Distance Learning

The increasing use of technology in classroom instruction has grown exponentially over the years. The Oakland University - Beaumont Graduate Program of Nurse Anesthesia (OUBGPNA) is a leader in the use of distance technology. In 2001, the Program was the first in the nation to receive a $300,000 grant to begin a distance education program.

As of 2021, more than 60 distance students have graduated from the program. The Council on Accreditation requires that distance education programs and courses meet the same standards and achieve the same outcomes as traditional educational offerings. The OUBGPNA distance education program evidences high quality through the achievement of its graduates. Many have been recipients of awards for academic and clinical excellence such as the prestigious Agatha Hodgins Award, the Edward Petrovich Scholarship, and many academic honors from Oakland University. Graduates have also moved into high-level anesthesia department managerial and administration roles.

One of the goals of OUBGPNA's distance education program is to overcome barriers of place and time. Distance learning allows education to reach those who are located at distance primary sites. The program endeavors to connect students in the classroom at Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak with those off campus in an atmosphere that promotes a feeling of belonging and camaraderie by the use of video, audio, and active learning.

There are various off campus classrooms for students enrolled in the program. These classrooms are located either in or near the hospitals where students are accepted and like Beaumont, they are called primary sites. All students in the program regardless of location will rotate outside of their primary site. In addition, distance students have the opportunity and expectation to participate in the Simulation Lab and obtain clinical experiences at Beaumont Hospital when assigned. A description of each distance site follows:

Kalamazoo, Michigan

Students who are accepted into the program at Kalamazoo will obtain the majority of their clinical education at Bronson Methodist and Ascension Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The classroom for students accepted into the Kalamazoo cohort is located at the Bronson Navigation Center.

Marquette, Michigan

Students who are accepted into the program in Marquette will obtain the majority of their clinical education at UP-Health System - Marquette. The classroom for students accepted into the Marquette cohort is located directly within the hospital itself.

Petoskey, Michigan

Students who are accepted into the program for the McLaren Northern Michigan cohort, will obtain the majority of their clinical education there. The students accepted for this cohort attend class on the McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital campus.

Toledo, Ohio

Students who are accepted into the program in Toledo will obtain the majority of their clinical education through Promedica Toledo Hospital. The students accepted for the Toledo cohort attend class on the Beaumont, Royal Oak campus.