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Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice with an Emphasis in Health Administration (Entry Program)

Average Time to Complete Degree: 36 months

Advance Your Career With a DNAP Degree From Webster

Take Command of Patient Care

Earn your Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) with an Emphasis in Health Administration at Webster University. Our program focuses on equipping nurse anesthetists with education and skills in clinical practice-oriented leadership through evidence-based research, quality improvement, intradepartmental collaboration, financial management and systems leadership.

Program Spotlight: Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice

Our DNAP program offers students the high-quality, hands-on training required to deliver excellent patient care through clinical partnerships with more than 30 sites, including private practice and university-based facilities. Graduates earn real-world experience working in a variety of these partner institutions using a broad range of anesthetic techniques caring for patients of all ages.

Learn From Industry-Leading Health Care Professionals

Our DNAP faculty includes experienced health care professionals who are passionate about patient care, as well as educating future anesthetists. You will participate in highly engaging classes taught by industry-leading faculty with years of professional, academic and research experience.

Hands-On Experience in Real-World Facilities

We are fortunate to have access to more than 30 clinical sites and a state-of-the-art simulation center. These facilities afford us the opportunity to offer our students comprehensive exposure to a variety of specialist settings, which include cardiothoracic, pediatrics and obstetrics, as well as opportunities in rural settings.

Nurse Anesthesia Program Academic Information

Doctoral Research Scholarly Project Requirement

In order to fulfill the graduate research project requirement, students must develop and execute a doctoral scholarly project. Webster University offers a variety of diverse and dynamic opportunities in the areas of research and evidence-based inquiry, including bench, clinical, survey research, policy and protocol analysis, quality improvement and evidence-based practice analysis.

Professional Development Opportunities

The DNAP Program is committed to providing service to the University, the community, the profession and the nation. Faculty and NA residents become members of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) and the Missouri Association of Nurse Anesthetists (MOANA).

COA-Accredited Degree

Webster University is accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) for the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice entry level and completion programs.

Program Statistics

Attrition Rates	Pass Rates	Employment Rates
2025 Cohort	0% (24/24)	TBD first-time pass rate, TBD overall pass rate	TBD
2024 Cohort	4% (23/24)	83% first-time pass rate, 96% overall pass rate	96%
2023 Cohort	4% (23/24)	92% first-time pass rate, 100% overall pass rate	100%
2022 Cohort	5% (18/19)	64% first-time pass rate, 100% overall pass rate	100%
2021 Cohort	0% (22/22)	64% first-time pass rate, 100% overall pass rate	100%
2020 Cohort	5% (18/19)	83% first-time pass rate, 100% overall pass rate	100%
2019 Cohort	0% (17/17)	88% first-time pass rate, 100% overall pass rate	100%
2018 Cohort	0% (16/16)	88% first-time pass rate, 100% overall pass rate	100%
2017 Cohort	6% (16/17)	94% first-time pass rate, 100% overall pass rate	100%
2016 Cohort	0% (18/18)	100% first-time pass rate, 100% overall pass rate	100%

Performance Standards

The Department of Advanced Clinical Sciences acknowledges the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Sensory

• Discriminate variations in human responses to disease using visual, auditory, tactile and other sensory cues.
• Discriminate changes in monitoring devices and alarms using visual and auditory senses.
• Communicate clearly and effectively in English through oral and written methods in order to communicate with other health care providers and patients of all ages.
• Comprehend written and verbal communications in English.

Motor

• Coordinate gross and fine motor movements and the senses of touch and vision to competently and safely accomplish required responsibilities such as inserting intravascular access, administering regional anesthetic techniques and performing airway management techniques.
• Demonstrate sufficient physical strength to perform airway management, and move and position patients and equipment.
• Sufficient stamina to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Safely maneuver in the operating room and other anesthetizing locations.
• Respond appropriately to alarms and changes in patient conditions that require physical interventions.

Cognitive

• Use reason, analysis, calculations, problem solving, critical thinking, self-evaluation and other learning skills to acquire knowledge, comprehend, and synthesize complex concepts.
• Ability to discern and adhere to program and affiliate policies.
• Interpret information derived from auditory, written and other visual data to determine appropriate anesthetic management plans.
• Apply theoretical knowledge to practice to provide safe anesthetic care.

