The Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) is a 36-month program consisting of
92 credits over 9 semesters. Since we know our students appreciate an overview of
the entire program, you can access the curriculum with course titles and school designations.
For a more detailed look into the program, the coursework descriptions have been segregated
by year to coincide with the curriculum plan.
Course Descriptions
Please note: revisions to curricula are ongoing.
DNAP Year 1 Course Descriptions
Each course description includes the number of credits as well as the School providing
the course for the first year in the DNAP program.
This course presents an introduction to anesthesia practice and techniques. It includes
topics which are essential foundations from which to build upon as the SRNA progresses
throughout the anesthesia program. Anesthesia terminology and techniques, medical
math, airway anatomy and pathophysiology, assessment and management, preoperative
and intraoperative patient evaluation, anesthesia pharmacology, proper preparation
and troubleshooting of anesthesia equipment and patient positioning are the main foci
of this course.
- 3 credits; Allegheny School of Anesthesia
This course is a continuation of the Basic Principles of Anesthesia I course and includes
chemical dependency and wellness among anesthesia providers and opioid-sparing techniques,
including local anesthetics and neuraxial blocks. Fluid and electrolyte and acid-base
disturbances are also covered. This course examines the relationship of these topics
to monitoring in the OR and post-anesthesia care unit. Student comorbidity and monitoring
presentations are included in this course. Pre-requisites: Completion of GPNA 801.
- 3 credits; Allegheny School of Anesthesia
This course is the last section of Basic Principles of Anesthesia that integrates
monitoring technology into two specialized areas of anesthesia practice, peripheral
nerve blocks and cardiothoracic surgical procedures. Opportunities for direct observation
of modern cardiothoracic surgical procedures are incorporated into this course. Pre-requisites: Completion of GPNA 802.
- 3 credits; Allegheny School of Anesthesia
Clinical practicums I-VIII facilitate the SRNA’s incorporation of evidence-based theory
into clinical anesthesia practice. Students will be required to design patient-specific
care plans addressing pre-anesthetic preparation, intra-anesthetic management and
postoperative evaluation of patients undergoing a variety of surgical procedures.
While in the clinical area, SRNAs will be supervised and evaluated by CRNAs and/or
anesthesiologists with staff privileges based on specific criteria outlined in the
clinical evaluation tool. SRNAs will be required to record their clinical time and
case types in order to fulfil the mandatory clinical requirements established by the
Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.
- 0 credits; Allegheny School of Anesthesia
Clinical practicums I-VIII facilitate the SRNA’s incorporation of evidence-based theory
into clinical anesthesia practice. Students will be required to design patient-specific
care plans addressing pre-anesthetic preparation, intra-anesthetic management and
postoperative evaluation of patients undergoing a variety of surgical procedures.
While in the clinical area, SRNAs will be supervised and evaluated by CRNAs and/or
anesthesiologists with staff privileges based on specific criteria outlined in the
clinical evaluation tool. SRNAs will be required to record their clinical time and
case types in order to fulfil the mandatory clinical requirements established by the
Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.
- 0 credits; Allegheny School of Anesthesia
This course is designed to aid the student nurse anesthetist in the application of
human gross anatomy. Both the classroom and virtual components will be part of learning.
The course provides a focus on the relationship between structures and systems in
the human body. The course is structured to study the human body in a regional approach,
while emphasizing the relationship between form and function. Key organ systems will
be covered, with emphasis placed on those most relevant to the field of nurse anesthesia.
Special emphasis will include the head, neck, and airway, followed by multi organ
systems including the nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems.
- 2 credits; John G. Rangos, Sr. School of Health Sciences
This course is designed to focus on the regional anatomy of the human: the anterolateral
neck, deep back, & spine, thoracic cavity and its contents, abdominal wall and inguinal
canal, abdominal cavity and its contents, the pelvic cavity and its contents, and
the head. In addition to regional gross human anatomy, the course will also cover
selected topics in the areas of histology and embryology related to the structures
of the selected regions. The course consists of both a lecture and a laboratory component.
