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Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Nurse Anesthesia

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Nurse Anesthesia

DNP NURSE ANESTHESIA

Become a nurse anesthetist through the top-ranked DNP program at Johns Hopkins. Students learn to administer anesthesia to a diverse population of patients across the lifespan and in a wide array of clinical settings. Graduates are prepared to translate evidence-based practice into care and drive health care innovation.

EXPECT THE BEST

Students learn from faculty who are leaders in nurse anesthesia through a curriculum that will consist of campus-based and online coursework and clinical experiences at the Johns Hopkins Hospitals and partner institutions. Practice under real-world conditions using state-of-the-art simulation technology, and train in interprofessional teams with the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Students learn a comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced preparation for the certification exam.

CERTIFICATION

After successful completion of the 36-month curriculum, students will be eligible to apply for certification as a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) through the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). Certification to be a CRNA requires a passing score on the national certification exam administered by the NBCRNA.

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OVERVIEW

No. 1 DNP Program

Become a nurse anesthetist, consistently ranked one of U.S. News & World Report’s top 10 best jobs since 2016. The DNP Advanced Practice Nurse Anesthesiology track prepares students to administer anesthesia and anesthesia-related services independently and as a team member through a curriculum that emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership skills and systems-level thinking. Graduates become sought-after members of anesthesia departments and professional organizations; they are prepared to respond to the changing technology and health care policy landscape, and manage anesthesia needs across our aging and diverse population. Students will become associate members of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA).

This BSN to DNP or post-BSN to DNP program is designed for RNs with at least 1 year of full-time ICU or critical care experience. The program is also appropriate for RNs with an entry level MSN who have the required ICU or critical care experience. 

Council on Accreditation AccreditedCouncil on Accreditation
10275 W. Higgins Rd., Suite 906
Rosemont, IL  60018-5603
224-275-9130
https://www.coacrna.org
 

DNP Final Project

DNP graduates remain in practice, leading cross-professional teams in the improvement and provision of informed quality healthcare. The knowledge, skills, and abilities to conduct such work is developed across the program and applied in the conduct of the DNP final project.  The DNP final project is the student’s original work that establishes them as a Hopkins Nursing clinical scholar.

Project Requirements       DNP Projects

 

Additional Information

View the recording of the DNP Nurse Anesthesia program virtual information session.

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View the student panel discussion about the DNP Nurse Anesthesia program.

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Priority Application Deadlines

Summer Entry
September 15

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View Other DNP Tracks

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Requirements

Admission Criteria

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree or an entry-level nursing master's degree from an ACEN or CCNE accredited college or university or an equivalent degree from a comparable foreign institution
  • Scholastic GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Applicants must submit evidence of current unencumbered nursing license.*
  • One year of full-time RN experience in an ICU or critical care setting at the time of application
  • Certification as a critical care nurse (CCRN) at the time of application
  • Three letters of recommendation, one academic, two professional (one from direct supervisor and one preferably from anesthesia provider; check FAQs for detailed guidance on completing this requirement)
  • Official transcripts (from all previous colleges/universities)
  • Current Resume /CV (check FAQs for detailed guidance on completing this requirement)
  • A written statement of advance practice goals,including reason for interest in Johns Hopkins
  • GRE scores are accepted but not required
  • Interview with faculty (if moved forward by admissions committee)
  • TOEFL or IELTS if English is not your native language

Information for applicants with international education

* Admission to the program requires a current, unencumbered nursing license.  Students will be required to obtain additional unencumbered RN licenses during the program including Maryland, District of Columbia, and Virginia.  Additional RN licenses are likely to include Pennsylvania, Georgia, New Jersey and Florida.  Where applicable, a current unencumbered compact (multistate) license will substitute for a single state license.  Nursing licensure costs are the responsibility of the student.

Prerequisites

Take at Hopkins Nursing.
  • Undergraduate Statistics
  • Undergraduate Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry *

*This prerequisite course must be complete at the time of application. It is required that applicants have taken Undergraduate Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry within the last five years (at the time of application).

Courses must be completed at a regionally accredited college or university with a letter grade of B or better. Grade of B- will not be accepted.

Additional Information

  • Admitted students will be required to show successful completion of the Armstrong Institute for Patient Safety and Quality online patient safety certificate program.
  • Prior to beginning classes, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) must be completed and updated throughout program.
  • Admission to the program requires a current, unencumbered nursing license.  Students will be required to obtain additional unencumbered RN licenses during the program including Maryland, District of Columbia, and Virginia.  Additional RN licenses are likely to include Pennsylvania, Georgia, New Jersey and Florida.  Where applicable, a current unencumbered compact (multistate) license will substitute for a single state license.  Nursing licensure costs are the responsibility of the student.
     