Behavioral

• Demonstrate personal and professional self-control, as well as tactfulness, sensitivity, compassion, honesty, integrity, empathy and respect.
• Demonstrate cultural competency and situational awareness.
• Demonstrate the ability to adapt and work effectively in stressful and rapidly changing situations.
• Cooperate with other members of the health care team to provide a therapeutic environment and safe patient care.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees listed reflect the class of 25-26 Academic Years are as follows:

• Tuition (per term) - $6,780
• Fees (per term) - $925
• Total approximate cost (15 terms) - $101,700 (tuition) + $13,875 (fees) = $115,875
• Tuition and fees are subject to increases each academic year

Fees of $13,500 for the entire program include but are not limited to the following items:

• Housing for out-of-town clinical rotations.
• Course laboratory and research supplies.
• Simulation equipment and supplies.
• Professional liability insurance (except for increases if uninsurable through the standard policy).
• American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology associate membership dues.
• One annual recertification session for BLS, ACLS and PALS.
• One Self-Evaluation Exam (SEE).
• One National Certification Examination (NCE).
• Thesis binding and copying expenses with one copy provided to each student.
• Stipend to attend the AANA Annual Congress as a third-year student.

Items not included within the tuition and fees structure include but are not limited to:

• Health insurance (students are required to have coverage).
• Parking (optional but recommended).
• Textbooks (required).
• Board Exam review course(s) and materials.
• Attendance at Missouri Association of Nurse Anesthetist events (required).
• University graduation fee.

What Can You Do with a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice?

Webster University has carefully designed our DNAP curriculum to ensure students graduate with a strong evidence-based educational foundation, as well as hands-on clinical experience to assist in a strong transition into an anesthesia career.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Nurse Anesthetists was $213,650 in May 2023.

Our state-of-the-art operating room is outfitted with a modern anesthesia machine and a high-fidelity human patient simulation mannequin. Our DNAP students experience the challenges and intensity of a real operating room setting to fully prepare them for work in professional surgeries with our partner clinics and beyond.

When you graduate with your Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice with an Emphasis in Health Administration from Webster University, you’ll be qualified to work as a clinical practitioner integrated at any level and prepared to take on leadership roles.

• Nurse Anesthetist
• Health Care Consultant
• Practice/Hospital Administrator
• Educator/Advocate

Related Programs to the DNAP with an Emphasis in Health Administration

• Master’s in Health Administration (MHA)
• CRNA to DNAP Completion Degree

Frequently Asked Questions for Applicants

How competitive is the program and what makes an applicant competitive?

Approximately 60-80 applicants complete the admissions process per year. The Admissions Committee invites 45-50 of the most qualified applicants for an on-campus interview. We admit up to 24 students each year. A few select applicants are placed on a waitlist should a candidate have to withdraw prior to the start of the program for any reason.

The most competitive applicants will have a strong and recent (within the last 5-6 years) prerequisite coursework in areas such as physics, biochemistry and organic chemistry, with grades of B or better. They also will have a strong professional background as a registered nurse in an critical care setting, obtained by working in an ICU and evidenced by their CCRN certification.

What is the application deadline and admission timeline?

Applications must be postmarked by June 1, with interviews to be scheduled in August or September. Interviews take place on the Webster Groves, Missouri campus, and students will be notified within two weeks of interviews regarding their admission status. The admitted cohort will begin the following Summer term.

Is the Graduate Record Entrance (GRE) exam required for admission?

No.

Do I need a bachelor's degree in Nursing to apply?

No. Students must be registered nurses, whether through a two-year, four-year or accelerated BSN program. However, all graduate-level applicants must have a prior bachelor's degree in any field.

I am re-applying to your program. What documents do I need to re-submit?

• An updated purpose statement.
• An updated resume.
• Two new/updated letters of recommendation.
• Current nursing license.
• Current copies of your ACLS, BLS, PALS and CCRN (with score sheet) and any other continuing education certifications.
• Official transcripts for any course(s) taken since last applying to the program.

Re-applicants:

• Do not submit a new application, unless personal information has changed after submission of the previous application.
• Do not pay another application fee.
• Do not submit a new CRNA shadow verification form.
• Do not need to request official transcripts submitted for a previous application year unless the transcripts are more than 3 years old.

