Degree Type

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Nurse Anesthesia

The Doctor of Nursing Practice–Nurse Anesthesia (DNP-NA) program at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (FranU) prepares baccalaureate-prepared registered nurses for the highest level of advanced nursing practice in anesthesia. The program emphasizes safe, equitable, and patient-centered care while developing leaders and scholars who transform systems of care through evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and professional excellence. Students benefit from access to advanced simulation equipment, multiple clinical partners, and unique grant-supported clinical residency opportunities.

Program Length

• Duration: 36 months, full-time.

Credit Hours

• Total Credit Hours: 100 credits.

Starting Month

January to June Admission Cycle

The program admits annually, with applications accepted from January 15 through June 15. Interviews and admissions decisions occur from late July to early August.

Application Deadlines

Application Period: January 15 – June 15. In-person interviews are conducted at FranU from July 21–25 and July 28–August 1. Admission decisions are released in early August.

Program Requirements

• Educational Background:
  • Baccalaureate or higher degree in Nursing from a fully accredited U.S. Department of Education-recognized institution.
• Licensure:
  • Current, unencumbered RN license with eligibility for licensure in Louisiana.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of one year of full-time recent (within the last two years) experience as a registered nurse in an adult critical care unit.
  • Other critical care experience (e.g., PICU, NICU) may be considered if the applicant demonstrates proficiency in managing unstable patients, invasive monitoring, ventilator management, and critical care pharmacology.
• Academic Performance:
  • Cumulative weighted GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, calculated from all attempted undergraduate and graduate coursework.
• Certifications:
  • Current Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certifications required.
  • CCRN certification required for reapplication; strongly recommended for all applicants.
• Letters of Recommendation:
  • Three professional letters of recommendation:
    • One from the applicant’s current immediate supervisor.
    • One from a peer familiar with the applicant’s clinical performance.
    • One additional professional reference.
• Additional Requirements:
  • Completion of the Casper Open-Response Situational Judgement Test (associated testing and distribution fees apply).
  • Optional GRE scores may be submitted (recommended for applicants with lower GPA).
  • Ability to meet DNP-NA Core Performance Standards (outlined in the program handbook).
  • English proficiency required for non-native speakers (see below).
• English Proficiency:
  • Must meet one of the following:
    • SAT verbal ≥ 430
    • ACT English ≥ 18
    • Duolingo English Test ≥ 105
    • IELTS ≥ 6.5
    • TOEFL iBT ≥ 79 or paper-based test with sub-scores ≥ 20

Additional Program Features

• Accreditation: Accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA).
• Curriculum Design: Blended curriculum combining online and in-person learning, allowing flexibility for working RNs during the first eight months.
• Clinical Experience: Students gain more than 2,500 hours of clinical experience at over 20 clinical partner sites, providing exceptional preparation for anesthesia practice and the National Certification Examination (NCE).
• Research Component: Includes a DNP Scholarly Project (ANES 7800) demonstrating the student’s ability to identify and solve real-world clinical or systems-based problems through evidence-based change.
• Grant Funding: Students are eligible for grant funding during their clinical residency; the 2023 cohort received over $115,000 in grants.
• Program Environment: The program fosters professional socialization, diversity, and leadership in alignment with FranU’s Franciscan mission and values.

Contact

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University — DNP Nurse Anesthesia Program

Address: 5414 Brittany Drive,
Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA

Phone: (877) 242-3509

Email: Not specified