Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice

Post-Master’s Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice for CRNAs

Offered by: Virginia Commonwealth University
Type: Doctorate
Format: Hybrid
Average Time to Complete 1-3 Years

About the Program

The mission of the Department of Nurse Anesthesia is to provide learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to work as part of an interprofessional team to serve the public through the delivery of safe, cost-efficient, quality anesthesia services and to develop leaders and scholars who will advance the specialty of nurse anesthesia through research, scholarship and public service.

The Department offers the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) program for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) already holding a master’s degree. This practice doctoral program builds upon applicants’ previous education and experiences as CRNAs. The Post-Masters DNAP program prepares CRNAs to assume leadership positions in education, management, and clinical practice by offering a curriculum concentrating on patient safety and human factors, quality assessment and improvement, health care systems and organizations, leadership, evidence-based for practice and adult education.

Courses & Requirements

Post-Masters faculty utilize a combination of on-and off-campus content delivery methods. On-campus sessions, scheduled at the beginning and end of each semester, employ a mix of educational technologies. The off-campus component meets course requirements through a variety of technologies. Full-time students complete the program in 3-consecutive semesters (1-year). Part-time students complete the program between 2-3 years. The University mandates doctoral degrees be completed in 8 years.

Student Support

We know the path to higher education can be daunting, which is why we’re here to help.

As a student of the Roanoke Higher Education Center, you will have access to:

  • Library collections and services
  • Student Success Center
  • Career Center
  • Computer lab and student lounge
  • Cafe serving breakfast and lunch
  • Free parking with a student parking pass

As a student of VCU, you will have access to:

How to Apply

View more information about the admissions process and requirements.

Visit the program page for more information.