Degree Type

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Nurse Anesthesiology

The DNP-NA program at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) prepares registered nurses to become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). The program emphasizes advanced clinical practice, leadership skills, and evidence-based care to improve patient outcomes in diverse healthcare settings.

Program Length

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

Credit Hours

• Total Credit Hours: 112 semester hours, including didactic and clinical training.

Starting Month

May

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

Application Deadlines

Application Deadline: July 31, 2025, for enrollment in the May 2026 cohort. Late applications may be considered on a space-available basis.

Program Requirements

• Educational Background:
  • A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited nursing program and a regionally accredited institution.
• Licensure:
  • Unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in Florida or eligibility for RN licensure in Florida.
• Experience:
  • At least one year of full-time work experience in a critical care setting, as defined by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA). Acceptable areas include adult, pediatric, or neonatal ICUs.
• Academic Performance:
  • A cumulative 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:
  • Courses in Health Assessment, Statistics, and two Chemistry courses (one with a lab) with a minimum grade of “C”.
• Standardized Test Scores:
  • Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores taken within five years of application are required. Preferred scores include:
    • Verbal: 153
    • Quantitative: 144
    • Analytical Writing: 3.5

Additional Program Features

• Accreditation: The DNP-NA program at FGCU is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA).
• Clinical Experience: Students complete extensive clinical rotations at affiliated healthcare institutions, gaining hands-on experience in diverse anesthesia practices, including pediatric, obstetric, cardiac, and regional anesthesia.
• Simulation Training: State-of-the-art simulation facilities prepare students for real-world anesthesia scenarios, enhancing their skills in patient safety and critical decision-making.

Contact

Florida Gulf Coast University Marieb College School of Nursing

Address: 10501 FGCU Boulevard South, Fort Myers, FL 33965

Phone: (239) 590-7505

Email: nurseanesthesiology@fgcu.edu