DNP: Nurse Anesthesia

The Nurse Anesthesia - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) specialty is a full-time, 36-month plan of study that prepares students to provide anesthesia services to a diverse diagnostic and surgical population.

Ranked Among the Best

Best DNP US News Ranking 2023-2024

See all of our rankings.

 


Graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification examination (NCE) offered by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. 

The DNP class of 2022 achieved:

  • 83% first attempt pass rate and 100% overall with a second attempt
  • 100% employment within 6 months of graduation.

The program has a 4% attrition rate.

  • The curriculum is offered in a multidisciplinary framework, with the majority of the didactic instruction completed during the first year. 
  • Some courses are web-based.
  • Classes begin in June of each year.

This program is offered as a great mix of face-to-face, supportive instruction and online classes, all with faculty who are experts in their areas of specialty.


Simulation and Learning Labs

Clinical experiences, including those in our clinical simulation labsStandardized Patient Program, and clinical rotations at various health care facilities, allow students to learn and demonstrate mastery of knowledge, skills, and abilities in authentic professional situations while under supervision. Ensuring students gain essential experiences in simulated environments is critical to preparing a skilled nursing workforce and to improving health care outcomes.


Learn more about the program and profession:

 

Program Snapshot: Nurse Anesthesia

Length

3 years

Format

Blended (face-to-face and online)

Tuition and Fees View overview

In State Tuition: $873.00/credit
Out of State Tuition: $1,549.00/credit

Accreditation Read Details

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Choose one of four paths to your DNP.

Our Doctor of Nurse Practice program has an option that fits your goals and experience, whether you 1) have your BSN, 2) have your master's in nursing or a related field, 3) are already a nurse practitioner, 4) are looking to change your specialty. Focus your energy and resources on only those courses that you need to achieve your goals. Learn more about our DNP pathways.

Courses You'll Take

For financial aid purposes, there are credit minimums for full-time status that may differ from the plans of study. See details.

In this section:

Plans of Study Admitted Prior to Summer 2022:


Post-Baccalaureate Plan of Study - Admitted Summer 2023 and Beyond

Semester and Course Number/Title Credit/Clinical Hours
Summer Year 1
NRSG 617: Chemistry, Technology, and Physics of Nurse Anesthesia 3 Credits
NPHY 612: Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology  3 Credits
NDNP 819: Health Assessment Across the Lifespan 4 credits
Total: 10 Credits
Fall Year 1
NURS 613: Principles of Nurse Anesthesia I 3 Credits
NRSG 603: Introduction to Pharmacology for Nurse Anesthesia 3 Credits
NPHY 625: Pathophysiology for Nurse Anesthesia 3 Credits
NRSG 785: Professional Writing 1 Credit
NRSG 790: Methods for Research and Evidence-Based Practice 3 Credits
Total: 13 Credits
Spring Year 1
NURS 614: Principles of Nurse Anesthesia II 3 Credits
NURS 615: Regional Anesthesia 3 Credits
NURS 604: Pharmacology of Anesthesia Nursing 3 Credits
NRSG 782: Health Systems Policy and Leadership 3 Credits
NRSG 795: Biostatistics for Evidence-Based Practice 3 Credits
Total: 15 Credits
Summer Year 2
NURS 654: Principles of Nurse Anesthesia III 3 Credits
NDNP 804: Theory for Evidenced-Based Practice 3 Credits
NDNP 814: Practice Leadership Within Complex Adaptive Health Care Systems/Practicum 3 Credits
Total:  9 Credits
Fall Year 2
NURS 672: Principles of Nurse Anesthesia IV 3 Credits
NURS 637: Practicum I 4 Credits
NURS 834: Translation and Outcomes of Evidenced-Based Practice 3 Credits
NDNP 809A: DNP Project Readiness 0 Credits
Total:  10 Credits
Spring Year 2
NURS 657: Practicum II 4 Credits
NDNP 807: Healthcare Informatics for Advanced Practice 3 Credits
NDNP 810: DNP Project Identification 3 Credit
Total: 10 Credits
Summer Year 3
NURS 673: Practicum III 3 Credits
NDNP 811: DNP Project Development 1 Credit
NRSG 780: Population Health and Promotion 3 Credits
Total:  7 Credits
Fall Year 3
NRSG 670: Anesthesia Seminar I 2 Credits
NURS 674: Practicum IV 4 Credits
NDNP 710: Evidence-Informed Health Policy and Advocacy 3 Credits
NDNP 812: DNP Project Implementation 1 Credit
Total: 10 Credits
Spring Year 3
NURS 642: Professional Aspects of Nurse Anesthesia 1 Credit
NURS 675: Anesthesia Nursing Seminar II 3 Credits
NURS 676: Clinical Practicum V 4 Credits
NDNP 813: DNP Project Evaluation/Dissemination 1 Credit
Total: 9 Credits
TOTAL:  93 Credits

