Northern Kentucky University’s Nurse Anesthesia Program (NAP) in Highland Heights, Kentucky, is a Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA)-accredited Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) specialization that prepares registered nurses for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) practice through a 36-month, 106-semester-hour curriculum featuring rigorous classroom instruction, high-fidelity simulation, and supervised clinical training. The program offers both a BSN-to-DNP track and an advanced standing post-master’s track, requires critical care experience for admission, and culminates in eligibility to sit for the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) National Certification Examination.

Degree Type

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

The DNP program at NKU prepares nurses to utilize evidence-based knowledge and innovative practice expertise to lead initiatives and influence change to improve health outcomes for individuals and populations.

Program Tracks

• Post-Master’s DNP: Designed for nurses who already hold a master’s degree in nursing or a related field, focusing on leadership roles in healthcare organizations, quality improvement, and policy advocacy.
• BSN to DNP – Nurse Anesthesia Specialization: For registered nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) aiming to become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs).

Program Length

• Post-Master’s DNP: The fully online program can be completed in as few as 20 months, with courses offered in 7-week formats.
• BSN to DNP – Nurse Anesthesia Specialization: This is a 36-month, full-time program comprising 106 semester hours.

Credit Hours

• Post-Master’s DNP: 35 credit hours.
• BSN to DNP – Nurse Anesthesia Specialization: 106 credit hours.

Starting Month

August

New cohorts typically begin in the fall semester.

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines vary by program track. Prospective students are encouraged to consult the NKU website or contact the university for specific deadlines.

Program Requirements

• Educational Background:
  • For Post-Master’s DNP: A master’s degree in nursing or a related field from a nationally accredited program.
  • For BSN to DNP – Nurse Anesthesia Specialization: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program
• Licensure:
  • Current, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license in the United States or the country in which the student practices.
• Experience:
  • For BSN to DNP – Nurse Anesthesia Specialization: Minimum of one year full-time (2,080 hours) of critical care experience as an RN within the past two years.
• Academic Performance:
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Certifications:
  • Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Prerequisite Coursework:
  • Successful completion of an undergraduate (or higher level) statistics course.

Additional Program Features

• Online Learning: The Post-Master’s DNP program is delivered fully online, providing flexibility for working professionals.
• Accreditation: The DNP program at NKU is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Contact

Northern Kentucky University School of Nursing

Address: Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY 41099

Phone: (859) 572-5100

Email: [email protected]