Degree Type

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Nurse Anesthesia

The BSN-to-DNP Nurse Anesthesia program at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is a full-time, three-year program designed to prepare nurses to deliver the full scope of anesthesia services across diverse patient populations. The curriculum integrates advanced didactic coursework, simulation-based learning, and extensive clinical experiences to ensure graduates are fully qualified to make independent judgments in anesthesia care and collaborate effectively with interprofessional healthcare teams.

Program Length

• Duration: 3 years, full-time.

Credit Hours

• Total Credit Hours: Not specified.

Starting Month

Fall

New cohorts begin in the fall term each academic year.

Application Deadlines

Application Period: Applications are due by November 1 for enrollment in the following fall term.

Program Requirements

• Educational Background:
  • Baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) from a regionally accredited institution.
• Licensure:
  • Unencumbered RN license to practice professional nursing in the United States.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of two years of current RN experience in a critical care unit within the United States or a U.S. military hospital abroad.
  • Critical care defined as areas where the nurse routinely manages invasive hemodynamic monitors, cardiac assist devices, mechanical ventilation, and vasoactive infusions.
  • Acceptable units include surgical ICU, cardiothoracic ICU, coronary ICU, medical ICU, pediatric ICU, and neonatal ICU; high-acuity tertiary centers preferred.
• Academic Performance:
  • Minimum compiled GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Certifications:
  • Not specified; BLS, ACLS, and PALS typically required prior to clinical phase.
• Letters of Recommendation:
  • Not specified.
• Additional Requirements:
  • Shadow day with a CRNA (form required after completion).

Additional Program Features

• Accreditation: The Nurse Anesthesia DNP program at UIC is approved by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA).
• Clinical Experience: Students receive broad clinical exposure across multiple partner hospitals and surgical centers, ensuring competence in managing diverse patient populations.
• Simulation Training: Features the state-of-the-art M. Christine Schwartz Experiential Learning & Simulation Laboratory for advanced anesthesia training and interprofessional learning.

Contact

University of Illinois Chicago — College of Nursing

Address: 845 S. Damen Ave., MC 802,
Chicago, IL 60612, USA

Phone: (312) 996-7800

Email: conapply@uic.edu