 

Post-Masters Plan of Study - Admitted Summer 2023 and Beyond

Post-Masters: Core Degree Requirements

The Post Masters-DNP with Specialty plan of study is by definition variable credit based on the student’s individual educational experiences.

Students should work closely with their advisor to determine specific plans of study.

All of the below degree requirements must be completed at the University of Maryland School of Nursing, or through transfer or waiver of credits that are directly equivalent to UMSON coursework.

Semester and Course Number/Title Credit/Clinical Hours
Summer Year 1
NRSG 617: Chemistry, Technology, and Physics of Nurse Anesthesia 3 Credits
NPHY 612: Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology  3 Credits
NDNP 819: Health Assessment Across the Lifespan 4 credits
Total: 10 Credits
Fall Year 1
NURS 613: Principles of Nurse Anesthesia I 3 Credits
NRSG 603: Introduction to Pharmacology for Nurse Anesthesia 3 Credits
NPHY 625: Pathophysiology for Nurse Anesthesia 3 Credits
NRSG 785: Professional Writing 1 Credit
NRSG 790: Methods for Research and Evidence-Based Practice 3 Credits
Total: 13 Credits
Spring Year 1
NURS 614: Principles of Nurse Anesthesia II 3 Credits
NURS 615: Regional Anesthesia 3 Credits
NURS 604: Pharmacology of Anesthesia Nursing 3 Credits
NRSG 795: Biostatistics for Evidence-Based Practice 3 Credits
Total: 12 Credits
Summer Year 2
NURS 654: Principles of Nurse Anesthesia III 3 Credits
NDNP 804: Theory for Evidenced-Based Practice 3 Credits
NDNP 814: Practice Leadership Within Complex Adaptive Health Care Systems/Practicum 3 Credits
Total:  9 Credits
Fall Year 2
NURS 672: Principles of Nurse Anesthesia IV 3 Credits
NURS 637: Practicum I 4 Credits
NURS 834: Translation and Outcomes of Evidenced-Based Practice 3 Credits
NDNP 809A: DNP Project Readiness 0 Credits 
Total:  10 Credits
Spring Year 2
NURS 657: Practicum II 4 Credits
NDNP 807: Healthcare Informatics for Advanced Practice 3 Credits
NDNP 810: DNP Project Identification 3 Credit
Total: 10 Credits
Summer Year 3
NURS 673: Practicum III 3 Credits
NDNP 811: DNP Project Development 1 Credit
Total:  4 Credits
Fall Year 3
NRSG 670: Anesthesia Seminar I 2 Credits
NURS 674: Practicum IV 4 Credits
NDNP 710: Evidence-Informed Health Policy and Advocacy 3 Credits
NDNP 812: DNP Project Implementation 1 Credit
Total: 10 Credits
Spring Year 3
NURS 642: Professional Aspects of Nurse Anesthesia 1 Credit
NURS 675: Anesthesia Nursing Seminar II 3 Credits
NURS 676: Clinical Practicum V 4 Credits
NDNP 813: DNP Project Evaluation/Dissemination 1 Credit
Total: 9 Credits
TOTAL:  87 Credits

 

