Nurse Anesthesia

Nurse Anesthesia DNP Curriculum: Post-BSN or MSN students (Entry into practice) Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP Curriculum: Post CRNA students

Frequently Asked Questions Interest Form for Prospective Students

Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia

The UTHSC Nurse Anesthesia Option is a 36-month program of study that culminates in a DNP degree with a core concentration in anesthesia. This option prepares the graduate to become a CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist). The DNP Nurse Anesthesia program is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and is also fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).  In addition, the DNP Nurse Anesthesia program of study is accredited by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists’ Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) for the maximum length of 10 years.

Since 2002, over 100 nurse anesthesia students have graduated, first with an MSN from the Nurse Anesthesia Program and most recently with a DNP. UTHSC CRNA alumni provide clinical care in a variety of settings throughout the U.S. with a high percentage providing care in HPSA or MUAs.  The most recent class of graduates completed the program in May 2013 with a DNP. 100% of the 2011 graduates passed the National Certification Examination on the first attempt, and all were employed within three months of graduation. The attrition rate for the Class of 2011 cohort was 0%.

The front-loaded format includes four terms for didactic information. During the fifth term, the student begins a clinical practicum while completing didactic course work. The final four terms are dedicated full-time to clinical education with the educational experience culminating in a project. The program is completed on campus at UTHSC and the College’s calendar is followed (go to www.uthsc.edu/nursing then select Current Students and Academic Calendar).

We are fortunate to use local clinical sites which provide a richness of experience serving a wide variety of patients with high-quality anesthesia care.  Specialty anesthesia rotations, which occur during the full-time clinical component, include cardiothoracic, pediatric, pediatric oncology, neurosurgical, OB, trauma, burn, and rural site.

Currently, the clinical sites used by our students include the Methodist Healthcare Systems Hospitals, the Regional Medical Center, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Baptist Memorial Hospital - Union County.  All the sites are in the greater Memphis area with the exception of our rural experience in New Albany, MS.

It is important to understand the role, function, demands and expectations of CRNAs within the health care community.  This information can be obtained by direct clinical observation of a CRNA and from the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists website (http://www.aana.com).

Program Requirements Overview

DNP Nurse Anesthesia program requirements include a minimum GPA of 3.0 based on a 4.0 scale, a BSN, a minimum of one year of recent (within the past two years), full-time critical care (such as ICU) nursing experience and completion of the GRE (GRE Test Code is 6010) within five years of application. Official scores must be provided with application.

Cumulative GPA and Prior Degrees

The cumulative GPA computation is based on all collegiate work. As a summary statement, we are looking for students whose academic records clearly show their ability to be successful in graduate school. Basic science grades are an important indicator of academic ability. Only applicants with cumulative GPA = 3.0 based on all collegiate work or cumulative GPA = 3.2 earned during applicant’s most recently completed degree program will be considered for admission.  GPA calculation for most recently completed degree will be based only grades earned at the degree-granting institution.

Applicants may submit additional documents to demonstrate professional scholarship and leadership abilities that could make them more competitive.  Most of our applicants have, on average, three to five years of critical care experience.  CCRN certification is not yet required by our program but viewed positively as another indicator of knowledge and expertise in critical care nursing. We are interested in applicants with obvious maturity and a strong commitment to study and clinical excellence.

Application Process

September 1 is the application deadline for the Nurse Anesthesia Option for the cohort entering the following June. Application instructions are available.

Please note that all application materials, including official transcripts from all schools attended and recommendation forms, must be postmarked on or before the deadline in order for your application to be considered.

Contact Information

Jill S. Detty Oswaks, DNSc, CRNA
Associate Professor and Director of Nurse Anesthesia Option
(901) 448-6136
joswaks@uthsc.edu

Natalie Ensminger
Administrative Aide
(901) 448-6163
nensming@uthsc.edu

The UTHSC College of Nursing is a member of the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) Electronic Campus for distance education courses, programs and services offered through many institutions of higher education in the southeastern United States.

Future Student
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