Hybrid DNP in Nurse Anesthesia Program

The DNP in Nurse Anesthesia program is for experienced critical care RNs who hold a bachelor's degree. To qualify for the DNP in Nurse Anesthesia program, you must:

• Hold a current, unencumbered RN license in the United States
• Hold a baccalaureate degree or masters degree (BSN and/or MSN) from an accredited college or university with a 3.2 GPA or higher
• Have a minimum of 2 years of nursing experience in a critical care setting by the time of entry to the program*
• Hold current BCLS, ACLS and PALS certifications
• Prior required coursework, with a grade of “B” or higher:
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs
  • Chemistry with lab
  • Pharmacology
  • Statistics
  • Research/ Evidence-Based Practice
  • At the time of application, we will accept up to, but not more than, two missing prerequisite courses. This includes having below the required grade as well as not having completed the course.

*A critical care area is defined as one where, on a routine basis, the registered professional nurse manages one or more of the following: invasive hemodynamic monitors (such as pulmonary artery catheter, CVP, arterial); cardiac assist devices; mechanical ventilation; and vasoactive infusions. Examples of critical care units may include but are not limited to: Surgical Intensive Care, Cardiothoracic Intensive care, Coronary Intensive Care, Medical Intensive Care, Pediatric Intensive Care, and Neonatal Intensive Care.

You're one step closer to becoming a Nurse Anesthetist. 

Fall 2026 application opens Aug 1, 2025 and will close March 27, 2026. If you are selected for interviews, you will be contacted by the admissions committee. Interviews will be scheduled periodically during the admissions period.

• Complete the Duquesne online application for admission
• Submit resume/curriculum vitae and goal statement (2-3 pages)*
• Request official transcript(s) from all previously attended colleges and institutions
• Two recommendations:
  • • One academic reference from a current or former nursing faculty member who can speak to your academic abilities
    • One professional reference from a current Nurse Manager/Supervisor/Director who can speak to you clinical abilities
• A personal interview with the Admissions Committee for qualified applicants

Interview Dates for Fall 2025/Spring 2026

The following considerations are suggestions for individuals applying to the Duquesne University School of Nursing DNP Nurse Anesthesia track for their personal narrative and goal statement:

• Reason(s) why you are pursuing a career in nurse anesthesia.
• Your understanding of the profession of nurse anesthesia; discuss your understanding of the role of the CRNA as one of the 4 APRN roles.
• Professional plans and career goals, noting how this degree will support you in practice and future career plans. What do you hope to contribute to the profession of nurse anesthesia and the other APRN roles as a CRNA?
• Why do you wish to study at Duquesne rather than another school/program? If you have attempted another CRNA program, why did you make the decision to change?
• Past clinical/personal experiences as they relate to the nurse anesthesia (e.g. how do your past experiences compliment the nurse anesthesia educational path you wish to pursue?)
• Past accomplishments you have had in nursing (professional organization membership or positions, awards, scholarships, nominations, certifications, committee/project work, scholarly publications, other accomplishments or abilities).
• Special circumstances applicable to your background and professional history?
  
  

The goal statement is limited to three pages, double spaced. Applicants can select whichever and however many prompts they feel are most applicable to them and their decision to apply to the program, within the three page guideline.

Please do not enclose sensitive personal information.