Degrees and Requirements
Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Entry Level Program
The Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Entry Level Program prepares graduates to assume leadership positions, with the ultimate goals of improving health care and patient outcomes. Graduates of the program are prepared to:
- Analyze current and emerging scientific knowledge and technologies to provide the highest level of nurse anesthesia practice.
- Translate applicable evidence-based research findings into practice.
- Initiate changes in response to social, political, economic and ethical issues in health care.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs and policies for the improvement of health care.
- Develop leadership skills to meet the challenges of increasingly complex health care and educational environments impacting the practice of nurse anesthesia.
- Employ teaching and learning principles in the education of individuals, families, anesthesia students and peers.
- Initiate physiologically sound, evidence-based and culturally sensitive individualized anesthesia care for diverse populations across the lifespan while considering the surgical procedures and comorbid conditions.
- Pass the National Certification Exam (NCE).
- Adhere to the American Nurse Anesthetist Association’s (AANA) Code of Ethics and Practice standards.
Click here for admission requirements.
Summary of Requirements
Year 1, Fall: 13 credits
DNAP7000
MEDICAL STATISTICS
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course comprises the three major subject areas of a traditional statistics course, namely, descriptive statistics, probability, and inferential statistics. As regards the first two areas, it primarily reviews and reinforces them, although extending them in certain selected respects. the focus of the course is twofold: in extending and deepening the students' knowledge of inferential techniques such as of comparing two means or two proportions, the chi-square test for two-way tables, inference for regression, two-way Analysis of Variance, nonparametric tests, and/or multiple and logistic regression; and in demonstrating relevance of the subject of statistics to the exploration of health and disease. The use of Microsoft Excel and/or statistical software will facilitate the study of practical problems in health and illness care. This course is a three-credit, one-semester (summer - hybrid) course required for DNAP students.
DNAP7003
HEALTH POLICY AND HEALTH CARE
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course is designed to provide the student with an overview of the development of health care policy in the United States. The role health professionals play in defining health policies and healthcare reform, and its impact on healthcare delivery systems is explored. The course offers an introduction to economics and policy factors that affect health care systems. A review of relevant economic concepts and topics such as demand for health services, health care provider behavior, implications of insurance strategies, cost containment, health technologies and government regulations will be covered. An overview of health care finance as it relates to health care systems/services is presented and strategies for influencing the regulatory process will be explored.
DNAP7009
MEDICAL PHYSICS
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course correlates the scientific principles necessary for the practice of nurse anesthesia. This course will discuss essential concepts and demonstrate how the scientific concepts relate directly to clinical application in anesthesia. Key topics will include the basics of physics, fluids and vapors, a concentration on gas laws, diffusion, hydrostatics, hydrodynamics, fire, explosives and safety.
DNAP7011
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY I
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course will provide a comprehensive overview of the research process. Students will gain an understanding in methodology, experimental research design, qualitative & quantitative approaches to data analysis, and the interpretation and evaluation of nursing research. Students are expected to appraise, to identify useful, valid research that can be translated and implemented into evidenced-based practice in clinical nursing practice.
DNAP7024
SCHOLARLY WRITING
Credits (Min/Max): 1/1
This course will develop and support the anesthesia student with the knowledge and skills to be successful in articulating concepts and ideas in a logical and scholarly manner without bias throughout their doctoral studies. This course begins by providing some general principles of expository writing, ensuring each student has a clear understanding of APA formatting. Development of strategies to use in achieving professional and effective communication through the written word will be enhanced.
Year 1, Spring: 13 credits
DNAP7001
EVALUATION AND DECISION MAKING
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
The course is designed to cover the core knowledge and skills involved in program evaluation, provide practical experience in evaluation design, and provide exposure to some of the ethical and philosophical issues current in evaluation research. Course activities will be focused on giving students direct experience in the specific research skills and tools required for effective program evaluation which is critical in the development and maintenance of evidence-based practice.
DNAP7012
ADV. HUMAN ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY
Credits (Min/Max): 4/4
This course will build upon the student?s previous undergraduate learning for an in-depth survey of structure and function of the human body as an interrelated set of organ systems. Organ systems discussed include muscle, nervous and cardiovascular systems. The thorough investigation of these systems in the healthy body will enable the student to study the pathophysiology of the above systems and apply the knowledge to the field of nurse anesthesia.
DNAP7013
ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY I
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course will build upon basic pharmacological principles and expand knowledge of drug classifications with emphasis on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of anesthetic agents and adjunct medications used perioperatively in clinical anesthesia practice. Various anesthetic techniques requiring pharmacologic intervention for patients across the lifespan will be incorporated throughout the course.
