Graduate Program
Nurse Anesthesiology
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Nurse Anesthesiology
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Nurse Anesthesiology program at USF incorporates many cutting-edge technologies, including human anesthesia simulation, while providing a fully integrated learning environment for students. The classroom and clinical setting are designed to achieve integration of the knowledge, skills and ability necessary for the development of competent and proficient Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs).
The DNP in Nurse Anesthesiology program has teamed up with the Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS) to provide a state-of-the-art simulation experience, which is integrated into the curriculum. CAMLS is part of the USF Health Simulation Consortium, which has received Level I accreditation as a comprehensive education center from the American College of Surgeons (ACS). The program is a challenging, 94-credit, 9-semester, full-time academic and clinical endeavor.
Certification: All DNP in Nurse Anesthesiology program graduates are prepared to sit for the National Certification Exam (NCE) administered/tracked by the National Board of Certification & Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).
Accreditations – Visit our Accreditation page to learn more.
-
Admission is limited and very competitive. The number of applicants surpasses the number of admission seats. The applicant is responsible for compiling and submitting the complete set of materials. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Applicants must meet University Admission and English Proficiency requirements, as well as requirements for admission to the major, listed below.
Please consult the Graduate Catalog for more information.
Please review the 2024 Nurse Anesthesiology Open House for detailed program information.
Disclaimer:
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Acceptance into the program will be reserved for the best-qualified applicants who fulfill all admission requirements.Technical Standards
The practice of nurse anesthesiology is physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging. All applicants to the nurse anesthesiology program must meet technical standards required for nurse anesthesiology practice. The provision of safe, competent anesthesia services requires that practitioners demonstrate cognitive, technical, observational, and behavioral skills. Students need to have the physical and emotional endurance to adapt to a demanding graduate program. Applicants must have all required abilities to successfully progress through the DNP in Nurse Anesthesiology.For a complete list of abilities, please review the Consolidated Student Handbook (Appendix A3- p.11).
Individuals with a Documented History of Substance Abuse:
The anesthesiology profession is recognized as having one of the highest rates of substance abuse among all health care professions. As a result, persons who have a history of substance abuse are strongly urged to seek professional growth in a direction other than nurse anesthesiology. If you have a history of substance abuse, are in or have completed a recovery or treatment program, we strongly urge you to consider the serious personal risks involved in entering the anesthesia profession. We suggest you consult your counselor, therapist or other health care professional for guidance, and strongly urge you to consider an alternative professional pathway within the nursing profession.We acknowledge that substance abuse is an accepted disease and, as such, individuals with a history of substance abuse who wish to pursue a degree in nurse anesthesiology may do so in accordance with the guidelines set forth. All students must perform in accordance with accepted professional behavior standards and ethical codes of conduct at all times. Violations of these principles and guidelines are grounds for immediate dismissal without the right of appeal.
The College of Nursing reserves the right to recommend the withdrawal or dismissal of any student whose health, conduct, academic or clinical performance is below the standards of the College of Nursing's Nurse Anesthesiology program.
Important Information:
All admitted nursing students are required to complete a background check, immunization verification, and drug screening. Additionally, students will be required to provide proof of current health insurance. Admitted students will be provided with the steps to complete this process.
Complete By: First week of class Required Immunizations: MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Tdap Booster (Documentation), TB Skin Test, CPR Certification (American Heart Association), Flu Shot Note: This requirement is not the same as the USF Student Health Services (USF Health Form) and cannot be submitted as a substitute.
-
The DNP Program Curriculum can be found in the USF Graduate Catalog.
-
Applicants who meet the admission requirements should complete the steps below to successfully apply:
Submit a Graduate Admissions Application
- USF Graduate Admissions Application
- For all questions, contact USF Admissions Office at (813) 974-3350 or visit its website
- Note: Do not upload supplemental documentation; please bypass these sections of the application (e.g., test scores, transcripts and personal statements)
Submit a NursingCAS Application
- NursingCAS Application
- Students must have their USF ID number (Example: U12345678) before starting the NursingCAS application.
- Select your intended term of entry.
- Create a NursingCAS account and submit the application with fee.
- Submit all official transcripts to NursingCAS.
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
- High school transcripts are not required.
- Submit all supplementary materials in the NursingCAS application. Do not send transcripts or additional documents to USF Admissions unless specifically requested.
- For technical questions regarding your NursingCAS account, please contact NursingCAS at 617-612-2880 or nursingcasinfo@nursingcas.org. Please refer to the Application Deadlines tab for reference if you do not see your desired term of entry in NursingCAS.
Required Documentation: All documentation (e.g., transcripts, resume, certifications, etc.) must be submitted to NursingCAS by the deadline in order for applications to be considered.
Interview Requirement: In addition to fulfilling the application requirements, a personal interview with faculty will be required.
Learn more by attending an information session and application workshop.
International Admissions
- Foreign Transcripts: All coursework and degrees completed outside the United States require a course-by-course evaluation from an approved evaluating agency. Foreign transcript evaluation services are approved by the USF Graduate School. Please note that the Florida Board of Nursing maintains its own list of approved evaluating agencies.Transcript evaluations must be received at the College of Nursing in their original sealed envelopes by the deadlines posted.
- English Language: Applicants from countries where English is not the official language must demonstrate English proficiency. Please see USF Graduate Catalog for more information or contact USF Office of International Admissions.
