The master of science (MS) in nurse anesthesia program prepares students for expertise in the art and science of anesthesia. Nurse anesthesia is an evolving profession, sensitive to the needs of society and the profession. Individuals develop this expertise through a holistic and complex integration of affective, cognitive, and psychomotor skills. The philosophy of Webster University's nurse anesthesia program is that graduate education is fundamental to preparation for practicing as a certified registered nurse anesthetist.

Webster University also believes that the profession of anesthesia requires a scientific and dynamic approach to assist in the return to health. The professional nurse anesthetist provides a variety of health services to individual patients and underserved communities using a variety of theories. The practice of anesthesia involves assessment, planning, implementation, directing, and evaluating the care process. The practice of nurse anesthesia is founded in a long tradition with numerous activities of the nurse anesthesia profession directed toward disease prevention, health maintenance, restoration, and rehabilitation. Strong moral, ethical, and legal codes are fundamental to the practice of nurse anesthesia. These codes are reflected in internal, external, independent, and interdependent behaviors.