Degree Type

Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP)

The DNAP program at AdventHealth University (AHU) is designed to prepare registered nurses for advanced practice roles as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). The program emphasizes clinical excellence, leadership development, and the integration of evidence-based practice to improve patient outcomes.

Program Length

• Duration: 36 months (9 continuous trimesters), full-time.

Credit Hours

• Total Credit Hours: 126 semester hours, including didactic coursework, clinical experiences, and simulation training.

Starting Month

May

The program begins each May, aligning with the summer academic calendar.

Application Deadlines

Application Period: December 1 – June 1

Applicants are encouraged to submit all required materials early to ensure eligibility for the upcoming cohort.

Program Requirements

• Educational Background:
  • A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or higher from a regionally accredited institution.
• Licensure:
  • Unrestricted RN license in the United States. A Florida RN license must be obtained before starting the program.
• Experience:
  • At least one year of recent full-time clinical experience in a critical care setting. Critical care experience includes roles in ICU, Surgical ICU, Cardiothoracic ICU, or similar high-acuity areas.
• Academic Performance:
  • Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
• Certifications:
  • Current certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).
• Prerequisite Coursework:
  • Completion of a Statistics course (minimum of 3 credits) with a grade of B or better within five years of the program start date.
  • Completion of a Biochemistry or Organic Chemistry course (minimum of 3 credits) with a grade of B or better within five years of the program start date.
  • Completion of the ANES 500 Chemistry and Physics for Nurse Anesthesia course (offered online through AHU) by December 31 of the year before enrollment.

Additional Program Features

• Accreditation: The DNAP program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA), ensuring the highest standards of educational quality.
• Clinical Experience: Students complete clinical rotations across various AdventHealth facilities, gaining hands-on experience in diverse anesthesia practices, including general surgery, obstetrics, pediatrics, and cardiovascular procedures.
• Simulation Training: AHU offers state-of-the-art simulation labs where students refine their skills in a controlled environment, preparing for real-world scenarios in anesthesia care.
• Focus on Leadership: The program includes courses that emphasize leadership in healthcare, preparing graduates to lead and innovate in anesthesia practices.

Contact

AdventHealth University

Address: 671 Winyah Drive, Orlando, FL 32803

Phone: (407) 303-1631

Email: admissions@ahu.edu