Become a Nurse Anesthetist - DNP in Nurse Anesthesia

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, completed by August 1, 2025
• 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

*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 2025 application deadline is March 28, 2025.
Interviews will begin in November and will be periodically scheduled following.

• 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
  (Pending COA accreditation in May 2025)
  
  Interview Dates:
  • • January 29
    • February 10 &  25
    • March 12 & 26
    • April 7, 23*, 28*
    • May 5*, 19*, 22*
      
      *Pending availability of seats in the cohort

Guidelines for Goal Statement

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?

Please do not enclose sensitive personal information.