Specialty Specific Courses

  Credit/Clinical Hours
NRSG 617: Chemistry, Technology, and Physics of Nurse Anesthesia 3
NPHY 612: Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology 3
NDNP 819: Advanced Health Assessment Across the Life Span 4
NPHY 625: Pathophysiology for Nurse Anesthesia 3
NRSG 603: Introduction to Pharmacology for Nurse Anesthesia 3
NURS 613: Principles of Nurse Anesthesia 3
NURS 604: Pharmacology of Anesthesia Nursing 3
NURS 614: Principles of Nurse Anesthesia II 3
NURS 615: Regional Anesthesia 3
NURS 654: Principles of Nurse Anesthesia III 3
NURS 637: Practicum I
NURS 672: Principles of Nurse Anesthesia IV 3
NURS 657: Practicum II 4
NURS 673: Practicum III
NRSG 670: Anesthesia Seminar I 2
NURS 674: Practicum IV
NURS 642: Professional Aspects of Nurse Anesthesia 1
NURS 675: Anesthesia Nursing Seminar II 3
NURS 676: Clinical Practicum V 4
Total Credits 52

Scholarship Opportunities

Your nursing education is an important investment. Financial aid and scholarships can help make your goals a reality.

UMSON offers multiple opportunities to help you afford your graduate education.

Type of AidAward
Federal Financial Aid various award amounts
Merit Scholarships $1,500-$3,000 per semester
(You are automatically considered for a merit scholarship upon submitting a completed application for enrollment in an UMSON academic program.)
Donor-Funded Scholarships $500-2,000 per semester
(offered during the fall and spring semesters)
Conway Scholarship full scholarship: tuition and fees
(for those who will have completed 9 credit hours of graduate study by the start of the semester for which the Conway Scholarship is awarded and who have at least half of their credit hours remaining)
Graduate Assistantships stipend, tuition remission, in-state status, and paid student health insurance

Learn More About Financial Aid and Scholarships


All students receiving funds through the University must:

  • be enrolled at least half-time (6 credits) in a degree-seeking program
  • complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year by UMB's award priority deadline
    • FAFSA Submission period: Oct. 1 (of the previous year) through Feb. 28
    • FAFSA School code: 002104

The UMB Office of Student Financial Assistance & Education is available to guide prospective and current students through the FAFSA application process and the financial aid award package.


Contact Us:

UMSON Scholarships and Grants Office
410-706-0489 | nrsscholarships@umaryland.edu

UMB Student Financial Assistance and Education Office
410-706-7347 | aidtalk@umaryland.edu

 

DNP - Nurse Anesthesia Specialty - Admission Information

In this section:


Deadlines:

The Nurse Anesthesia specialty accepts applicants for the summer session only
(All other specialties and the Post-Master's DNP option accept students for fall admission.)

For best consideration, applicants are encouraged to have all required application materials submitted by the deadlines listed below.

  • Completed applications received after the priority deadline date will be reviewed on a space-available basis.
  • After the admissions committee file review, applicants may be invited to an on-campus interview.
  • Applicants not selected for an interview will not be advanced to the next stage of applicant review. 
Summer 2025 Timeline
Application Opens Jan. 2, 2024
Deadline July 1
Your online application and all supplemental application materials must be received by this date. We strongly recommend submitting the online application no later than June 1 and then following through with the submission of all required documents.
Application review July through August
Interviews August through September
Admissions Decisions Announced late September through early October


Qualifications

  • bachelor’s degree with a major in nursing from:
    • an ACEN- (formally known as NLNAC), CCNE- or NLN CNEA- accredited college or university
      or
    • an equivalent degree from a comparable foreign institution
  • an undergraduate cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0
    • preferred grade point average of at least 3.25
  • at least two years of continuous full-time acute care nursing experience at the time of application
  • CCRN certification

Application Materials and Instructions:

Materials/Qualification

Submission Guidelines

Online Application and non-refundable $75 application fee.

Start your application now via the Admissions Dashboard.

The Admissions Dashboard is where you will:

  • submit your online application and fee
  • submit/request any supprting materials
  • check your application status.