Lecture sessions will present information pertaining to the gross anatomy, and the
organization and relationships of the various structures found in the above-listed
regions of the body as well as basic histology and embryology where appropriate. A
human cadaver dissection laboratory is a required component of the course. In the
dissection lab the student, under the direction of faculty, will dissect and study
human cadavers. Efforts will be made to assist course participants to utilize the
information presented in both lecture and laboratory sessions to analyze and solve
medically/clinically relevant questions. Pre-requisites: Completion of HLTS 517.
- 4 credits; John G. Rangos, Sr. School of Health Sciences
This is a course of general principles and knowledge required to care for patients
who will be treated by operative procedures. The instructor will provide the role,
responsibilities, and duties of the members of the surgical team in detail. The fundamentals
of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care will be presented. Common
complications, both their prevention and management will be presented. Selected topics
will include commonly performed procedures and the interface of surgery with other
disciplines. Pre-requisites: Completion of HLTS 517.
- 3 credits; John G. Rangos, Sr. School of Health Sciences
In this course, students will incorporate patient cases to interpret the results of
common diagnostic tests. Based on the patient presentation and laboratory testing,
students will be challenged to propose a plan of care based on the laboratory abnormalities
that exist.
- 1 credit; John G. Rangos, Sr. School of Health Sciences
This course focuses on evidence-based practice and policy development by addressing
the value of scientific evidence and nursing research in providing high quality health
care that is also culturally responsive and appropriate. Content focuses on the need
for evidence-based practice (EBP), the research process, high performance inter-professional
teams, systematic EBP using the Johns Hopkins Evidence Based Practice Model, ethical
issues, and use of organizational leadership techniques to promote evidence-based
practice. The goal of this course is to prepare nurses in advanced practice who are
proficient in using a systematic EBP model to identify and address clinical problems
with inter-professional teams and collaborations. Additionally, he/she is well- prepared
to lead EBP efforts, implementation projects, and make policy recommendations.
- 3 credits; School of Nursing
Etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical manifestations of disease process will be presented
within the framework of the Synergy Model. The interaction between patient vulnerability
and patient resiliency will be emphasized in explaining major pathophysiological conditions
across the life span. The effects of complexity and predictability on patient outcomes
will be highlighted when appropriate. This approach will enhance nurse competencies
to assess and evaluate physiological changes, presence or absence of complications,
and the extent to which the desired outcome of care and or treatment are attained.
Most importantly, this approach will facilitate ongoing learning.
- 3 credits; School of Nursing
Examines contemporary major health issues to determine their relationship to and impact
upon health policy and financing in the United States and around the world. A major
focus is the identification, formulation, and legitimation of health policy. Given
the unique private/public partnership in American health care delivery and financing,
attention is given to public/private financing of health care and its relationship
to access, quality and cost.
- 3 credits; School of Nursing
This course will use a case-based approach to examine the multitude of legal and ethical
issues that confront the contemporary nurse leader and in their professional nursing
role. The course will also address issues confronted by nursing administrators –directors,
nurse managers and clinical leaders. The course will begin with an introduction to
the legal process and how legal cases are retrieved and cited in the literature. The
course will examine such concepts as ‘due process’ and how it is operationalized in
nursing practice. The role of a health care-based attorney as a consultant in the
clinical setting will also be addressed. Using a case-based method, various scenarios
will be analyzed within a legal and ethical framework.
- 3 credits; School of Nursing
This course focuses on the knowledge and skills required to excel in the ethical leadership
of organizations and groups in the transformation of educational and health care environments.
Focus areas will include values and ethics, professional accountability, human resource
utilization, legal issues, effective communication skills, effective management of
teams and groups, conflict management and resolution, and health care advocacy.
- 3 credits; School of Nursing
DNAP Year 2 Course Descriptions
Each course description includes the number of credits as well as the School providing
the course for the second year in the DNAP program.
