Degree Type

Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP)

The DNAP program at National University, in partnership with Fresno’s healthcare network, is a 36-month, full-time doctoral program designed to prepare registered nurses for advanced practice as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). The program combines rigorous academic coursework, simulation-based learning, and clinical training across diverse settings. Students are equipped with the critical thinking, leadership, and clinical skills needed to deliver safe, evidence-based anesthesia care in a complex healthcare environment.

Program Length

• 36 months (full-time)

Credit Hours

• 98.5 units (34 courses, 138 quarter units total)

Starting Month

April

Application Deadline

October 31 (applications must be complete and received by 3 p.m. PST)

Program Requirements

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an NLNAC or CCNE-accredited institution, or a Bachelor of Science in a related physical science with RN licensure.
• Licensure: Current unrestricted/unencumbered RN license in any U.S. state, with eligibility for licensure across all U.S. states.
• Experience: Minimum of one full year of critical care nursing experience in an intensive care unit within the past three years.
  • Acceptable: Adult, pediatric, or neonatal ICU.
  • Not accepted: Operating Room (OR), Obstetrics (OB), PACU, or Emergency Department (ER).
  • Other experiences may be evaluated individually.
• Academic Performance:
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on all undergraduate coursework or 3.25 on the last 60 hours of coursework.
  • Science GPA of 3.0 or greater (minimum 2.75 required for consideration).
• Prerequisite Coursework: Must be completed within the past 10 years (7 preferred) from an accredited institution:
  • Anatomy and Physiology I and II (or equivalent)
  • Microbiology
  • Chemistry (General, Organic, or Biochemistry — at least one required)
  • Pharmacology
  • Statistics
  • Basic Research course
• Certifications:
  • Required: Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
  • Preferred: Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN), Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC), Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN)
• Professional Evaluations: Three favorable recommendations from:
  • Current clinical supervisor
  • Critical care peer or anesthesia provider
  • Academic faculty or clinical educator familiar with the applicant’s performance
• Shadowing Requirement: Observation experience in the operating room with a CRNA or anesthesiologist prior to interview.
• Interview: Personal interview required for selected candidates.
• Additional Requirements:
  • Ability to travel for clinical rotations and adapt to short-notice assignment changes.
  • Successful admission to National University.
  • Capability to meet the didactic and clinical demands of the program.

Program Overview

The DNAP program utilizes a cohort-based model, emphasizing sequential learning that integrates foundational sciences, clinical decision-making, and leadership. The first year focuses on advanced anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and chemistry, while subsequent years transition students into hands-on anesthesia management and clinical residency rotations. Simulation-based training is used extensively to reinforce crisis management, airway techniques, and regional anesthesia. Graduates complete over 2,000 clinical hours and are eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination (NCE) through the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).

Program Leadership

• Program Director: Dr. Joseph Martin — (559) 256-4902 — jmartin2@nu.edu
• Administrative Assistant: Ms. Laura Lee — (559) 256-4968 — llee@nu.edu

Contact

National University — Fresno Campus
20 E. River Park Place West
Fresno, CA 93720-1551

Phone: (559) 256-4900
Email: fresnonurseanesthesia@nu.edu
Web: www.nu.edu