Mary Baldwin University’s Nurse Anesthesiology Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program in Staunton, Virginia, is a Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA)-accredited entry-to-practice pathway that prepares experienced registered nurses for CRNA roles through a structured 36-month hybrid curriculum combining didactic coursework, simulation, and supervised clinical experiences. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership development, and culturally competent care, and its graduates are eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists.

Degree Type

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

This program prepares nurses to practice at the highest level, integrating evidence-based practice, leadership, and healthcare policy to improve health outcomes for individuals and populations.

Program Length

Varies based on the chosen track and individual progression

The program offers both full-time and part-time plans of study, combining online coursework with on-campus learning intensives.

Credit Hours

74 to 104 credit hours, depending on the selected track

Tracks include Family Nurse Practitioner (74 credits) and Nurse Anesthesiology (104 credits).

Starting Month

August

Orientation and foundational courses typically begin in late August.

Application Deadline

Varies by track

For the Nurse Anesthesiology track, applications are accepted from September 1 to December 15. For other tracks, please refer to the university’s admissions page.

Program Requirements

• Educational Background: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from an accredited institution.
• Licensure:
  • Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the Commonwealth of Virginia or a state participating in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).
• Experience:
  • Minimum of one year (2,080 hours) of full-time nursing experience, preferably in acute care settings.
• Academic Performance: GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale in all undergraduate and graduate work.
• Certifications:
  • Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Prerequisite Coursework:
  • Completion of an undergraduate or graduate statistics course with a grade of “C” or higher.

Additional Program Features

• Hybrid Learning: Combines online coursework with on-campus hands-on learning intensives to accommodate working professionals.
• Interprofessional Education: Emphasizes collaboration across healthcare disciplines to prepare graduates for team-based care environments.
• Accreditation: The DNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Contact

Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences:

Phone: (540) 887-4000

Email: healthsciences@marybaldwin.edu

Address: Mary Baldwin University, Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences, 100 Baldwin Blvd, Fishersville, VA 22939