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