Nurse Anesthesiology, D.N.P.

Admission Information

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing or the equivalent degree in nursing from a foreign institution.
• Must meet University Admission GPA requirements.
• 3.00 minimum Nursing GPA.
• 3.00 minimum Nursing Prerequisite GPA
  Required Undergraduate Coursework includes: Pathophysiology (3 credits), Pharmacology (3 credits), Anatomy and Physiology (6 credits), Chemistry (3 credits), Statistics (3 credits) – with a grade of B or Better. If prerequisite science coursework is greater than ten years old, repeating or supplementing with a refresher course at the undergraduate level is highly recommended.
• Minimum Quantitative and Verbal combined score of 292 and minimum 3.00 Writing score on Graduate Record Examination (GRE), taken within five years of application
• Current unencumbered license as a registered nurse and/or advanced practice nurse in the state of Florida before October 30th. Students must have a RN license in the United States prior to admission.
• Three letters of recommendation, indicating potential for graduate study, from persons who can attest to the applicant’s academic ability, clinical competence, and commitment. The Nurse Anesthesiology Major requires one letter from each of the following: current nursing supervisor, CRNA or physician anesthesiologist, current or prior nursing faculty.
• Personal statement of goals
• Current resume or curriculum vitae
• A minimum of one current year (12 months) of critical care experience as an RN in an aggressive adult and/or pediatric Intensive Care Unit (ICU) must be completed prior to matriculation into the program.

“A critical care area is defined as one where, on a routine basis, the registered professional nurse manages one or more of the following: invasive hemodynamic monitors (such as pulmonary artery catheter, CVP, arterial); cardiac assist devices; mechanical ventilation; and vasoactive infusions. Examples of critical care units may include but are not limited to: Surgical Intensive Care, Cardiothoracic Intensive Care, Coronary Intensive Care, Medical Intensive Care, and Pediatric Intensive Care. Those who have experiences in other areas may be considered provided they can demonstrate competence with managing unstable patients, invasive monitoring, ventilators, and critical care pharmacology.”
‐ Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Programs.
 

• Current Basic Life support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are required.
• Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) Certification and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) is highly recommended.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life support (PALS) Certifications must be maintained while in program.
• A personal interview with the CRNA Program Panel is required
• Statement of good physical, mental, and emotional health to be verbally provided during interview and/or prior to admission to the program.

Curriculum Requirements

The D.N.P. in Nurse Anesthesiology requires completion of the credit hours required by the Major. Sequencing of courses is particularly important and academic advisors work with students to design full‐time program plans in the major. The classes contain the principles and practices in all applications of Anesthesiology. The Nurse Anesthesiology major is independent of the USF academic calendar. During certain rotations in the clinical phase, weekends, nights, and 24‐hour rotations will be expected.

Total Minimum Hours - 94 Credit Hours Post-bachelors

• Shared Core Requirements - 13 Credit Hours
• Additional Required Courses - 77 Credit Hours
• Doctoral Project - 4 Credit Hours