This course is the last section of Basic Principles of Anesthesia that integrates
monitoring technology into two specialized areas of anesthesia practice, peripheral
nerve blocks and cardiothoracic surgical procedures. Opportunities for direct observation
of modern cardiothoracic surgical procedures are incorporated into this course. Pre-requisites: Completion of GPNA 802.
- 3 credits; Allegheny School of Anesthesia
Clinical practicums I-VIII facilitate the SRNA’s incorporation of evidence-based theory
into clinical anesthesia practice. Students will be required to design patient-specific
care plans addressing pre-anesthetic preparation, intra-anesthetic management and
postoperative evaluation of patients undergoing a variety of surgical procedures.
While in the clinical area, SRNAs will be supervised and evaluated by CRNAs and/or
anesthesiologists with staff privileges based on specific criteria outlined in the
clinical evaluation tool. SRNAs will be required to record their clinical time and
case types in order to fulfil the mandatory clinical requirements established by the
Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.
- 0 credits; Allegheny School of Anesthesia
Clinical practicums I-VIII facilitate the SRNA’s incorporation of evidence-based theory
into clinical anesthesia practice. Students will be required to design patient-specific
care plans addressing pre-anesthetic preparation, intra-anesthetic management and
postoperative evaluation of patients undergoing a variety of surgical procedures.
While in the clinical area, SRNAs will be supervised and evaluated by CRNAs and/or
anesthesiologists with staff privileges based on specific criteria outlined in the
clinical evaluation tool. SRNAs will be required to record their clinical time and
case types in order to fulfil the mandatory clinical requirements established by the
Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.
- 0 credits; Allegheny School of Anesthesia
Clinical practicums I-VIII facilitate the SRNA’s incorporation of evidence-based theory
into clinical anesthesia practice. Students will be required to design patient-specific
care plans addressing pre-anesthetic preparation, intra-anesthetic management and
postoperative evaluation of patients undergoing a variety of surgical procedures.
While in the clinical area, SRNAs will be supervised and evaluated by CRNAs and/or
anesthesiologists with staff privileges based on specific criteria outlined in the
clinical evaluation tool. SRNAs will be required to record their clinical time and
case types in order to fulfil the mandatory clinical requirements established by the
Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.
- 0 credits; Allegheny School of Anesthesia
This course examines the specific anesthesia techniques utilized for surgery across
the life span involving neonatal, pediatric, obstetric, and geriatric patient populations.
Patient safety concerns will be covered in this course and will include the use of
intraoperative lasers, diagnostic radiological equipment and potential fire risks
that exist within the operating room environment. Mechanisms of intraoperative heat
loss will be examined, and pathophysiology of malignant hyperthermia will be addressed
to allow for early recognition. Student-led conferences will be incorporated throughout
this course based on evidence-based guidelines. Examples of topics include: pediatric
anomalies, obstetric procedures, intrauterine fetal surgery. Pre-requisites: Completion
of GPNA 803.
- 3 credits; Allegheny School of Anesthesia
This course examines the physiology and pathophysiology specific to bariatric, ear,
nose, & throat (ENT), neurosurgery, hepatobiliary and renal systems. Disease processes
of each physiological system will be discussed along with their anesthetic management
are incorporated into this course. Completion of GPNA 812.
- 3 credits; Allegheny School of Anesthesia
This course highlights the principles of biochemistry and physics as they relate to
the practice of administering anesthesia. Organic compounds, including amino and nucleic
acids, and their interactions will be reviewed along with the regulation of major
metabolic pathways. The study of fluids, gas laws, forces, acid/base balance, electrical
circuits, and radiation will prepare the nurse anesthesia student for clinical practice.
This course is essential in preparation for subsequent pharmacologic instruction including
the metabolism and excretion of medications in clinical practice.