Applicants Rights and Responsibilities:
Applicants have the right to be treated in a respectful, timely, and truthful manner. Applicants have the right to have their applications evaluated with the same degree of consideration as any other applicant. Applicants have the responsibility to inform the concentration administration of any changes in their application packets. Applicants are required to submit applications and material by the stated deadline and to be truthful in the applications, as well as in all communication.
-
Term: Summer
Application Open: February 15
Deadline to Apply: January 31 (August 15 priority deadline*)*Indicates the earliest date when the college will begin accepting students.
Student Handbook
The Nurse Anesthesiology student handbook is a collection of procedures, guidelines, and information pertaining to the Nurse Anesthesiology Program.
*Handbooks supplement the College of Nursing Academic Policies and Procedures.
Graduate Certificate
Continue Your Education in the Advanced Pain Management Fellowship
This is an innovative advanced pain management certificate for certified registered nurse anesthetist providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
We admit approximately 60 students annually.
-
The USF Nurse Anesthesia master's program received accreditation and admitted its first class in 2006. In 2011, the program had a standard five-year review from the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA), and at that time was awarded a maximum 10-year national extension on accreditation. Shifting from awarding a master’s to a doctoral degree to meet a nationwide mandate, in October 2017, the DNP Nurse Anesthesiology program received accreditation. The DNP in Nurse Anesthesiology Program received the maximum accreditation from the COA and is accredited until 2032.
-
The College of Nursing cannot admit students to the university; this responsibility lies within the gradate school. This status means that the college has recommended an individual for admission to the graduate school. The graduate school will process this request, and unless there are issues (such as criminal or academic dishonest history, and/or false information on application) will admit the student and send the formal notification to the student.
-
Visit the college's Accreditation page for complete details.
-
Students will be ensured a 1:1 clinical supervision ratio throughout their junior year and during specialty rotations in their senior year. This is in their best interest of clinical education. We also want our students to build up autonomy in their senior year, so they will be assigned to a 1:2 clinical supervision ratio when it is appropriate.
-
Classes will take place at the USF Health College of Nursing, CAMLS, and online.
-
We have current students attend interviews to allow the applicants a chance to ask questions during the tour, as well as a student panel interview to allow the applicant to ask additional questions. If you accept admission, you will be matched with a junior or senior student who will reach out and answer any additional questions you may have. We respect our current students' extremely busy schedules and do not allow applicants to contact them, as we want them to focus on their personal success.
-
USF’s Nurse Anesthesiology is a full-time lockstep program, which requires that all cohorts take all their courses together. We do not allow students to transfer in any curriculum courses.
-
Yes, orientation is required for each formally admitted student. Orientation will be held in late Spring and prior to the start of the program. In addition, every student is expected to attend live Intensives typically offered in the first week of Summer semester.
-
We do not require an admission deposit. You simply need to return your Intent to Enroll form in by the specified deadline.
-
Our first attempt pass rate on the National Certification Exam (NCE) for our most recently graduated DNP Nurse Anesthesiology Major cohort was 91.8%. Our overall NCE pass rate was 100% within 90 days of program completion for all DNP Nurse Anesthesiology graduates.
-
The attrition rate for our most recently graduated DNP Nurse Anesthesiology Major cohort was 2%.
-
100% of our students were employed upon graduation.
Sustainability and the Future of Nursing: 2024 Alexander and Victoria L. Rich Distinguished Lecture
This year’s Alexander and Victoria L. Rich Distinguished Lecture welcomed USF Health College of Nursing alumna Erika Kimball back to campus.
USF Health College of Nursing Leads Panel Discussion on the Health Needs of International Maritime Workers at IPCC
USF Health College of Nursing Leads Panel Discussion on the Health Needs of International Maritime Workers at IPCC.
-
Alaina BoudreauAdmissions Recruiter Advisor813-396-9135
-
Melissa Jay, MAT, BSN, RN, PMPMelissa Jay, MAT, BSN, RN, PMPSenior Academic Services Administrator/Academic Advisor
Our Faculty
-
Michelle Canale, DNP, CRNA, APRN, FAANAAssistant Dean and Director, Nurse Anesthesiology Program*Admissions questions email aboudreau@usf.edu
-
Sierra Gower, PhD, CRNA, APRNInstructor, Nurse Anesthesiology Program813-224-7834
-
Karla Maldonado, DrAP, CRNA, APRN, FAANAAssistant Professor and Assistant Director, Nurse Anesthesiology Program813-224-7880
-
John Maye, PhD, CRNA, APRNProfessor, Nurse Anesthesiology Program; Director, Affiliated Fellowships and Pain Management Education Coordinator813-224-7802
-
Erik Rauch, DNP, CRNA, APRN, NSPM-CAssistant Professor, Nurse Anesthesiology Program813-974-0851
-
Eleanor Rawson, DNP, CRNA, APRN, CHSEAssistant Professor and Simulation Coordinator, Nurse Anesthesiology Program813-224-7805
-
Kenneth Wofford, PhD, CRNA, CHSE, FAWM, DiMMAssociate Professor, Nurse Anesthesiology Program813-224-7831
-
Sarah Jingying Zhang, PhD, CRNA, APRNAssociate Professor, Nurse Anesthesiology Program
-
Cindi Dabney, PhD, DNP, CRNA, APRNAssistant Professor, Nurse Anesthesiology Program901-830-8954
-
Mayte Diaz, DNP, CRNA, APRNMayte Diaz, DNP, CRNA, APRNAssistant Professor, Nurse Anesthesiology Program
-
Adam Davies, DNP, CRNA, APRNAssistant Professor, Nurse Anesthesiology Program