Degree Type

Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP)

The Idaho State University DNAP is a post-baccalaureate, full-time, front-loaded doctoral program designed to prepare competent, safe, and compassionate independent CRNAs for rural and diverse populations. The curriculum integrates formal didactic instruction, advanced simulation labs, and extensive clinical instruction; learners focus on didactics in year one and clinical training in years two and three.

Program Length

• Duration: 3 years / 9 semesters, full-time.

Credit Hours

• Total Credit Hours: Not specified.

Starting Month

Not specified

Interviews typically occur in February/March; see program site for cohort start details.

Application Deadlines

Application Period: Not specified. Interviews are typically held in February/March at ISU Meridian; check the DNAP site for current dates and timelines.

Program Requirements

• Educational Background:
  • Baccalaureate or graduate degree in nursing or an appropriate major is required prior to registration.
  • Prerequisites:
    • Two semesters of Anatomy & Physiology, or one full semester each of Anatomy and Physiology.
    • Pathophysiology.
    • One of: Basic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or Biochemistry.
    • One to two of: Microbiology, Pharmacology.
• Licensure:
  • Current, unencumbered U.S. RN and/or APRN license.
  • Idaho RN licensure required prior to final acceptance; additional state licenses may be needed for clinical sites.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of one year full-time (or part-time equivalent) RN experience in a critical care setting (preferably prior to application).
  • Preferred: Adult Surgical ICU and Medical ICU; other considered: ER, Pediatric ICU, Neonatal ICU, Trauma, Flight Nurse (see COA standards in program FAQ).
• Academic Performance:
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in nursing and science courses (Anatomy, Physiology, Pathophysiology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Pharmacology).
  • Lower science GPAs (≤3.0) may be replaced by recent equivalent or graduate-level coursework (examples offered via ISU).
• Certifications:
  • Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) required.
  • Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) highly recommended.
• Letters of Recommendation:
  • Not specified.
• Interview:
  • In-person interview (typically at ISU Meridian in February/March); distance interviews may be considered at the Program Director’s discretion.
• Background Check & Drug Screen:
  • Clear background check and drug screen required prior to final acceptance.

Additional Program Features

• Mission Statement: The program is dedicated to preparing competent, safe and compassionate independent practicing CRNAs for rural and diverse populations through integrated didactic, simulation, and clinical instruction.
• Clinical Experience: Over 2,000 hours of direct clinical experience plus 100 lab hours; supervised by CRNAs or physician anesthesiologists; broad case variety across settings.
• Scholarly Project: Completed over three semesters, including problem identification, literature review, implementation/evaluation, and written/oral presentation.
• Transfer Credit Policy: Up to 21 non-clinical graduate credits (not anesthesia-specific, not taught by CRNA faculty) may be petitioned; courses older than five years are not recommended; Scholarly Project credits excluded.

Contact

Idaho State University — Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP)

Address: 921 South 8th Avenue,
Pocatello, ID 83209, USA

Phone: (208) 282-4636

Email: crna@isu.edu