Meet the Faculty Shaping UND’s Nurse Anesthesia D.N.P. Program

Each January, National CRNA Week offers an opportunity to recognize the vital role Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) play in healthcare and the educators who prepare the next generation of anesthesia experts. At the University of North Dakota College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines (CNPD), the Nurse Anesthesia D.N.P. program is grounded in academic excellence, rigorous clinical preparation, and a deep commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care.

UND’s Nurse Anesthesia Program is designed to prepare nurses for a challenging and rewarding career as a CRNA. Students begin their journey largely in the classroom on UND’s campus, building a strong foundation in advanced physiology, pharmacology, and pathophysiology before transitioning into extensive clinical experiences across North Dakota, Minnesota, and South Dakota. There is a commitment to ensuring students gain experience at rural, critical access hospitals, many of which are CRNA-only practices. Graduates leave the program ready to provide safe, high-quality anesthesia care for patients at their most vulnerable moments.

The program’s outcomes reflect that commitment to excellence. UND’s Class of 2025 achieved a 100% National Certification Examination (NCE) overall pass rate. Over the past five years, 100% of graduates have been employed as nurse anesthetists within six months of graduation. Recent graduates averaged 996 anesthesia cases and 2,701 clinical hours—well above Council on Accreditation (COA) requirements. Accredited by the COA through 2031, UND’s Nurse Anesthesia Program continues to lead as it prepares CRNAs through its post-baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) curriculum.

At the heart of this success is an exceptional faculty team of experienced CRNAs who bring real-world expertise, mentorship, and a passion for teaching to every aspect of the program.

In honor of National CRNA Week, we’re proud to spotlight UND faculty members.

Jennifer Harrison, DNP, CRNA

Program Director, UND Nurse Anesthesia Program

Jennifer Harrison chose nurse anesthesia for its unique blend of technical skill, autonomy, and human connection. “I chose Nurse Anesthesia because it has the perfect mix of technical skill, autonomy and the opportunity to care for patients at their most vulnerable time,” she says. “Being able to help a nervous patient feel safe and well cared for is both a responsibility and a privilege.”

For Jennifer, the most rewarding part of being a CRNA is the daily opportunity to make a difference. “Anesthesia can be scary for patients, and we have the ability to ease their fears by helping patients be informed, feel heard and in control of their care,” she explains. “It is important to me that my patients feel like we are in it together.”

As an educator, Jennifer is deeply passionate about mentoring students. “I love sharing the gift of nurse anesthesia with students. Having a small part in their journey toward this incredible profession is truly exciting,” she says. After 23 years as a CRNA, she continues to find joy in watching students grow into confident professionals—and in modeling balance and wellness for the next generation.

Kevin Buettner, Ph.D., CRNA

Kevin Buettner was drawn to nurse anesthesia as a way to combine his critical care background with advanced clinical knowledge. “I chose nurse anesthesia because it allowed me to combine my prior critical care experience with advanced knowledge of pharmacology, physiology, and pathophysiology to provide high-quality, compassionate anesthetic care,” he shares.

He values the privilege that comes with caring for patients during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. “The best part of being a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is having the honor and privilege to provide anesthesia care to patients during vulnerable times in their lives,” Kevin says, noting the importance of teamwork in creating safe, positive patient experiences.

With 18 years of experience as a CRNA, Kevin finds teaching especially meaningful because of its ripple effect. By mentoring students, he is not only shaping future CRNAs, but also indirectly impacting the thousands of patients they will care for throughout their careers.

James Sperle, DNP, CRNA

For James Sperle, nurse anesthesia is a career defined by continual growth. “The best part of being a CRNA is that each day brings with it new challenges and experiences,” he says. “It has been the most rewarding career and has provided me with opportunities that I couldn’t have imagined before.”

James loves teaching because of the transformative nature of nurse anesthesia education. “Nurse Anesthesia School is a life-changing experience for our students,” he explains. Watching students progress from their first day in the program to graduation, and eventually trusting those graduates with the care of loved ones, is among the most rewarding aspects of his role.

With 22 years of practice, James emphasizes the importance of balance and perspective. Grounded by family, he strives to model passion, dedication, and purpose for both his students and his children—while also being known at home as, according to his kids, an above-average cook.

Amber Johnson, Ph.D., CRNA

Nurse Anesthesia Assistant Program Director

Amber Johnson was drawn to nurse anesthesia for its blend of expertise, autonomy, and advocacy. “I chose nurse anesthesia because it allows me to combine advanced clinical knowledge, technical expertise, and independent decision-making to provide safe, high-quality anesthesia care while advocating for patients at their most vulnerable moments,” she says.

She values the immediate and meaningful impact CRNAs have on patient outcomes. “The best part of being a CRNA is the ability to make an immediate, meaningful impact on patient outcomes through critical thinking, clinical autonomy, and the delivery of compassionate, evidence-based care across diverse practice settings,” Amber explains.

With 20 years as a CRNA, Amber is passionate about teaching and mentorship. She sees education as a way to foster confidence, competence, and a lifelong commitment to excellence, ensuring the continued advancement of the nurse anesthesia profession.

Honoring the Future of Nurse Anesthesia

During National CRNA Week, we celebrate not only the critical role CRNAs play in healthcare, especially in a rural state like North Dakota, but also the faculty who prepare future anesthesia leaders. At UND, the Nurse Anesthesia D.N.P. program continues to build on a strong legacy of excellence, guided by faculty whose expertise, compassion, and commitment shape every student’s journey.

To learn more about UND’s Nurse Anesthesia D.N.P. program, application timelines, and admission requirements, visit UND CNPD’s Nurse Anesthetist program page or explore how to apply to the School of Graduate Studies.