CU–Bloomsburg’s McCormick Center Reimagined to Train Future CRNAs

The newly renovated McCormick Center at Commonwealth University–Bloomsburg is now a cutting-edge hub for hands-on learning, especially for students pursuing careers as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). 

At a recent rededication ceremony, Dr. Debra Minzola—Program Director of the Geisinger/Bloomsburg Nurse Anesthesia Program, Associate Professor of Nursing, and current President of the Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists (PANA)—joined university leaders to showcase the center’s upgrades. Alongside Bryan Kapish, CRNA, Clinical Coordinator for the program, Dr. Minzola demonstrated the use of the Anatomage table, a high-tech virtual dissection tool, to Senator Dave McCormick and other guests. 

This renovation marks a major milestone for CU–Bloomsburg, reinforcing its commitment to workforce readiness through immersive, applied learning experiences. The McCormick Center now stands as a symbol of innovation and excellence in healthcare education. 

Read more from CU–Bloomsburg: https://www.commonwealthu.edu/news/mccormick-center-reimagined-hub-hands-learning-and-workforce-readiness

Who’s Who? PANA President Debra Minzola, That’s Who!

Debra Minzola, Ph.D., CRNA, recently was named to the Marquis Who's Who list for her work as program director of the Geisinger/Commonwealth University Nurse Anesthesia Program. The list features professionals doing outstanding work in their professions.

Minzola gained attention after being featured in a university-wide Commonwealth University news article, “A Professional Pipeline: Geisinger/Commonwealth Nurse Anesthesia Program Provides Vital Professionals,” Aug. 1, 2023, that spotlighted the 36-month anesthesia program that attracts students from as far away as California, Oregon, and Arizona. The class only accepts 15 students who graduate with a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.

Commonwealth University nurse anesthesia graduates have earned a compelling reputation in the industry, with the Class of 2022 earning a 100% pass rate in the National Certification Exam (NCE), while the average pass rate was 82%.

The program – which was affiliated with Bloomsburg University before its merger with two other state-affiliated schools, Lock Haven and Mansfield, to form Commonwealth University – is headquartered at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.

“Approximately 60% of our graduates are staying with the Geisinger System,” Minzola said. “That says a lot about the good relationship between the university and the clinical site. It makes it a more positive learning experience, and they want to stay here. Our recruitment has been phenomenal for Geisinger.”

Photo courtesy of Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine

If Minzola’s name sounds familiar, that is because she recently was installed as president of the Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists (PANA), which represents approximately 4,000 CRNAs and students statewide.

She recently helped the statewide association mark national CRNA Week in Pa. in January. You can check out her message to members HERE, where she celebrate all the innovative CRNAs and nurse anesthesia residents who provide exceptional care to their patients during their most vulnerable moments.

Brandon Perrotte's Leadership Journey as Student Chair of PANA's GRC

As a nurse anesthesia resident from The University of Scranton, Brandon Perrotte is conjuring change as the Student Chair of PANA's Government Relations Committee (GRC).  We all know Brandon's amazing commitment to our state and profession since he started his program more than two years ago. In June 2025 he's coordinating a larger version of the simulation lab where invited legislators and their staff received a first-hand look at what CRNAs are training to do. What's his motivation? 

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HAPPY NATIONAL #CRNAWEEK!