Degree Type

Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP)

The DNAP program at Rocky Vista University prepares registered nurses to become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologists (CRNAs) through a rigorous, two-phase curriculum that integrates biomedical sciences, advanced anesthesia principles, high-fidelity simulation, and extensive clinical practicums. Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination (NCE) and are trained for evidence-based practice, leadership, and patient-centered anesthesia care across diverse settings.

Program Length

• Duration: Three years (approximately 36 months), full-time.

Credit Hours

• Total Credit Hours: 110 credits.

Starting Month

June

Application Deadlines

Application Period: Applications are submitted via NursingCAS and reviewed on a rolling basis; the stated deadline for the inaugural class is January.

Program Requirements

• Educational Background:
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution.
  • Organic chemistry or biochemistry (with or without lab) within the last five years with a grade of B or higher.
  • Recommended undergraduate basic sciences: physics, pharmacology, statistics, and college algebra (or similar math) within the last five years.
• Licensure:
  • Current, unencumbered U.S. RN license and/or APRN.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of one year recent critical care nursing experience in the U.S. (or U.S. territories / U.S. military hospitals), routinely managing invasive hemodynamic monitors, cardiac assist devices, mechanical ventilation, and vasoactive infusions.
• Academic Performance:
  • Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Certifications:
  • Current ACLS, BLS, and PALS certifications.
  • CCRN or other relevant specialty certification (e.g., ER or PACU).
• Letters of Recommendation:
  • At least two letters from healthcare professionals (e.g., nurse manager, physician, CRNA/physician anesthesiologist). Up to six total letters via NursingCAS are considered.
• Additional:
  • Personal statement.
  • Official transcripts from all institutions.
  • Shadowing: minimum 16 hours with a CRNA or physician anesthesiologist.
  • Interview with program faculty/administration.
  • GRE: combined score of 300 or above (within 3 years of matriculation; an advanced nursing degree may substitute per catalog guidance).
  • Criminal background check and drug screen prior to matriculation.

Additional Program Features

• Accreditation: The program holds full seven-year initial accreditation from the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA).
• Clinical Experience: Progressive anesthesia practicums (Anesthesia Practicum I–V) across multiple affiliated clinical sites provide comprehensive case exposure.
• Simulation Training: Sequenced Human Patient Simulation I–III develops decision-making and technical proficiency using high-fidelity simulation.

Contact

Rocky Vista University – Office of Admissions (DNAP)

Address: 8401 S. Chambers Road,
Englewood, CO 80112, USA

Phone: (303) 373-2008

Email: admissions@rvu.edu