- 4 credits; John G. Rangos, Sr. School of Health Sciences
This course provides a foundation for diagnostic and therapeutic radiology. Diagnostic
instruction on interpretation of radiographs in a variety of methods including: theory,
rationale, images and interpretation. Radiographic anatomy and positioning of the
extremities, chest, abdomen, pelvis, vertebral column, and routine fluoroscopic procedures
will be stressed. Therapeutic instruction on the use of ultrasound guided techniques
for administration of peripheral nerve blocks will be included. Pre-requisites: Completion
of HLTS 321.
- 1 credit; John G. Rangos, Sr. School of Health Sciences
This course focuses on theories of physical assessment across the life span. Theoretical
frameworks from nursing and other disciplines will be used to develop a patient database
in primary health care practice settings. This course will introduce Family Theory
as a critical foundation for effective communication and care delivery. Concepts of
the synergy model that address patient resiliency, vulnerability, and stability will
be incorporated throughout the course. Pre-requisits: Completion of GPNG 529.
- 3 credits; School of Nursing
A foundation for the application of pharmacology relevant to advanced nursing practice
is provided throughout this course. The process involving medication selection by
advanced practice nurses for various diseases states and patient populations is discussed,
as well as considerations pertaining to potential risks and benefits associated with
pharmacotherapy. Expected adverse effects, monitoring parameters, and drug interactions
for specific medications and medication classes will be reviewed.
- 3 credits; School of Nursing
This course focuses on the knowledge and skills required to excel in the ethical leadership
of organizations and groups in the transformation of educational and health care environments.
Focus areas will include values and ethics, professional accountability, human resource
utilization, legal issues, effective communication skills, effective management of
teams and groups, conflict management and resolution, and health care advocacy.
- 3 credits; School of Nursing
This course provides an emphasis on a scholarly approach to problem solving based
on critical appraisal, synthesis and application of research evidence. An evidence-based
practice paradigm will be used to assist the student in learning to evaluate, implement
and disseminate the best research evidence into practice. This knowledge will be applied
through analysis and synthesis of evidence that may be used to systematically address
important practice and/or health policy problems for populations of patients, communities,
and clinicians working in diverse interdisciplinary teams. The use of theory and research
from the perspective of clinical nursing and other disciplines is emphasized as the
foundation for effecting change in nursing and healthcare. Finally, dissemination
of clinical practice scholarship will be discussed as a critical element of DNP practice.
- 3 credits; School of Nursing
This course provides a background in analysis and evaluation of program outcomes within
health care settings. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the DNP in developing
and leading clinical quality and safety initiatives through the identification of
appropriate measurement strategies and evaluation instruments when evaluating program
and measuring practice change. Pre-requisites: Completion of GPNS 957.
- 3 credits; School of Nursing
The focus of this course is on the pharmacology of medications used in clinical anesthesia
practice. Major content will include the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of
general anesthetic agents, analgesics, opioids, muscle relaxants, local anesthetics
and adjuvant agents used in anesthesia. Emphasis is on uptake, distribution, metabolism,
excretion, and elimination of anesthetics. Drug dosage, side effects, and usual effects
of anesthetic agents on various body systems will also be presented, along with fluid
& electrolyte balance. The course incorporates gas laws and principles of flow in
delivering inhalation anesthetic agents. Pharmacogenomics, and the importance of
safety, individual patient variations, age, cultural context, and current evidence-based
practice principles will be emphasized when considering the use of various pharmacologic
therapies in the treatment of individual patients. Pre-requisites: Completion of GPNG 530.
- 3 credits; School of Nursing
This 2-credit online course will focus on perioperative genomics and the underlying
genetic and epigenetic variability that influences a person’s response to anesthesia
and surgery. This course will cover topics on the role of genetic and epigenetic variables
along with patient risk assessment, disease characterization, and outcome prediction.
Additionally, the basics of pharmacogenomics will be introduced and applied to specific
medications and conditions.
