Rocky Vista University’s Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) program in Englewood, Colorado, received initial accreditation from the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) in early 2025 and welcomed its inaugural cohort in June of that year. The 36-month curriculum combines foundational biomedical sciences, advanced anesthesia coursework, and supervised clinical experience across Colorado clinical sites, reflecting RVU’s mission to prepare nurse anesthetists for safe, evidence-based practice and leadership in diverse patient care settings.

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