Degree Type

Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP)

The DNAP program at Newman University prepares registered nurses for advanced practice as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) through a rigorous, integrated curriculum that combines classroom learning, simulation, and extensive clinical experience. The program emphasizes clinical competence, patient safety, evidence-based practice, and professional leadership within the evolving healthcare system.

Program Length

• 36 months (full-time)

The program is divided into two phases: the first focuses on didactic coursework at Newman University, and the second emphasizes clinical training at regional hospital affiliates across Kansas and surrounding states.

Credit Hours

Credit hours are not explicitly specified. The program typically aligns with national DNAP standards, averaging between 80–90 semester credits, including didactic and clinical components. Students should contact the university directly for the official curriculum plan.

Starting Month

May

New student cohorts begin annually in May, with orientation and initial coursework starting early in the summer semester.

Application Deadline

October 1

The application period opens June 1 and closes October 1 for the following May cohort. Selected applicants are invited for in-person interviews in early November.

Program Requirements

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution.
• Licensure: Current, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license in the United States.
• Experience: At least one year of full-time experience in an intensive care unit (ICU) is required; two or more years are preferred.
  • Acceptable: Medical, Surgical, Cardiac, Trauma, or Neuro ICU.
  • Not accepted: NICU, PACU, ER, OR, POCU, or step-down units.
• Academic Performance:
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 overall.
  • Minimum GPA of 3.2 in the last 60 hours of coursework preferred.
  • Science and math GPA of 3.0 or higher recommended.
• Certifications:
  • Basic Life Support (BLS)
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
  • Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification is strongly preferred.
• Prerequisite Coursework:
  • Undergraduate statistics course covering both parametric and non-parametric methods.
  • Applicants with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree must complete approved statistics and research courses.
  • Minimum grade of C required for all prerequisite courses.

Program Overview

The DNAP program at Newman University provides a comprehensive approach to nurse anesthesia education, combining foundational sciences with advanced clinical training. Students receive instruction in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, pathophysiology, and pharmacology, as well as anesthesia-specific coursework covering airway management, regional anesthesia, and perioperative care. The curriculum integrates simulation experiences in a high-fidelity lab to reinforce critical decision-making and procedural skills prior to clinical placement.

During the clinical phase, students rotate through multiple clinical sites in Kansas and neighboring states, gaining hands-on experience in general, regional, obstetric, pediatric, cardiovascular, and trauma anesthesia cases. Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination (NCE) administered by the NBCRNA and are prepared to practice in a wide variety of settings including hospitals, surgical centers, and independent practices.

Additional Program Features

• Accreditation: Accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing.
• Clinical Partnerships: Collaborates with multiple hospital systems throughout the region, providing exposure to diverse patient populations and anesthesia techniques.
• Professional Development: Emphasis on leadership, ethics, and health policy to prepare CRNAs for evolving roles in modern healthcare delivery.

Contact

Newman University School of Nurse Anesthesia
3100 McCormick Avenue
Wichita, KS 67213

Phone: (316) 942-4291
Email: Contact form available on the Newman University website