Independence Health System School of Anesthesia at Saint Vincent College offers a 36-month Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) program with enrollment of approximately 30 students per class and clinical experience at more than 20 affiliated hospital sites in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. The program emphasizes individualized mentoring and varied clinical exposure, preparing graduates to meet the demands of anesthesia practice across diverse care settings.

Degree Type

Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP)

The Independence Health System School of Anesthesia, in partnership with Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, offers a 36-month Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) entry-level program. The program is designed for registered nurses with critical care experience who wish to become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).

Program Length

• 36 months (full-time)

Credit Hours

• Total: 91 credits

Format

• Hybrid: didactic and clinical components
• Clinical education across more than 20 affiliated sites in the tri-state area
• Small-cohort, mentorship-based environment emphasizing individualized learning

Start Date

January 2026 (next available cohort)

Admission Cycle

Annual

Program Structure

The DNAP curriculum integrates foundational sciences, anesthesia principles, and extensive clinical training through a linear progression of coursework that builds each semester.

• Year 1: Didactic coursework covering physiology, pharmacology, chemistry, and anesthesia foundations. Early exposure to simulation and clinical observation.
• Year 2: Transition into supervised clinical anesthesia practice across various healthcare settings, with emphasis on regional, obstetric, and trauma anesthesia.
• Year 3: Advanced clinical immersion, leadership development, and preparation for the National Certification Examination (NCE).

Admission Requirements

• Cumulative undergraduate GPA ≥ 3.0 (4.0 scale) across all institutions attended.
• Baccalaureate degree in nursing, or a diploma/associate degree in nursing plus a baccalaureate degree in another field (if approved by program).
• Minimum of one year full-time critical care experience (e.g., CCU, ICU, MICU, SICU, TICU, NICU, PICU, or Level 1 ER).
• Current unencumbered RN license.
• BLS, ACLS, and other professional certifications (e.g., PALS, CCRN) strongly recommended.
• GRE preferred (School DI Code: 0767).

Application Process

Applicants must submit a complete application packet in one mailing by January 15 (year prior to start). Incomplete or separately mailed documents will not be accepted.

• Completed Anesthesia School Application Form.
• Professional résumé.
• Summary of interest statement (per application instructions).
• Application fee of $65 (payable to Westmoreland Hospital; note “School of Anesthesia” in memo).
• Photocopies of RN license, BLS, ACLS, and other certifications.
• Photocopy of driver’s license.
• Three sealed letters of reference (one from current manager/supervisor, two additional professional references using official form).
• Official transcripts from all higher education institutions attended, in unopened envelopes from issuing schools (including community colleges).
• Mail complete packet to:
  Independence Health System
  Latrobe Hospital
  One Mellon Way
  Latrobe, PA 15650

Selection Criteria

• Applications are reviewed holistically based on academic history, clinical experience, and interview performance.
• Interviews are by invitation only; applicants must demonstrate potential for academic and professional success.
• Pre-admission and random drug screenings are required.

Transfer Credit Policy

• No transfer credits or advanced standing accepted due to the linear nature of the curriculum.

Clinical Experience

• Clinical training provided through more than 20 affiliated sites in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia.
• Students gain experience in general, regional, pediatric, obstetric, trauma, and critical care anesthesia.
• Graduates are well-prepared for independent anesthesia practice across a variety of healthcare environments.

Contact

Independence Health System School of Anesthesia
Saint Vincent College Partnership
300 Fraser Purchase Road
Latrobe, PA 15650-2690

Phone: 724-532-6600
Program Director: Dr. Michael DeBroeck, DNP, CRNA
Email: michael.debroeck@independence.health