DNAP7014
ORGANIC AND MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This is a one-semester course in organic chemistry organized around functional groups of compounds. Aspects of organic chemistry pertinent to health, environment, and biochemistry will be discussed. Students are expected to understand the classes of drug molecules and apply their knowledge to anesthetic agents. Other concepts covered will include spatial orientation and geometric, optical and conformational isomerism, which are essential in understanding drug actions in nurse anesthesia clinical practice.
Year 1, Summer: 12 credits
DNAP7015
BIOCHEMISTRY
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course appraises the chemistry of living organisms. Major topics will include cellular macromolecules; common metabolic pathways of carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids; energy transformation and respiratory mechanisms. The effects of anesthesia on body fluids, the function of major organs, and on the activity of specialized molecules will also be discussed. Students are expected to understand and apply the biochemical principles to clinical nurse anesthesia practice.
DNAP7016
PROFFESSIONAL ASPECTS OF
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course includes an introduction to ethics, legal aspects, psychology, and professional adjustments associated with a career in anesthesia. Wellness and stress management principles to assist the student anesthetist to transition into an advanced practice role will be covered. Topics such as substance abuse and multiculturalism will be analyzed through the lens of anesthesia practice.
DNAP7022
ADV. HUMAN ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY
Credits (Min/Max): 4/4
This course is a continuation of Advanced Human Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology I. Organ systems discussed include, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, hepatic, and endocrine. Representative pathophysiology of each system will also be covered enabling the student to apply the knowledge to nurse anesthesia clinical practice.
DNAP7023
ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY II
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course is a continuation of Advanced Pharmacology I. It is a comprehensive study of drugs and adjuvant agents currently utilized in the clinical practice of anesthesia. All venues of anesthesia, from general anesthesia to local anesthesia will be discussed, incorporating dosage and administration for all patients across the lifespan. Scientific theory and critical thinking skills will be applied to case studies focusing on pharmacological agents to treat pathological conditions.
Year 2, Fall: 10 credits
DNAP7010
PRACTICUM I
Credits (Min/Max): 1/1
The foundation of practicum I will cover basic anesthesia skills in a simulation environment. The focus will be on airway management, positioning, induction, maintenance, and emergence of anesthesia. Other areas examined will include an introduction to the operating room with emphasize on safety, equipment checks, vigilance and prevention of complications.
DNAP7017
ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course presents the principles of performing an advanced comprehensive health assessment across the life span. Conducting a health history, physical exam, and non-invasive diagnostics relevant to nurse anesthesia will be emphasized.
DNAP7018
ANESTHESIA PRINCIPLES I
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course examines the perioperative management of patients undergoing surgical, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. This course includes: patient assessment, preparing the anesthetizing site, setting up routine and specialized monitoring equipment, analyzing fluid and electrolyte balance requirements and administering pharmacologic agents necessary for induction, maintenance, and emergence from anesthesia. Care planning and documentation is required for this course.
DNAP7021
NURSING RESEARCH II: EVIDENCE
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This second research course is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to apply theoretical concepts and skills derived from the first research course to the development of a thesis or an alternate research activity. The student is assisted in the preparation of a scholarly project specific to a phenomenon related to nursing practice. Particular emphasis is placed on responsibility of participation in scientific inquiry and on adhering to ethics in the design and conduct of research.
Year 2, Spring: 10 credits
DNAP7002
SYSTEMATIC LEADERSHIP I
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course is designed to explore the concept of leadership within the health care system. Content will focus on the nursing leadership role in quality and safety initiatives, information management, patient outcome improvement, and fiscal management. Strategies for creating a culture of quality and safety; application of current technology in information management; and approaches for improvement in patient outcomes will be examined. An overview of health care fiscal management and issues will be investigated. The nursing leadership role in systems thinking and organizational management will be explored.
DNAP7005
TEACHING STRATEGIES IN CLASSROOM
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
The principles underlying the teaching of adult learners will be examined and applied to classroom and clinical settings. Emphasis will be on the application of practical strategies to plan, conduct, and evaluate educational experiences. Also, innovative teaching strategies, use of media, evaluation techniques, and test construction/evaluation will be addressed.
DNAP7020
PRACTICUM II
Credits (Min/Max): 1/1
Practicum II introduces concepts of a variety of anesthesia procedures with an emphasis on patients with co-existing diseases and pain disorders. Regional anesthesia techniques including spinal and epidurals will be explored, practiced and implemented into nurse anesthesia clinical practice.