Student Sponsorship

This program does not qualify for F-1 or J-1 student sponsorship. Legal Permanent Residents and non-immigrants who are otherwise physically present in the U.S. and in a status that allows for full or part-time study, may pursue this program.

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Curriculum

This is a three year in-person program with several online courses throughout the program. The first year of the program begins with a Human Anatomy course at the School of Medicine. The remainder of the program is a hybrid of in person and online courses. Simulations are interspersed in the didactic courses to prepare students for their first clinical experience starting in the second year.  All students are required to be on campus for the three years of the Plan of Study.

Program may be completed in 88 credits.

Students admitted prior to Summer 2024, questions about plans of study should contact the Academic Program.

 

Plan of Study

3 Year Plan

  • Summer I (10 Credits)
    • Health Promotion and Risk Reduction Across the Lifespan (2)*
    • Human Anatomy (4)
    • Health Finance (2)*
    • Introduction to Anesthesia Equipment, Technology, and Clinical Practice (2)
  • Fall I (11 Credits)
    • Biostatistics for Evidence-Based Practice (2)*
    • Advanced Physiology for Nurse Anesthesiology (4)
    • Clinical Pharmacology (3)
    • Advanced Nursing Health Policy (2)*
  • Spring I (12 Credits)
    • Advanced Pharmacology for Nurse Anesthesiology (3)
    • Advanced Pathophysiology for Nurse Anesthesiology (4)
    • The Research Process and Its Application to Evidence-Based Practice (2)*
    • Advanced Health Assessment and Measurement (3)
  • Summer II (8 Credits)
    • Nurse Anesthesiology Principles I (2)
    • Problem Discovery (1)*
    • Nursing Inquiry for Evidence-Based Practice (3)*
    • Clinical Residency I (2 days clinical/week) (2)
  • Fall II (10 Credits)
    • Nurse Anesthesiology Principles II (3)
    • Clinical Residency II (3 days clinical/week) (3)
    • Translating Evidence into Practice (2)*
    • Project Advancement (2)*
  • Winter Intercession II (1 Credit)
    • Clinical Residency III (4 days clinical/week) (1)
  • Spring II (9 Credits)
    • Nurse Anesthesiology Principles III (3)
    • Clinical Residency IV (4 days clinical/week) (3)
    • Project Application (1)*
    • Analysis and Evaluation of Individual and Population Health Data (2)*
  • Summer III (7 Credits)
    • Nurse Anesthesiology Principles IV (3)
    • Clinical Residency V (4 days clinical/week) (4)
  • Fall III (10 Credits)
    • Seminars in Nurse Anesthesiology I (3)
    • Organizational and Systems Leadership for Quality Care (2)*
    • Project Evaluation and Dissemination (1)*
    • Clinical Residency VI (4 days clinical/week) (4)
  • Winter Intercession III (1 credit)
    • Clinical Residency VII (4 days clinical/week) (1)
  • Spring III (9 Credits)
    • Seminars in Nurse Anesthesiology II (4)
    • Clinical Residency VIII (4 days clinical/week) (3)
    • Professional Aspects of Nurse Anesthesiology Practice (2)

*Online education courses (19 Credits)

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Tuition & Other Costs

View the costs for the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Nurse Anesthesia Track.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who can serve as a reference?
    Three letters of recommendation are required. One from a current supervisor/manager who completes your performance evaluation and is knowledgeable of your work performance and experience. One from an academic educator who can attest to your academic ability and your potential to complete the program. And one from an anesthesia provider who can convey your potential to become a CRNA (preferably from a CRNA). References should be recent, written for the purpose of your application to this program and from professors who know you as a student, current supervisors/managers and anesthesia providers who know you as a professional in a job setting. Personal references from colleagues, friends, or family members do not meet the requirement.
  • Do I need experience in an intensive care unit (ICU) or would experience in other areas qualify?
    At least one year (preferably two years) of current, full time ICU experience is required at time of application. Trauma ICU, CVICU and/or surgical ICU experience is preferred. Other intensive care areas that are acceptable include: neuro ICU, burn ICU, PICU, NICU, MICU, and CCU.
  • Can I gain experience in another critical care setting other than the ICU?
    A critical care area is defined as one where, on a routine basis, the registered professional nurse manages one or more of the following: invasive hemodynamic monitors (e.g., pulmonary artery, central venous pressure, and arterial catheters), cardiac assist devices, mechanical ventilation, and vasoactive infusions. Those who have experiences in other areas may be considered provided they can demonstrate competence with managing unstable patients, invasive monitoring, ventilators, and critical care pharmacology.
     
