Gonzaga University’s Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) program in Spokane, Washington, is a Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA)-accredited pathway and the only CRNA training program in the state, with a structured 36-month curriculum that integrates over 2,800 hours of supervised clinical experience across clinical hubs in Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Oregon. Jointly operated with Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, the program consistently attracts a high volume of competitive applicants and emphasizes leadership, systems thinking, and evidence-based practice to prepare graduates for the National Certification Examination and advanced anesthesia practice.

Degree Type

Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP)

This program prepares registered nurses to become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and leaders in the field of nurse anesthesia.

Program Length

36 months, full-time

The program spans nine semesters, integrating didactic coursework with clinical practicum experiences.

Credit Hours

88 credits

The curriculum includes advanced courses in anesthesia principles, pharmacology, physiology, and leadership, totaling 88 credits.

Starting Month

May

New cohorts begin annually in May, with an initial focus on foundational anesthesia courses.

Application Deadline

September 1

Applications open in January, and all materials must be submitted by September 1 for consideration for the following year’s cohort.

Program Requirements

• Educational Background: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution.
• Licensure:
  • Current, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license.
  • Eligibility for Washington state RN licensure prior to program start.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of one year of full-time experience as an RN in an adult critical care setting; two years preferred.
  • Acceptable critical care areas include General ICU, Adult Specialty ICU, and Coronary Care ICU.
  • Experience should include management of patients with ventilators, vasoactive drugs, invasive monitors, and comprehensive bedside assessments.
• Academic Performance:
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; a GPA of 3.2 or above is preferred.
• Certifications:
  • Basic Life Support (BLS)
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
  • Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification is recommended but not required.
• Prerequisite Coursework:
  • Completion of courses in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Physiology, Pathophysiology, and Anatomy.
• Additional Requirements:
  • Three letters of recommendation.
  • Personal statement outlining career goals and motivation for nurse anesthesia.
  • Current resume or curriculum vitae.
  • Successful completion of an interview process.

Contact

DNAP Administrative Assistant

Phone: (509) 474-4971

Email: DNAP@providence.org

Website: www.gonzaga.edu