Degree Type

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Nurse Anesthesia

The Endeavor Health School of Nurse Anesthesia, operated in partnership with DePaul University, is a 36-month full-time DNP program that cultivates advanced clinical expertise, leadership, and innovation in anesthesia practice. Founded in 1925 and continuously accredited since 1952, the school combines a rich legacy with forward-looking education. Students train at more than a dozen clinical sites, ranging from urban medical centers to community hospitals, ensuring well-rounded clinical exposure and preparation for independent CRNA practice.

Program Length

• Duration: 36 months, full-time.

Credit Hours

• Total Credit Hours: Not specified.

Starting Month

September

The program begins on September 7, 2027.

Application Deadlines

Application Period: Applications open February 1, 2026, and must be received by May 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM CST. In-person interviews are conducted in June and July 2026, with admission decisions released by September 1, 2026.

Program Requirements

• Educational Background:
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Nursing from a regionally accredited institution.
  • Applicants with international nursing degrees must complete a World Education Services (WES) evaluation for U.S. equivalency.
  • Completion of college-level Organic Chemistry (lecture only, no lab) within the last 5 years prior to matriculation.
• Licensure:
  • Current and unrestricted RN license in the applicant’s state of practice.
  • Illinois RN license required prior to matriculation.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of two years of full-time critical care nursing experience prior to matriculation.
  • Acceptable units include ICU, MICU, SICU, CCU, CTICU, CVICU, NeuroICU, and PICU.
  • Applicants must maintain current employment in a critical care setting.
• Academic Performance:
  • Minimum compiled GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale (last 40 semester or 60 quarter hours of college coursework).
  • Nursing school GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale required.
  • Science GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale desirable.
• Certifications:
  • Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) required.
  • Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification highly recommended but not required.
• Letters of Recommendation:
  • Not specified; recommendations considered as part of overall admissions review.
• Additional Requirements:
  • Shadow day with a CRNA.
  • GRE not required, but scores ≥300 encouraged; ≥310 recommended for best consideration.
  • TOEFL may be required for applicants who speak English as a second language.
  • Computer competency, internet access, and current email required.
  • Interview with the Admissions Committee.
  • Physical exam, proof of immunizations, drug screen, and criminal background check required prior to matriculation.
  • Non-refundable matriculation fee of $2,000 due within 3 weeks of acceptance.
  • Applicants must apply to DePaul University within three weeks of acceptance.
• Readmission & Transfer Policy:
  • Readmission may be considered for students who withdrew or were dismissed for didactic reasons but not for failure to meet clinical practicum objectives.
  • Transfer students are not accepted; transfer credit is not accepted except for limited DePaul core courses.

Additional Program Features

• Accreditation: Accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA). Operated in partnership with DePaul University.
• Clinical Experience: 20-month clinical residency comprising seven sequential practicums under CRNA or anesthesiologist supervision. Students administer approximately 950 general and regional anesthetics across a wide range of specialties, including general surgery, orthopedics, OB/GYN, pediatrics, geriatrics, transplant, thoracic, open heart, neurosurgery, trauma, and office-based anesthesia.
• Simulation Training: Didactic and simulation content integrated with clinical residencies. Includes advanced principles of practice, evidence-based research, DNP project, seminars, and professional meetings.

Contact

Endeavor Health School of Nurse Anesthesia

Address: 2650 Ridge Avenue,
Evanston, IL 60201, USA

Phone: Not specified

Email: sonaadmissions@endeavorhealth.org