Degree Type

Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP)

This program prepares baccalaureate-prepared Registered Nurses (RNs) to become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and earn a practice-oriented doctoral degree.

Program Length

36 months, full-time

The program offers a hybrid schedule format, combining on-campus and online content delivery methods during the first two semesters, allowing students to continue working as RNs. Subsequent semesters follow a traditional format where employment is strongly discouraged.

Credit Hours

100 credit hours

The curriculum encompasses comprehensive coursework and clinical training essential for advanced practice in nurse anesthesia.

Starting Month

May

New cohorts begin annually in May, starting with an intensive orientation and foundational courses.

Application Deadline

March 1

All application materials must be received by this deadline to be considered complete.

Program Requirements

• Educational Background: Baccalaureate degree in nursing or related science from a regionally accredited institution.
• Licensure:
  • Current, unencumbered licensure as a registered professional nurse in the United States.
  • Eligibility to obtain a registered professional nursing license in Virginia prior to completion of the third semester.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of one year, full-time work experience, or its part-time equivalent, as a registered nurse in a critical-care setting (adult ICU preferred).
• Academic Performance:
  • Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (preferred).
• Certifications:
  • Basic Life Support (BLS)
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• Additional Requirements:
  • Three professional references, including one from the immediate supervisor responsible for performance evaluations.
  • Personal interview with members of the admissions committee (by invitation).

Contact

Phone: (804) 828-9808

Email: nrsa@vcu.edu

Website: www.vcu.edu