College of Health Sciences, Glendale Campus

The DNAP Program may be completed in 12 months of full-time study or 24 months of part-time study. Courses are intended to strengthen skills in areas relevant to the improvement of clinical practice or education. Research, statistics, process improvement, and ethics are just a few of the courses and topics.

A scholarly project is required. These projects are intended to improve the anesthesia practice environment where the student is employed while adding to the body of knowledge on the selected topic. Analysis of the practice environment of each student is used to plan and execute the scholarly project under the direction of a project committee chaired by one of the program faculty.

The DNAP Completion Program is designed for motivated CRNAs who desire to earn a practice-orientated doctoral degree. A prior master's degree in nurse anesthesia education and clinical experience form the foundation for acquiring new advanced knowledge that prepares the CRNA to assume leadership positions in nurse anesthesia administration and education. To achieve leadership positions, the curriculum specifically addresses patients, community, health organizations and systems analysis, quality assessment and improvement, leadership, policy analysis, best practice evidence, education process and research. The on-line curriculum is structured as either a one- or two-year course of study. The DNAP degree focuses on anesthesia.

To be eligible to graduate, DNAP students will:

• Complete and pass all of the DNAP Program courses listed in the curriculum.
• Achieve a passing grade in the DNAP program: >80%.
• Present a final scholarly project with the approval of the scholarly project committee.
• Receive a favorable recommendation from the Nurse Anesthesia Program, Program Student, Academic Review Committee, and the College of Health Sciences Student Promotion and Graduation Committee.
• Be recommended for conferral of the doctoral degree by the University Faculty Senate.
• Settle all financial accounts with the University.
• Complete all graduation clearance requirements as instructed by the Office of the Registrar.

The Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) completion degree program for CRNAs is approved by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, 222 S. Prospect Avenue Park Ridge, Ill. 60068-4001 Main Number: 847-655-1160 Fax: 847-692-7137 Email: Accreditation@coa.us.com;  www.coacrna.org .

Midwestern University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604-1413.

1. Completion of a graduate degree in nurse anesthesia or equivalent granted by a regionally accredited U.S. college or university and the Council on Accreditation for Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs allowing entry into the practice of nurse anesthesia.
2. Licensure to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) and certification to practice as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). An unrestricted license to practice in at least one legal jurisdiction in the United States or its territories is required.  Note: Those newly graduated Nurse Anesthesis students have until the end of the first quarter to successfully pass their NCE. 
3. Demonstration of sincere understanding of and interest in the clinical doctorate.
4. Oral and written communication skills necessary to interact with faculty, patients, and colleagues.  

Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis until the maximum enrollment for the program is reached. Students are advised to complete their application files as early as possible to ensure timely consideration.