You can save your progress and return to your application at a later date. We recommend that you continue to log in for regular updates.

Two recommendations. Recommendations must come from sources knowledgeable about your work performance and experience. Only the first two recommendations received will be considered.

Submit/request these materials via the Admissions Dashboard.

 

Essay. You may submit the essay portion with your online application. We recommend that you compose the essay portion using word processing software and copy and paste it into the text box in the online application.

Applicants are expected to submit a concise essay (no more than 350 words) addressing the following:

Describe why you want to receive a Doctor in Nursing Practice degree with a Nurse Anesthesia specialty, what motivated you to seek Nurse Anesthesia as a specialty, and what your plans are following your education.

Typed résumé or CV. Be sure to include your full name with your résumé submission.

A copy of your valid, unrestricted (current) RN license in the United States. For a current list of compact states, see the Maryland Board of Nursing website; if you hold an active Maryland RN license, send us a copy of your printable license verification, available on the Maryland Board of Nursing website.

Official transcripts. An official transcript from every institution previously attended or currently attending must be submitted in a sealed envelope, as prepared by the sending institution. 

Returning students are not required to submit UMSON transcripts; we will upload a copy of your UMSON transcript to your application.

Please note that UMSON is listed two ways in the Academics area. Please make sure you choose one of the following:

  • Maryland Baltimore, Univ of
  • UMB- School of Nursing

Have each institution submit electronically to admissions.nursing@umaryland.edu.

Residency classification. Applicants who are claiming in-state (Maryland) residency MUST apply for in-state status. 

Complete a residency application and submit it either by mail, e-mail, or fax to the Office of the Registrar using the instructions supplied at the bottom of the residency application. The completed application, signed and dated, should be submitted prior to the first day of enrollment for the term and program for which you are seeking admission.

An interview with selected applicants will be arranged after the applications are received and reviewed.


Applicants without a High School Diploma or College Degree in the U.S:

  • If you do not have a degree from a U.S. high school, college, or university, you are required to demonstrate English proficiency.
  • If you have completed coursework outside of the U.S., you must have your transcripts evaluated.

More information.

This program is not eligible for F-1 or J-1 student visa sponsorship by the University of Maryland, Baltimore, due to the amount of online courses.


If you have questions regarding the admissions requirements or process, contact the Office of Admissions and Student Scholarships to avoid errors that could delay the processing of your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the application deadline for the Nurse Anesthesia specialty?

The deadline to have all of your application materials submitted and received is Sept.1. The application process has multiple steps, and applicants should review the application and document submission process prior to submitting any materials. We strongly recommend submitting the online application no later than Aug. 1 and then following through with the submission of all other required documents.

Do I need a master's degree to apply for the DNP Nurse Anesthesia specialty?

No. The Nurse Anesthesia specialty is part of the BSN to DNP program, which means you only need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited university to apply. 

What are the admission requirements?

Applicants will be evaluated using UMSON's Doctor of Nursing Practice admissions requirements. In addition, you must have at least two years of continuous full-time acute care nursing experience at the time of application. 

After submitting an application, selected applicants will be invited to an on-campus interview with Nurse Anesthesia specialty faculty members.

What should be included in the application essay?

Applicants are expected to submit a concise essay (no more than 350 words) addressing the following:

  • Describe why you want to receive a Doctor in Nursing Practice degree with a Nurse Anesthesia specialty, what motivated you to seek Nurse Anesthesia as a specialty, and what your plans are following your education.

What type of work experience is required to be eligible to apply?

At least two years of continuous full-time acute care nursing experience is required at the time of application. We prefer experience in large, busy surgical or cardio-thoracic intensive care units. Nursing experience in ER, OR, PACU, step-down, or telemetry units do not meet this acute care experience requirement. In the past, the average work experience of our accepted applicants was five years.

What can I expect during the interview process?

During the interview process, you will interact with our faculty members and current students and take a tour of our simulation lab. You can expect to be at UMSON for approximately four hours. The interview will be in a panel format with Nurse Anesthesia specialty faculty members and/or clinical site coordinators.