My undergraduate cumulative GPA was low, but I did well in my nursing classes. Should I apply?

If you have a lower cumulative GPA, it would be necessary to have evidence of strong post-graduation work. We look for a minimum cumulative GPA of a 3.0. The most competitive applicants have a higher overall GPA with higher grades in the sciences. Specifically, the admissions committee seeks a minimum overall basic science GPA of 3.0. If your science grades were below a B, we would encourage you to repeat some of your basic sciences courses before you apply.

Can I submit a shadow verification form from an anesthesiologist to satisfy the CRNA shadow verification?

No. Students are required to submit a shadow verification form from a CRNA whom they have shadowed. This step demonstrates an applicant's commitment to pursuing Nurse Anesthesia as a career.

Can a preceptor write the reference letter as the 'immediate supervisor'?

No. A charge nurse would be more acceptable than a preceptor. However, a manager or supervisor is preferred.

How do I obtain CCRN certification?

You should contact the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. We prefer that you pass the Adult CCRN. Candidates should submit their score sheet with their application.

I have worked mostly in the ER and/or OR. Would I be competitive with other applicants?

It is necessary to gain critical care experience in an ICU setting before applying. Competitive applicants will have extensive experience with bedside care and nursing skills based on managing unstable patients using advanced invasive monitoring, ventilators and critical care pharmacology.

Can students work while they're in the program?

We do not encourage students to work while they are in the Nurse Anesthesia program. Between clinical hours and the academic rigor of the program, students would find it difficult to work. Weekends are usually spared for study and family time.

How much time is spent in class and clinicals?

Nurse Anesthesia students at Webster follow a 9-week term system. There are 5 of these 9-week terms in a calendar year (Spring I, Spring II, Summer, Fall I, Fall II). The program starts in the Summer term.

In the first year, students are in class for full days, Monday–Friday, with clinical simulation held multiple times per week. Clinical rotations begin in the Spring II term (Fridays only) of the first year in the program. In the second year, students are in class two days a week with three days spent in clinicals during the Summer term. Clinical practicum increases to four days a week (Monday–Thursday) with class on Fridays the following Fall I term for the remainder of the program.

Would I be required to do any clinical work outside of St. Louis?

Yes. Webster has more than 30 clinical facilities, several of which are out of the St. Louis area, including out-of-state locations in Illinois and Kentucky. Each facility offers a unique set of opportunities. All students are required to participate in at least 4-5 out-of-town rotations (9-week term). Housing is provided for out-of-town clinical rotations.

Is any of the program completed through online courses?

Yes. There are 7 online courses that comprise our doctoral core curriculum. These courses cover required content on leadership, policy, advocacy, population health, organizational management and finance.

Are transfer credits accepted?

No. This is a cohort program, meaning that admitted students each year take their courses in a set rotation that cannot be changed, even if students have completed graduate courses at a different institution.

Is financial aid available?

Yes, in the form of student loans. Financial assistance from Webster University is limited to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are degree-seeking students at Webster.

We highly encourage students to seek opportunities for outside sources of funding by creating a student profile on For additional questions or to schedule an appointment with a financial aid counselor, contact the Financial Aid Office at , or .

Can I schedule a time to meet with a representative to learn more about the program?

Absolutely. Prospective students and applicants who have questions about the program and the admission process may contact our Nurse Anesthesia admission counselor.

Lionel White Associate Director of Graduate Admissions Email Phone

How can I confirm if a course I’m considering will fulfill the prerequisite requirements?

The following prerequisite courses are required:

• Organic chemistry (3 credits) OR Biochemistry (3 credits): This course should not include any general chemistry content. A good indicator of this is a general chemistry prerequisite for the course. Courses that include general chemistry content (typically found in the title or course description) will not be accepted. Courses that combine organic and bio-chemistry are acceptable, but again there should be no mention of general chemistry content in the course title or description.
• Physics (3 credits): college-level, algebra-based (calculus-based not recommended but acceptable)

Contact the Admissions Office to Find Out More

If you have more questions about the program, your application or other enrollment-related inquiries, contact our Admissions Office.

Call or or send an email to .

Applications to the program are submitted via NursingCAS. The portal can be found here: NursingCAS | Applicant Login Page Section

Get Started on Your Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Degree

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