University of Maryland
Degree Type
Nurse Anesthesia Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Provides advanced knowledge and skills in clinical practice, leadership, and evidence-based anesthesia care.
Program Length
36 months, full-time
Includes didactic coursework, simulation training, and clinical experiences.
Credit Hours
72 semester hours
Broken into core DNP courses, advanced science courses, and specialty anesthesia courses.
Starting Month
August
Orientation and foundational courses typically begin in mid-to-late August.
Application Deadline
October 15
Applicants are advised to submit materials well before the deadline to allow for processing and review.
Program Requirements
- Educational Background: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution.
- Licensure: Active registered nursing license. Clinical agencies require an active Maryland nursing license.
- Experience:
- Minimum of one year of acute care nursing experience is mandatory.
- Preferred critical care experience includes Surgical ICU or Cardio-Thoracic ICU in high-acuity settings.
- Not accepted: Emergency Room, Operating Room, Post-Anesthesia Care Unit, Step-Down, Telemetry, or Neonatal ICU.
- Academic Performance: Undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
- Certifications: CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse) certification is optional but highly recommended.
- Shadowing: Shadowing a CRNA is strongly recommended to gain insight into the profession.
- Recommended Graduate-Level Courses: Physiology, Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Research.
Additional Program Features
- Clinical Rotations: Access to diverse clinical sites, providing hands-on training in anesthesia care across various populations and procedures.
- Simulation Training: State-of-the-art facilities simulate real-world scenarios, preparing students for clinical challenges.
- Leadership Development: Curriculum integrates leadership and healthcare policy to prepare graduates for administrative roles.
Admission Tips
- Personal Statement: Highlight critical care experience, leadership qualities, and motivation for pursuing a CRNA career.
- Letters of Recommendation: Secure strong references from ICU supervisors or mentors who can attest to clinical skills and readiness for graduate study.
- Interview Preparation: Be ready to discuss clinical experiences, knowledge of the CRNA profession, and goals as a future nurse anesthetist.
Contact
Phone: (410) 706-1995
Email: NurseAnesthesia@son.umaryland.edu
Website: www.umaryland.edu