Who should I ask to complete my reference letters?

At least one recommendation should be from your acute care unit manager or supervisor. This recommendation should address your overall work performance, team member activities, and experience with various critically-ill patients and techniques such as, but not limited to, central line monitoring, ventilator care, and infusion therapy. Candidates may submit a separate word document with the narrative of the recommendation.

Is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) required?

No. The GRE is not a requirement.

Do you require a Maryland nursing license to apply for the specialty?

No, Maryland licensure is not required to complete the application process. Applicants will be required to submit a RN license from the state in which they are currently working. Once applicants are accepted into the Nurse Anesthesia specialty, they will need to have and maintain both a Maryland license (or compact state) and a Washington, D.C. license.

How competitive is the application process?

The selection process is very competitive. The admissions committee evaluates applicants’ past academic performance, work experience, and letters of recommendation.  The number of applicants varies each year. 

How many students are accepted each year?

We generally accept up to 30 students each year.

Is there anything else I can do to strengthen my application?

We highly recommend that you spend several hours shadowing a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist in your current workplace. Most anesthesia departments are happy to assist you with this experience.

Many applicants have found it helpful to take a graduate-level physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, biochemistry, or research course before entering the program. You may take these courses at a university of your preference, however they are not required for admission. The University of Maryland School of Nursing allows you to transfer in two courses. Some of the recommended courses are NURS 790 and NRSG 795.

You can also take a course or two to get a head start at UMSON. Learn more.

Can I work while I’m enrolled in this program?

The nurse anesthesia program is a rigorous and demanding full-time program. Students are enrolled in approximately 15 graduate credits per semester during the first year.  The clinical education phase begins the second summer and is full-time, requiring 40-50 hours per week.

How can I get additional information?

You can get additional information about the specialty by emailing DL-NRSNurseAnesthesia@umaryland.edu, or calling 410-706-1995. For more information about the roles and responsibilities of nurse anesthetists, visit the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists and the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists websites.

Accreditation

This specialty is fully accredited through 2027 by the Council on Accreditation (COA) of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.


 Detailed accreditation information:

  • Accreditation status: COA until 2027
  • Specific academic program covered by the accreditation status: University of Maryland, Baltimore
  • Name, address and telephone number of the Council:
    Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Program (COA)
    10275 W. Higgins Rd., Suite 906
    Rosemont, IL   60018-5603
    Phone Number: 224-275-9130
    Website: https://www.coacrna.org/
  • Attrition for the most recent graduate class: 4%
  • Employment of graduates within six months of graduation: 100%
  • Certification examination pass rate for the first time takers 2021: 96%

Clinical Rotation Sites

During the second and third years of the program, students have the opportunity to attend clinical rotations in several renowned hospitals in the region, including:

  • the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland Medical Center
  • University of Maryland Medical Center
  • University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown Campus
  • University of Maryland Rehabilitation & Orthopaedic Institute
  • University of Maryland Capital Regional Medical Center
  • MedStar Union Memorial Hospital
  • MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital
  • MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
  • MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital
  • MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
  • MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital
  • Baltimore VA Medical Center
  • Washington VA DC Medical Center
  • Sinai Hospital
  • Ascenion Saint Agnes Hospital
  • Northwest Hospital
  • Mercy Medical Center
  • Greater Baltimore Medical Center
  • University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center
  • University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
  • Meritus Medical Center
  • Calvert Health Medical Center
  • University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center
  • Tidal Health Peninsula Regional Medical Center
  • University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center
After practicing for close to 6 years as a critical care nurse, I desired more autonomy and became eager to gain a more profound understanding of biochemistry and pathophysiology. I wanted to better myself and my skills, and to be a part of a unique profession that will place me at the forefront of practical evidence-based research application. John Harvey Hunt III, student
I have learned how to provide anesthesia, become a leader within a health system, and translate research into practice. Upon graduation, I would love to be involved in academia and research to foster the next generation of CRNAs and also use what I've learned to improve clinical practice where I work. Lindsay Rae Smiler, student
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