The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Nurse Anesthesia Program is for experienced critical care RNs who hold a bachelor's degree and wish to become certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs). It is a 36-month, full-time, front-loaded program that includes a 21-month clinical anesthesia residency.
The first year is devoted to advanced science courses, doctoral core courses, as well as basic principles of anesthesia and structured high-fidelity simulation activities. The intensive clinical residency component begins during the fifth semester with advanced didactic coursework for the nurse anesthesiology role and doctoral seminars. During clinical residencies, increasing responsibility for anesthesiology patient care under guidance is afforded. The application of theoretical knowledge to the realities of clinical practice is a dynamic process that enhances and enriches learning as well as prepares the graduate to function effectively and competently as a professional. The sequential design of the program permits the nurse anesthesiology resident to acquire the skills necessary to move along this continuum, practicing to the full scope of anesthesiology practice upon graduation.
Clinical sites are available in the tri-state area and beyond. Rotations can be semi-permanent or rotating. Clinical sites vary from large, urban academic medical centers to community hospitals to Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist only sites. During the clinical residency, each student is precepted by either CRNAs or physician anesthesiologists. View the list of clinical sites.
Simulation is an integral part of our curriculum, with nurse anesthesia residents accessing low and high-fidelity simulation in our state-of-the-art simulation center and skills labs. Task trainers are utilized for practicing insertion of central, intravenous, and arterial lines; spinals, epidurals, and all types of peripheral nerve blocks; and practice with up-to-date anesthesia machines. Ultrasound imaging is taught both in the didactic and lab setting so our nurse anesthesia residents can become proficient in its use in regional anesthesia, invasive line placement, and POCUS techniques. We utilize standardized patients to enable nurse anesthesia residents to become adept at patient interaction including preoperative interviews, physical evaluation, assessment of coexisting disease, and post-op teaching. Nurse Anesthesia residents have both didactic and lab instruction in advanced airway management, utilizing all airway adjuncts/equipment as well as hands-on practice with pig tracheas to become adept with the tools utilized within the difficult airway algorithm.
Graduates are eligible to take the National Certification Exam (NCE) administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA), a requirement for practice as a nurse anesthetist.
The program is fully accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) through 2028. For more information on accreditation, please contact the COA at 10275 W. Higgins RD., Suite 906 Rosemont, IL 60018-5603, 224-275-9130.