Degree Type

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) — Nurse Anesthesia

The Doctor of Nursing Practice: Nurse Anesthesia Program (DNP-NAP) at Edgewood University is a full-time program designed to prepare highly skilled, compassionate nurse anesthetists who are ready to deliver safe, comprehensive anesthesia care across a broad spectrum of surgical, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures. Grounded in a multidisciplinary framework, the program equips students with the clinical acumen and leadership skills required in today’s complex healthcare environments.

Program Length

• 3 years (full-time)

Credit Hours

• 105 credits

Format

• Hybrid (combination of online and in-person instruction)
• Weekly on-campus didactic sessions during clinical years
• Simulation-based training in state-of-the-art facilities
• Clinical rotations across Wisconsin and Northern Illinois

Start Date

August 24

Admission Cycle

Annual

Application Timeline

Academic Term	Application Opens	Application Deadline
Fall	September 15	December 15

Academic Calendar

• Fall/Spring Semesters: 15 weeks each
• Summer Semesters: 14 weeks

Program Structure

The curriculum begins with foundational didactic coursework and transitions into clinical immersion, integrating theory and practice through simulation and supervised rotations.

• Year 1: Foundational courses in physiology, pathophysiology, chemistry, pharmacology, biostatistics, and evidence-based practice. Simulation-based clinical preparation begins.
• Year 2: Clinical practicum experiences under the supervision of CRNAs and anesthesiologists across varied healthcare settings.
• Year 3: Advanced clinical rotations, leadership and policy coursework, and completion of a doctoral scholarly project integrating research into practice.

Admission Requirements

• Baccalaureate or higher degree from a nationally accredited nursing program with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Completed online graduate application.
• Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
• Three professional references (examples: nursing unit supervisor, college faculty, professional colleague, and a CRNA or anesthesiologist from shadowing experience).
• Current unencumbered RN license in any state with eligibility for Wisconsin licensure.
• Personal statement (≤500 words) describing motivation for admission and reflection on educational and professional experiences.
• At least one year of full-time critical care nursing experience within the past two years (two or more years preferred).
• Successful completion of an admissions interview.
• Completed Nurse Anesthesia Practice Survey Form.
• Maintain current BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications throughout the program.
• CCRN certification strongly encouraged.
• Recommended prerequisites: anatomy and physiology, inorganic and organic chemistry, microbiology, and pharmacology (within the last 5 years preferred).

Critical Care Experience

Experience must be within the U.S., U.S. territories, or a U.S. military hospital. Applicants must demonstrate decision-making, patient assessment, and advanced monitoring interpretation skills. Preferred settings include:

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

Qualified critical care units manage invasive hemodynamic monitoring, cardiac assist devices, mechanical ventilation, and vasoactive infusions.

Selection Process

Applications are screened by the Program Review Committee following initial eligibility review. Selected candidates are invited for a personal interview. Admission is competitive, and meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee an interview or acceptance.

Nondiscrimination Policy

Edgewood University follows a nondiscriminatory admission policy, treating all applicants equally regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, age, or disability, consistent with applicable laws.

Clinical Experience

• Clinical practicum begins in the second year and continues through the third.
• Rotations include community hospitals, tertiary centers, and specialty surgical sites across Wisconsin and Northern Illinois.
• Students complete over 2,000 clinical hours, meeting or exceeding COA minimum case and technique requirements.

Accreditation

• Edgewood University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
• The DNP-NAP is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA).

Location

Edgewood University
1000 Edgewood College Drive
Madison, WI 53711