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
Duration
36 months
Required Credit Hours
92
More Information - DNP in Nurse Anesthesia
Admissions
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.
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 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.
Resources
You are worth the investment. The value of a Duquesne University education includes a horizon-expanding education, world-class faculty and countless opportunities only available to Duquesne students.
DNP Financial ResourcesOn-campus housing options are available to you as a graduate student! We offer eight housing options for undergraduate and graduate students, including three options for apartment-style living. By choosing to live on campus, you'll not only surround yourself with some of the best views of the city, but you'll immerse yourself in a vibrant and safe learning community.
Office for Student Housing and Residence LifeCommuter students make up the largest population of students here at Duquesne, and we're committed to helping you feel at home. The Office of Commuter Affairs offers a number of programs and resources to help commuter students excel academically and socially, such as the Commuter Assistant Program, the Commuter Council, and more.
Pittsburgh Neighborhoods GuideAll of our required prerequisite courses (except for Research/Evidence Based Practice) are available through Portage Learning. We can accept courses from any accredited institution, but please feel free to reach out to your recruiter with concerns over course equivalency.
Portage LearningIf you are new to Duquesne University, please set up your MultiPass. This is critical as it will allow you to access your student email and other helpful resources.
Multipass and Services PortalThere are a number of transportation options available for both commuter students
and students living on campus. We offer on-campus parking as well as a shuttle for transport between campus and the Southside and Oakland neighborhoods.
If you prefer to use public transit, please refer to the UPass program for discounted bus rides.
- Prerequisites
- Proof of enrollment for any outstanding prerequisite courses are due June 1.
- Official transcripts to show completion of courses are due August 1.
- Certifications:
- Be sure to check your certifications and licensures expirations, and to schedule recertification if they are expiring before the program begins.
- Orientation
- August 21-22, located on campus.
- First day of class: August 25