Degree Type

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Nurse Anesthesia

The DNP program at the University of Utah prepares registered nurses to become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). The curriculum focuses on advanced clinical practice, leadership, and evidence-based care, ensuring graduates are equipped to provide high-quality anesthesia services across diverse patient populations.

Program Length

• Duration: 36 months, full-time.

Credit Hours

• Total Credit Hours: 85 units.

Starting Month

May

The program typically begins in May each year.

Application Deadlines

Application Period: March 1 – June 1 for enrollment in the following May cohort.

Program Requirements

• Educational Background:
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.
• Licensure:
  • Unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license. Utah licensure is required before program matriculation.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of one year of full-time critical care nursing experience at the time of application submission.
• Academic Performance:
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Prerequisite Coursework:
  • Two semesters of chemistry.
  • Two semesters of anatomy and physiology.
  • Undergraduate statistics course.
  • Introduction to physics (recommended).

Additional Program Features

• Accreditation: The DNP program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) through Spring 2032.
• Clinical Experience: Students gain hands-on experience in various anesthesia techniques, including general and regional anesthesia, under the supervision of certified registered nurse anesthetists and anesthesiologists. Clinical rotations are conducted at multiple affiliated healthcare facilities in Utah, providing exposure to diverse patient populations and surgical procedures.
• Simulation Training: High-fidelity simulation is incorporated into the curriculum to enhance student learning and clinical assimilation through skills workshops and the development of communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills.

Contact

University of Utah College of Nursing

Address: 10 South 2000 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112

Phone: (801) 581-3414

Email: nursing@utah.edu