  • Do I need a bachelor’s degree in nursing to be considered?
    A bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in nursing is required at time of application. The program is designed for BSN or entry-level MSN nurses.
  • Do I need to move to Baltimore to complete the program?
    It is recommended that you live in the Baltimore Metropolitan area for the three years of the program. The program is rigorous and demanding. All in person classes are held at the East Baltimore campus.
  • Do you require a MD license to apply for the program?
    A Maryland RN license is not required at time of application. However, you must have a current, unencumbered RN license to practice in the United States. Prior to matriculation into the program, you will be required to obtain an unencumbered MD RN license (or licensure from a compact state) AND an unencumbered District of Columbia RN license.
  • Do you require CCRN certification for application or admission?
    CCRN certification is required at time of application.
  • Will I complete all of my clinical training at Johns Hopkins Medical Center?
    Currently, we have multiple clinical sites to which students will rotate: Johns Hopkins Hospital, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Johns Hopkins Howard County General Hospital, Johns Hopkins Suburban Hospital, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida, Winn Army Community Hospital in Fort Stewart Georgia, Tidal Health/Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury Maryland, Northwest Hospital, Sinai Hospital, Medstar Franklin Square Medical Center, Baltimore VA Hospital, Central Virginia VA Health System, Washington DC VA Hospital, UVA Health, INOVA Fairfax Hospital, Meritus Hagerstown Hospital, Hackensack University Medical Center.  (Travel expenses, on-boarding, and any site-specific requirements that incur an expense are the responsibility of the student.)
  • Will I be able to work part-time during the program?
    Due to the intensity, rigor, and demand of the program employment is strongly discouraged. At no time may a student be employed as an anesthesia provider.
  • I have completed graduate-level coursework at another institution. Is it possible to transfer these courses if I am admitted to the program?
    A maximum of six graduate-level semester credit hours can be applied to SON programs in the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing for course(s) previously taken from outside the School of Nursing. Course(s) must have been completed within five years of starting the degree program at JHSON.

    The following SON courses are eligible for transfer review:

    • NR210.606 Biostatistics for Evidence-Based Practice
    • NR210.608 The Research Process and Its Application to Evidence-Based Practice
    • NR210.610 Health Promotion and Risk Reduction across the Lifespan

    Students wishing to transfer any course from inside or outside the university must have earned a minimum grade of B in the course. The request to transfer credit must be concluded prior to the second semester registration period. If a student needs to take a course outside JHU once they have matriculated at the SON, they must obtain preauthorization prior to registering for the course.

    Students who have taken graduate core courses at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing within the last five years do not need to complete the Transfer of Graduate Credit form.

  • Where do graduates work after completing the program?
    Graduates of the program will be prepared to the fullest scope of nurse anesthesia practice and to work independently or within an anesthesia team setting.
     
  • How many students are accepted in each cohort?
    Up to 25 students will be accepted in each cohort.
     
  • Should I observe the role of a CRNA before I apply?
    It is highly recommended that you observe a CRNA prior to applying to the program. If possible, you should spend an entire shift observing the CRNA to get an idea of what a typical day may be like.
  • Who should I ask to complete my letters of recommendation?
    • At least one letter should come from a recent or current direct supervisor/manager (the person who is responsible for your performance evaluation)
    • At least one letter should come from an academic faculty member who can speak to your ability to successfully complete a demanding graduate level academic and clinical program.
    • It is preferred that the third letter come from an anesthesia provider.  Alternatively, the third letter can come from a second academic faculty member or an individual in a leadership position who can speak to your clinical abilities.
    • Personal references from colleagues, friends, or family members do not meet the requirement.
    • If you are unable to provide one of the reference letters above, please upload a statement of explanation to your application.

       
  • What information should I include in my resume/CV?
    Please include the following information in your resume or CV:
    • Work experience (include dates, sites and locations; paid and unpaid; any residency participation)
    • Education Background
    • Scholarly activities (research, presentations, publications, honors, awards)
    • Professional activities (leadership, certifications, professional organization membership, service on committees)
    • Community Service/Volunteerism
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Funding Opportunities

Scholarships & Grants

Grants are awards based on financial need that do not have to be repaid. Many students also benefit from scholarships and awards based on merit.

Scholarships & Grants

Loans

Many students will avail themselves of loans to help finance their School of Nursing Education. If necessary, we encourage you to borrow only what is absolutely essential to cover your educational costs.

Loans

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