Degree Type

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) — Nurse Anesthesia

The Duquesne University DNP in Nurse Anesthesia program is designed for experienced bachelor’s-prepared critical care nurses seeking to advance their careers as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). This 36-month hybrid doctoral program integrates rigorous academic coursework, extensive clinical training, and evidence-based research to prepare students to deliver safe, high-quality anesthesia care in diverse healthcare environments.

Program Length

• 36 months (full-time)

Credit Hours

• 92 credits

Format

• Hybrid: combination of online and in-person coursework
• Clinical rotations in adult, pediatric, obstetric, ambulatory, and specialty settings (cardiovascular, neuro, thoracic)
• Scholarly projects focused on improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practice

Start Date

Varies by cohort (typically Fall)

Admission Cycle

Annual

Program Structure

The DNP Nurse Anesthesia curriculum develops advanced clinical expertise while fostering research and leadership skills through progressive stages of training.

• Didactic Phase: Foundational coursework in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and chemistry with labs, delivered through hybrid learning.
• Clinical Phase: Hands-on rotations across multiple specialties, including critical care and high-acuity surgical settings.
• Scholarly Phase: Development and implementation of an evidence-based DNP project focused on improving anesthesia practice and patient safety.

Admission Requirements

• Current, unencumbered RN license in the United States.
• BSN or MSN degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.2 or higher.
• Minimum of two years of full-time nursing experience in a critical care setting by the time of program entry.
• Current certifications: BCLS, ACLS, and PALS.
• Completion of prerequisite coursework (grade “B” or higher):
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II (with labs)
  • Chemistry (with lab)
  • Pharmacology
  • Statistics
  • Research / Evidence-Based Practice
• Applicants may have up to two missing prerequisite courses at the time of application.

Critical Care Experience Definition

A qualifying critical care area involves routine management of invasive hemodynamic monitors (pulmonary artery, CVP, or arterial lines), cardiac assist devices, mechanical ventilation, and vasoactive infusions. Examples include:

• Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU)
• Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit (CTICU)
• Coronary Intensive Care Unit (CICU)
• Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU)
• Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Career Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the DNP Nurse Anesthesia program, graduates are eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination (NCE) administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) to become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs).

Contact

Duquesne University
School of Nursing
600 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15282

Phone: (412) 396-6000
Email: admissions@duq.edu