Methodist College continues to advance the development of its Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) program, which is slated to welcome its first cohort in 2027. As the college proceeds with building a learning environment that supports the next generation of skilled anesthesia providers, it is proud to name Aron Oakley, DNP, CRNA, APN, as the CRNA program director.
Oakley is a licensed CRNA at Carle Foundation Hospital (CFH) with multiple years of experience providing anesthesia care across diverse specialties, including supporting Level-1 trauma services.
He previously served as Assistant Program Director for the Millikin University and Decatur Memorial Hospital Nurse Anesthesia Program, where he led accreditation preparation, curriculum development, clinical coordination and student advising.
With decades of bedside experience and a deep familiarity with Carle Health operations, he is well positioned to launch the CRNA program and strengthen system-wide clinical partnerships to support students’ experience.
“It is my passion to be a part of the next generation of skilled healthcare professionals’ educational journeys and build a space that helps them prepare to deliver exceptional care to the communities they serve,” Oakley said. “I am honored to represent the dedicated and highly skilled anesthesia providers throughout the Carle system whose commitment to patient care will help guide and support the success of students at Methodist College.”
“Aron brings a wealth of experience and educational expertise that will be instrumental in leading this program and preparing students for the next stage in their healthcare career,” Kayla Banks, PhD, RN Chancellor of Methodist College, said. “With his leadership, this program will help address CRNA shortages and guide highly qualified, dedicated caregivers to meet the healthcare challenges of today and the future.”
At Methodist College, CRNA students will benefit from an exceptional, hands-on educational experience guided by seasoned faculty and enriched by modern learning spaces, including a brand-new, cutting-edge operating room simulation lab. Construction is underway on the dedicated space that will provide students with a clinically focused learning environment designed to safely replicate real-world patient care scenarios.
To apply for the CRNA program, students will need to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, a minimum of two years’ work experience in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), as well as other additional prerequisites.
Interested individuals working toward that eligibility are encouraged to take advantage of Methodist College’s Academic Investment Program, which fully covers tuition, book expenses and other fees
for qualified students who commit to working at Carle Health for a minimum of two years after graduation and licensure.