Program Overview

Introduction to the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Program

The Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) program is designed for registered nurses with a bachelor's degree who aspire to a leadership role in the profession of nurse anesthesia. The program aims to prepare competent, skilled nurse anesthesia practitioners and nurture innovative, creative leaders for the advancement of the profession.

Program Overview

The DNAP program is housed in Gonzaga's School of Health Sciences and the School of Anesthesia at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, jointly owned and operated by Gonzaga University and Providence Health Care. The program boasts several advantages, including little competition with other learners, practicing faculty who are actively engaged in the field, an integrated nurse anesthesia program with early clinical practicum, an excellent certification exam pass rate, and a competitive cost structure.

Program Details

• Duration and Credits: The program spans 9 semesters, requiring 88 credits.
• Clinical Hours: Students must complete a minimum of 3,342 clinical hours.
• Cost: The program has a competitive per-credit pricing structure of $1,345 per credit.
• Accreditation: The nurse anesthesia program is accredited through the Fall of 2026 by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.

Curriculum

The curriculum is structured over three years, with each year divided into three semesters. The course progression includes a variety of subjects such as Basic Principles of Anesthesia, Anatomy and Advanced Physiology, Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Health Assessment, and Evidence-Based Practice in Anesthesia, among others. Clinical practicum begins in the second semester and continues throughout the program.

Admission Requirements

• Critical Care Experience: Applicants must have at least one year of critical care experience.
• RN Experience: A minimum of two years of experience as a registered nurse is required, with at least one year in critical care.
• ACLS and PALS Certifications: These must be obtained prior to starting the program.
• GPA: Students must achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 to be eligible to graduate.
• Transfer Credits: The DNAP Program does not accept external credits toward the DNAP degree.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the DNAP program will be able to integrate the chemistry and pharmacology of anesthesia, recognize chemical structures of anesthesia and adjunct drugs, discuss normal physiology and anatomy, and identify pathophysiologic conditions. They will also be able to develop anesthesia care plans, administer anesthesia for various procedures, and design and conduct research projects.

Program Objectives

The objectives of the DNAP program include seeking out and selecting persons who have demonstrated professional excellence, providing a faculty that supports and models the program's goals, and fostering a dynamic educational environment. The program aims to surpass accreditation requirements, foster a commitment to continuing professional education, and encourage development as people of integrity dedicated to the service of humankind.

Information Sessions

The department offers virtual information sessions for prospective students to learn more about the program, including curriculum, clinical experiences, application and interview processes, and career outcomes. These sessions provide an opportunity to connect with faculty and nurse anesthesia residents and ask questions about the program.