College of Nursing Re-Entry Plan, Information, & Resources for COVID-19
Program Description
The Nurse Anesthesia DNP specialty prepares ICU nurses to provide quality anesthesia care utilizing high levels of scientific knowledge and practice expertise. Students will learn to care for patients during the perioperative period so that they are safe and comfortable during their surgical procedures, while utilizing pharmacological and scientific techniques.
The Nurse Anesthesia DNP specialty is a hybrid program utilizing a mixture of online didactic coursework, on-campus intensives and on-ground practicum and clinical placements. Applicants may enter the program as a post-BSN student or a post-master’s (in nursing) student with ICU experience. The program is only available full-time. Graduates of the Nurse Anesthesia specialty are eligible for CRNA certification.
DNP Program Outcomes
- Generate and disseminate nursing practice knowledge to stimulate research and improve clinical outcomes
- Improve health outcomes through scientifically based advanced practice within a specialty
- Engage in and lead collaborative practice teams
- Influence clinical practice transformation and policy initiatives
DNP Program Accreditation
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program at The University of Arizona College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The Nurse Anesthesia Specialty is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.
Program Facts
3
Years
Full-time Program Length
3-5 Courses per Semester*
Hybrid
Program Delivery
Online coursework with on-campus intensives, clinical practicum, and multiple simulation labs.
85
Credit
Hours
2000
Clinical
Hours
July
1
Applications Open
Sep
15
Application Deadline
31
Total Number of Graduates/Students
21
Graduates Employed in AZ
0.03%
Attrition Rate
1/31 withdrawn
| Class of 2020 | Class of 2019 | Class of 2018 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Students | 10 | 13 | 8 |
| Employed | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| National Certification Exam (NCE) first time pass rate | 100% | 81% | 100% |
*Course load is approximated and may vary between semester and year. Students should consult their academic program guide for a complete course schedule.
DNP-NA Admissions
BSN to DNP Pathway
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above
- Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure in active and good standing throughout the duration of the program
- Minimum 3.0 science GPA
- Minimum of one year current and continuous critical care nursing experience
- BLS, ACLS, PALS, and CCRN certification
MS to DNP Pathway
- Master of Science (MS) in Nursing degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above
- Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure in active and good standing throughout the duration of the program
- Minimum 3.0 science GPA
- Minimum of one year current and continuous critical care nursing experience
- BLS, ACLS, PALS, and CCRN certification
- Advanced practice national certification
Application Materials
- 3 Letters of Recommendation
- Transcripts
- Current CV/Resume
Erin Leigh Galligan, DNP-NA Candidate
"I appreciate that this degree is terminal, which will allow me to one day teach future CRNAs at the collegiate level. Also, the CRNA program starts with a cadaver lab, which is a feature not many CRNA programs offer. We also get to rotate through different clinical sites, affording us the opportunity to experience rural medicine, academic medicine, private practice and independent CRNAs."
DNP-NA Curriculum
Students admitted to the DNP-NA program must complete a rigorous curriculum consisting of 85 credit hours, 2000 clinical hours and 600 anesthetics hours. In addition, students attend RISE twice and CPI once during their study. Admitted students should refer to and follow the academic program guide for their cohort year.
Full-Time DNP-NA Program Guide
Residential Intensive Summer Experience (RISE)
RISE is an intensive learning experience designed to support student success in the DNP program. DNP students are required to attend RISE in Tucson, AZ on an annual basis. RISE attendance for part-time students may vary.
Clinical Preparation Intensive (CPI)
Clinical Preparation Intensive (CPI) helps prepare DNP students for further specialty-specific skills under the supervision of a clinical preceptor. Students are required to attend in Tucson, AZ once before the start of clinical coursework.
Clinical Practicum
Clinical placements for students are arranged with appropriate preceptors, clinical coordinators and administrators. Priority is given to arranging clinical placements in the student's geographical area.
Additional Program Options
DNP/PhD Dual Degree
If you are interested in attaining broader advanced clinical practice skills with strong research competencies, consider taking advantage of our dual Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees. You will be prepared at the highest level of nursing science and professional nursing practice, and with advanced skills for engaging in research to create, apply and translate new knowledge to improve health care – in practice domains and/or academia.
Rural Telehealth Certificate Program
The Rural Telehealth Certificate Program (RTCP) is a graduate certificate available to DNP students. Students complete additional coursework and clinical hours that focus on the use of telehealth technology in a rural setting.
Rural Health Professions Program
The Rural Health Professions Program (RHPP) is an innovative program to create a community of doctorally-prepared advanced practice registered nurses who have didactic and clinical expertise in providing care to rural and medically underserved patients and will serve as leaders in improving the quality and access to care for these patients. RHPP scholars complete additional coursework that focuses on the care of rural and medically underserved populations.
Frequently Asked Questions
See the Costs & Financial Aid page for cost estimates.
Students are assigned clinical sites in coordination with clinical coordinators and the program administrator. Students may be required to travel to a different geographic area if a suitable preceptor cannot be found.
No elective courses are required for this DNP specialty. Students may elect to take additional courses to meet their needs and interests but should first consult their faculty advisor.
Consider attending a virtual information session hosted by the College of Nursing. You will have the opportunity to meet the program team and select members of the faculty as well as ask questions about the program and admissions process. Registration is required and the session is conducted via Zoom.
The DNP program holds multiple information sessions throughout the year. If you are unable to attend a currently scheduled session, check back soon for the next available session or fill out the Request Information form on this page to have program details delivered to your inbox.
Ready to take the next step?
See the full admissions requirements and application process on the DNP Admissions page.
Accreditation
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at The University of Arizona College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
The Nurse Anesthesia program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. 222 S. Prospect Avenue, Park Ridge, IL 60068-4001. Phone: 847-655-1160. Fax: 847-692-7137. Email: accreditation@coacrna.org
Nurse Anesthesia Program Administration
Kristie Hoch, DNP, CRNA
Clinical Associate Professor and Nurse Anesthesia Program Administrator
Christopher Herring, DNP, CRNA
Clinical Assistant Professor and Nurse Anesthesia Assistant Program Administrator
DNP Program Director
Allen Prettyman, PhD, FNP-BC, FAANP, FNAP
Clinical Professor and DNP Program Director