The DNAP degree is a professional practice degree in nurse anesthesia. It provides foundational sciences, anesthesia-specific courses, and clinical practicums designed to prepare graduates for the National Certification Examination (NCE).

The curriculum emphasizes the utilization of research findings for evidence-based clinical practice, education, and administration/business management related to nurse anesthesia. In addition to foundational courses, students must complete a Scholarly Project, which demonstrates their ability to translate research findings into practice. PUDCJBR faculty mentor each DNAP student to complete a Scholarly Project that focuses on enhancing evidence-based nurse anesthesia clinical practice, education, and administration/business management.

Throughout the program, students will take the Self-Evaluation Examination (SEE) administered by NBCRNA three times, at their own expense. The SEE serves three purposes:

• • To provide students with information about their progress in the anesthesia nursing education program.
  • To inform program administrators about how well their programs are preparing students with the necessary knowledge for anesthesia practice.
  • To prepare students for the National Certification Examination (NCE), which requires a minimum passing score of 450. Failure to meet this requirement will result in the student not graduating and being ineligible to take the NCE.

The program is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA), allowing graduates to take the NCE and work in the USA.