how anesthesia departments influence hospital operations, reimbursement strategies, and patient outcomes, and evaluate the importance of collaborative leadership and innovative practice models in supporting facility-wide goals.
  28. Analyze the steps required to launch a successful consulting business in healthcare.
  29. Evaluate the potential revenue streams and business models for CRNA consultants.
  30. Present a professional elevator pitch that communicates personal value and aligns with current anesthesia business trends.
  31. Calculate and evaluate basic reimbursement and productivity figures to support independent practice or contract negotiations.

Available editions:

Product Name Date Location Delivery Method Price
Fall 2026 Foundations of Anesthesia Business Start Date: Monday, September 14, 2026 $1,500.00