DNAP7028
ANESTHESIA PRINCIPLES II
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course examines co-existing diseases of patients undergoing abdominal, peritoneal, and musculoskeletal procedures. Other topics explored for effective care planning will include acute and chronic pain management, opioid sparing techniques, evidence-based concepts of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) procedures, and obesity.
Year 2, Summer: 8 credits
DNAP7004
SYSTEMATIC LEADERSHIP II
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This graduate course focuses on communication, ethical/legal issues and advocacy as they are applied to complex health care situations. Principles of communication and relationships help the advanced practitioner be an effective team leader and team member in multidisciplinary groups. The exploration of pertinent ethical and legal dilemmas will provide a background for decision making with groups and individuals. Retrieval and synthesis of data insures a basis for evaluating individual and team goals. The transformation of electronic data bases further enrich patient advocacy by applying evidenced based practice to consumer health care information and aligning clinical systems to meet health care benchmarks.
DNAP7019
SCHOLARLY PROJECT I
Credits (Min/Max): 1/1
This first scholarly project course is an introduction to the eight essentials of the Doctor of Nursing practice in preparation for forthcoming application of evidenced-based practice and leadership. Students will utilize critical thinking skills to identify a problem, formulate a PICOT question, relate a supporting theoretical framework, conduct a literature search, and compose an appraisal and synthesis of existing evidence relevant to nurse anesthesia practice.
DNAP7030
PRACTICUM III
Credits (Min/Max): 1/1
Practicum III will introduce concepts of complex patients undergoing urgent and emergency procedures in advanced settings such as bronchoscopy, gastroenterology, electrophysiology and cardiac catheterization Labs.
DNAP7038
ANESTHESIA PRINCIPLES III
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course examines the perioperative plan for patients undergoing head and neck, pulmonary, and cardiovascular procedures. Other topics covered will include advanced airway management and monitoring techniques.
Year 3, Fall: 7 credits
DNAP7029
SCHOLARLY PROJECT II
Credits (Min/Max): 2/2
This second scholarly project course designed to expand on existing evidenced-based practice in nurse anesthesia by utilizing a collaboration assessment with planning strategies to support the proposal development process. Each student is directed in the preparation, implementation and evaluation of a scholarly project specific to a phenomenon related to nurse anesthesia practice relating to evidence-based research. The proposal will be submitted to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of both the university and appropriate clinical facility.
DNAP7040
PRACTICUM IV
Credits (Min/Max): 2/2
Practicum IV will advance into specialty rotations for patients across the lifespan, which include pediatric, obstetrical, cardiothoracic, neurosurgery and trauma populations. Simulation will be utilized to explore, practice and implement complex situations and regional techniques nurse anesthesia practice.
DNAP7048
ADV. ANESTHESIA PRINCIPLES IV
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course examines the advanced perioperative plan of patients across the life span: including obstetric, pediatric, and geriatric populations. Regional anesthesia including epidural and spinal techniques will be explored, practiced, and implemented into nurse anesthesia clinical practice.
Year 3, Spring: 7 credits
DNAP7039
SCHOLARLY PROJECT III
Credits (Min/Max): 2/2
The third scholarly project course is designed for implementation of the evidenced-based proposal. Data is collected, analyzed, and implemented in a written report submitted to their committee for approval.
DNAP7050
PRACTICUM V
Credits (Min/Max): 2/2
Practicum V will continue with specialty rotations for patients across the lifespan, which include pediatric, obstetrical, cardiothoracic, neurosurgery and trauma populations.
DNAP7058
ADV. ANESTHESIA PRINCIPLES V
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course will introduce concepts on the complex patients undergoing advanced procedures such as neurological, trauma, burns and transplants.
Year 3, Summer: 7 credits
DNAP7049
SCHOLARLY PROJECT IV
Credits (Min/Max): 2/2
The final scholarly project course will expand on the evidenced-based research with an analysis of results, discussion of conclusions, and compose suggestions for future research. The students will disseminate their findings in an oral defense and a poster presentation to peer and colleagues.
DNAP7060
PRACTICUM VI
Credits (Min/Max): 2/2
This final advanced practicum course will allow students to implement and, if needed, modify the anesthesia plan of care by continuously assessing the patient?s response to the anesthetic and surgical or procedural intervention for patients across the life span. In addition, students are expected to practice with increasing independence in order to transition into the professional role.
DNAP7068
ADV. ANESHTESIA PRINCIPLES VI
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This final advanced didactic course will provide a comprehensive review of program concepts in preparation for the National Certification Exam (NCE). Crisis management simulations will be utilized to explore, practice and implement complex situations into nurse anesthesia practice.