- 2 credits; School of Nursing
DNAP Year 3 Course Descriptions
Each course description includes the number of credits as well as the School providing
the course for the third year in the DNAP program.
Clinical practicums I-VIII facilitate the SRNA’s incorporation of evidence-based theory
into clinical anesthesia practice. Students will be required to design patient-specific
care plans addressing pre-anesthetic preparation, intra-anesthetic management and
postoperative evaluation of patients undergoing a variety of surgical procedures.
While in the clinical area, SRNAs will be supervised and evaluated by CRNAs and/or
anesthesiologists with staff privileges based on specific criteria outlined in the
clinical evaluation tool. SRNAs will be required to record their clinical time and
case types in order to fulfil the mandatory clinical requirements established by the
Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.
- 0 credits; Allegheny School of Anesthesia
Clinical practicums I-VIII facilitate the SRNA’s incorporation of evidence-based theory
into clinical anesthesia practice. Students will be required to design patient-specific
care plans addressing pre-anesthetic preparation, intra-anesthetic management and
postoperative evaluation of patients undergoing a variety of surgical procedures.
While in the clinical area, SRNAs will be supervised and evaluated by CRNAs and/or
anesthesiologists with staff privileges based on specific criteria outlined in the
clinical evaluation tool. SRNAs will be required to record their clinical time and
case types in order to fulfil the mandatory clinical requirements established by the
Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.
- 0 credits; Allegheny School of Anesthesia
Clinical practicums I-VIII facilitate the SRNA’s incorporation of evidence-based theory
into clinical anesthesia practice. Students will be required to design patient-specific
care plans addressing pre-anesthetic preparation, intra-anesthetic management and
postoperative evaluation of patients undergoing a variety of surgical procedures.
While in the clinical area, SRNAs will be supervised and evaluated by CRNAs and/or
anesthesiologists with staff privileges based on specific criteria outlined in the
clinical evaluation tool. SRNAs will be required to record their clinical time and
case types in order to fulfil the mandatory clinical requirements established by the
Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.
- 0 credits; Allegheny School of Anesthesia
This course examines multiple topics which include hemostasis, coagulopathies, endocrine
anatomy, and physiology including pathophysiology, extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy,
and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. In addition, legal aspects of anesthesia practice will
be addressed. Student-led conferences will be incorporated throughout this course
based on evidence-based guidelines on topics chosen by the student. These topics
vary dependent on student interest. Pre-requisites: Completion of GPNA 813.
- 3 credits; Allegheny School of Anesthesia
This course will engage the student's basic anesthesia knowledge to create and apply
critical thinking skills during the medical and anesthetic management of patients
for a variety of surgical procedures. Guest speakers will present various aspects
of advanced anesthesia theory for specific comorbidities and surgical interventions.
Pre-requisites: Completion of GPNS 966.
- 2 credits; Allegheny School of Anesthesia
This course prepares advanced practice nurses in clinical practice and leadership
roles as part of interdisciplinary teams that will lead the selection, implementation
and optimization of health information systems that support the delivery and maintenance
of quality nursing and inter-professional health care, including patient access to
essential health information. The course will examine approaches to data management
and analytics that are used to evaluate and improve patient care and safety, health
care delivery, care management and population health initiatives. The course will
explore health information technology innovations and enhancements that support the
provision of health care services and clinical practice throughout communities including
clinical decision support, data repositories, health information exchanges, telehealth
and mobile health and continuum of care management and patient engagement.
- 3 credits; School of Nursing
This course builds on the foundational principles of evidence-based practice to enhance
understanding and practice of quality care, evidence-based nursing and translational
research at an advanced level. The DNP student will learn to contribute to the expansion
of knowledge underlying advanced professional nursing practice through the translation
of research into practice. Students will develop and refine competencies and skills
in translating nursing research. Students’ enhanced understanding and proficiency
in translating evidencewill guide them to transform the evidence-based approaches used in practice. Human
subjects’ research will be discussed. Finally, dissemination of clinical practice
scholarship will be examined as a critical element of DNP practice. Pre-requisites: Completion of GPNS 957.
