Henderson just landed an important first for Nevada’s healthcare workforce. Nova Southeastern University has officially opened its new NSU Health Nevada Regional Campus in Henderson, and the facility is home to the state’s first anesthesiologist assistant training program.
This is one of those local developments that may not sound flashy at first, but it matters. Nevada has been dealing with a shortage of healthcare professionals, and that includes anesthesia providers. By launching this program here in Henderson, NSU is creating a local training pipeline for students who may eventually help serve patients across Southern Nevada and the rest of the state.
The program welcomed its first cohort of 26 anesthesiologist assistant students this summer. Those students will spend 27 months training in simulation labs and state-of-the-art operating room suites, learning alongside anesthesiologists from U.S. Anesthesia Partners. That hands-on, clinical-style environment is designed to prepare students for real-world healthcare settings.
A few key details stand out:
Nevada’s first anesthesiologist assistant program
Located at NSU Health Nevada Regional Campus in Henderson
First cohort includes 26 students
27-month training program
Simulation labs and operating room suites
Training alongside U.S. Anesthesia Partners anesthesiologists
Designed to help address Nevada’s anesthesia provider shortage
NSU’s 10th regional campus
NSU’s first regional campus in Nevada
Future Henderson programs may include respiratory therapy
What I like about this is the long-term local impact. When students train in Nevada, there is a better chance they build relationships here, complete clinical experiences here, and ultimately stay here. That was part of the message from Dr. Chad Perlyn, executive vice president and chief medical officer of Nova Southeastern University, who said the goal is to grow healthcare resources for Nevada communities and the surrounding areas.
The campus is also supported by the U.S. Anesthesia Partners Center for Anesthesia Education and Leadership at NSU, giving students mentorship and clinical support from a national network of anesthesia clinicians. For a brand-new program in Nevada, that kind of partnership is important because it connects education directly with working healthcare professionals.
This could also be just the beginning. Nova Southeastern University has plans to add more programs in Henderson, including respiratory therapy, as part of a larger effort to close the gap between patients and providers across the state. That is a big deal for a growing region like ours, where population growth continues to increase demand for medical services.
My take is this: NSU’s new Henderson campus is a meaningful win for local healthcare, workforce development, and Southern Nevada’s future. It gives students a chance to train in a high-demand field right here in Nevada, while helping address a real provider shortage that affects hospitals, surgery centers, physicians, and patients throughout the community.
Important Program Information
Program: Nevada’s first anesthesiologist assistant training program
Campus: NSU Health Nevada Regional Campus
University: Nova Southeastern University
Location: Henderson, Nevada
First Cohort: 26 anesthesiologist assistant students
Program Length: 27 months
Training Environment: Simulation labs and state-of-the-art operating room suites
Clinical Partner: U.S. Anesthesia Partners
Support: U.S. Anesthesia Partners Center for Anesthesia Education and Leadership at NSU
Purpose: Help address Nevada’s shortage of anesthesia professionals
Campus Milestone: NSU’s 10th regional campus and first in Nevada
Future Programs: Nova Southeastern plans to add additional healthcare programs in Henderson, including respiratory therapy
Community Impact: Expands healthcare education, supports workforce development, and may help keep more trained providers in Nevada
