DNP in Nurse Anesthesia

Designed for experienced bachelors prepared critical care nurses, this hybrid DNP program combines clinical expertise and scholarly work to prepare students to deliver safe, quality anesthesia care.  Through rigorous clinical rotations and a mix of online and in-person coursework, students will explore methods to improve health outcomes through the identification, development, and implementation of key evidence-based practice projects.  

Throughout your course of study, you will experience adult, pediatric, OB, ambulatory, and specialty cases such as cardiovascular, neuro and thoracic. Upon successful completion of the DNP in Nurse Anesthesia program, graduates will be eligible to sit for the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) as CRNAs.

Attend a virtual information session to learn more about the DNP in Nurse Anesthesia program and your next steps to enrollment.

 

Program Information

This hybrid DNP program combines clinical expertise and scholarly work to prepare students to deliver safe, quality anesthesia care. Pending COA accreditation in May 2025.

Program Type

Major

Degree

Doctorate

School

School of Nursing

Duration

36 months

Required Credit Hours

92

More Information - DNP in Nurse Anesthesia

Admission Requirements

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.

Admissions Process

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 colleges and previously attended
    • 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:
      • 1/29
      • 2/10
      • 2/25
      • 3/12
      • 3/26
      • 4/7
      • 4/23*
      • 4/28*
      • 5/5*
      • 5/19*
      • 5/22*

*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.