The St. Luke’s University Health Network/DeSales University Nurse Anesthesia Program is a recently launched Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) pathway developed through a formal partnership between DeSales University and the St. Luke’s clinical network. Accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, students complete advanced anesthesia training with St. Luke’s serving as the exclusive clinical affiliate, offering clinical experience across general surgical and subspecialty settings within a large Pennsylvania health system.

Degree Type

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) — Nurse Anesthesia

The St. Luke’s University Health Network/DeSales University Nurse Anesthesia program is a BSN-to-DNP pathway for experienced critical care registered nurses who wish to become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). The 36-month, full-time curriculum blends rigorous didactic instruction, high-fidelity simulation, and extensive clinical training to prepare graduates to deliver safe, high-quality, patient-centered anesthesia care across diverse surgical and diagnostic settings.

Program Length

• 36 months (full-time)

Credit Hours

• 94 credits; includes 2,000 clinical hours and 525 residency hours

Format

• Hybrid: online and in-person coursework
• Didactic anesthesia courses in traditional classroom settings
• Clinical education at St. Luke’s University Health Network sites
• High-fidelity simulation center with anesthesia-specific training

Start Date

Fall (August)

Admission Cycle

Annual

Program Structure

The BSN-DNP Nurse Anesthesia curriculum spans didactic foundations, progressive simulation, and immersive clinical practice.

• Year 1: Foundational sciences and anesthesia principles with introductory simulation; preparation for clinical immersion.
• Year 2: Integrated didactic, simulation, and clinical practicum; emphasis on operating room workflow and applying theory to practice.
• Year 3: Advanced clinical practice, residency hours, scholarly work, and structured NCE preparation.

Admission Requirements

• Baccalaureate degree in nursing from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited institution with a cumulative GPA ≥ 3.0 (4.0 scale).
• Minimum 1 year (preferably 2 years) of full-time ICU/critical care RN experience.
• Current unencumbered RN license (state eligibility as applicable).
• Current ACLS, BLS, and PALS certifications.
• Completed DeSales University graduate application.

Application Process

One cohort is accepted annually for a Fall/August start. The application deadline is December 1 (year prior). Interviews begin February 1 and continue the first week of each month until the cohort is filled.

• Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions.
  • Electronic: gradadmissions@desales.edu
  • Mail: DeSales University Admissions Office, ATTN: Graduate Programs, 2755 Station Ave., Center Valley, PA 18034
  • International transcripts: NACES-approved evaluation (e.g., WES) sent directly to the Division of Nursing (Institution code: 002021).
• Proof of current RN license and applicable national certifications.
• Resume or curriculum vitae.
• Documentation of 15 hours of CRNA shadowing and the CRNA Shadow Form (DeSales).
• Three letters of recommendation: nurse manager/supervisor/charge nurse; physician; secondary supervisor.
• DNP Vision Statement (250–500 words) outlining reasons for applying and future professional/leadership goals as a DNP-prepared APRN.
• Interview with the Admissions Committee (in-person; scheduled after all materials are received).
• Non-refundable $2,000 deposit due within 2 weeks of acceptance to hold the seat (waitlist updates provided up to program start).

International Students

• English proficiency required (TOEFL, IELTS, or CAE). Official scores must be sent directly to the Division of Nursing (taken within two years of application).

Clinical Experience

Students complete 2,000 clinical hours and 525 residency hours through St. Luke’s University Health Network, gaining exposure to a broad range of surgical specialties and subspecialties. Training occurs in a modern simulation center equipped with high-fidelity simulators and anesthesia equipment, supporting crisis resource management, regional anesthesia techniques, and advanced airway skills.

Facilities

• Exclusive clinical training at St. Luke’s University Health Network
• Cutting-edge simulation center with high-fidelity manikins
• Expert faculty and comprehensive perioperative learning environments

Contact

St. Luke’s Bethlehem Campus — Priscilla Payne Hurd Education Center
801 Ostrum Street
Bethlehem, PA 18015

Email: mystlukes@sluhn.org