- 3 credits; School of Nursing
This course will focus on the synthesis of role theory and the transition of the student
into advanced practice. Federal legislations, professional issues, models of health
care delivery and practice in the evolving health care environment will be discussed.
Quality improvement and safety within APRN practice will be explored. An overview
of the Consensus Model and advance practice nursing roles will be provided as well
as intra and interprofessional collaboration. A general review of foundational core
science concepts will be integrated. Test taking strategies, management of test anxiety,
and other test preparation activities will be reviewed in preparation for the National
Certification Exam (NCE). Concepts of the Synergy Model that address patient resiliency,
vulnerability, and stability will be incorporated throughout the course. Pre-requisites: Completion of GPNS 813.
- 1 credit; School of Nursing
This course will focus on the synthesis of role theory and preparing for transition
to APRN practice. Liability malpractice, and professional issues in the evolving health
care environment will be discussed. Health care reform models of reimbursement related
to practice performance measures will be explored. Quality improvement strategies
and tools will be discussed within the context of APRN practice. A general review
of advanced core science concepts will be integrated. Preparation for the National
Certification Exam (NCE) will be discussed, along with exam strategies, and systematic
exposure to exam questions. Licensure and responsibilities at the state level will
be addressed. Concepts of the Synergy Model that address patient resiliency, vulnerability,
and stability will be incorporated throughout the course. Pre-requisites: Completion of GPNS 964.
- 2 credits; School of Nursing
This course will focus on the synthesis of role theory and
preparing for transitioning to APRN practice. Liability, malpractice, and professional
issues in the evolving health care environment will be discussed. Health care reform
models of reimbursement related to practice performance measures will be explored.
Quality improvement strategies and tools will be discussed within the context of APRN
practice. A general review of advanced core science concepts will be integrated. Preparation
for the National Certification Exam (NCE) will be discussed, along with exam strategies,
and systematic exposure to exam questions. Licensure and responsibilities at the state
level will be addressed. Concepts of the Synergy Model that address patient resiliency,
vulnerability, and stability will be incorporated throughout the course. Pre-requisites: Completion of GPNS 965.
- 2 credits; School of Nursing
This course initiates the DNAP Leadership Residency which is a key component of Doctor
of Nurse Anesthesia Practice program. The residency establishes practicum experiences
for the DNAP student within an organization or community to complete their DNAP Project.
The student participates in meaningful engagement with experts from nursing and interdisciplinary
teams, with their Faculty Mentor and Residency Preceptor providing guidance and support.
This experience provides each DNAP student the opportunity to engage with leadership
and/or clinical staff as they design and implement initiatives which are designed
to improve outcomes of care. Working with their Faculty Mentor and Residency Preceptor,
the nurse anesthesia student manages project implementation and response to the change
process being initiated, including ethical or legal concerns. Students work within
the organization to advocate and educate leaders and staff regarding the identified
health or health care organization concern. Students implement the data collection
and management plan through collaboration and communication with organizational HIT
support. Pre-requisites: Completion of GPNS 958.
- 4 credits; School of Nursing
This course continues the DNAP Leadership Residency as the DNAP student works within
an organization or community to complete their DNAP Project. The student participates
in meaningful engagement with nursing and interdisciplinary experts within an organizational
setting, with their Faculty Mentor and Residency Preceptor’s guidance and support.
This experience provides each DNAP student with comprehensive leadership and/or clinical
experience designed to meet their professional leadership and/or practice goals. Students
also explore their achievement of each of the AACN Essentials and reflect on their
impact on their professional role. Students complete the requirements for graduation
including: DNAP Competency Tracking Form; Successful completion of the DNAP Residency
hours; DNAP Portfolio; DNAP Project; DNAP Manuscript. Pre-requisites: Completion of
GPNS 967.
