Program Overview

---

Doctor of Nursing Practice Nurse Anesthesia

The Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia (DNP-NA) at the FIU Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences is a challenging and rewarding academic and clinical undertaking consisting of nine continuous semesters of full-time graduate study.

Program Overview

As advanced practice registered nurses, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) work with a high degree of autonomy and professional respect wherever anesthesia is delivered, for which they are well compensated. Our graduates are well regarded by employers as competent, confident, and ready to hit the ground running. As a student in our program, you'll receive a strong educational foundation in science, nursing, and anesthesia care that also emphasizes research and service to the community.

Cutting-Edge Education

You'll learn from doctorally prepared faculty in the classroom and gain 21st-century clinical skills by using high-fidelity patient simulation and the latest medical equipment throughout the curriculum. We provide innovative educational and training opportunities in every aspect of anesthesia care through our internationally recognized virtual hospital -- the FIU S.T.A.R. Center for Simulation Teaching And Research. During the hospital clinical education portion of our program, you receive first-class instruction and practical experience at five major medical centers in the Greater Miami area.

A Dedicated Endeavor

The education and training required to become a CRNA is analogous to a typical medical residency program. The curriculum is challenging mentally, academically, clinically, and physically. The time commitment is significant, but so are the responsibilities and the rewards. The expectation of averaging 60 hours per week dedicated to classroom, clinical, and study time in the program is why outside employment is strongly discouraged and logistically very difficult. Additionally, employment in the administration of anesthesia in title or function of a nurse anesthetist while enrolled in the program is EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED.

Admission Criteria

Only applications marked complete by the application deadline of February 1st will be reviewed and considered. Specific instructions accompany the NursingCAS DNP Anesthesia Program Application. These instructions MUST be followed carefully to have the application processed correctly. Please note that you must (1) complete the NursingCAS application AND (2) the FIU Graduate Admissions Supplemental Application. Application materials will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee to identify candidates who will advance to the next stage and be invited to attend an Information & Interview session. The Admissions Committee will make the final determination for acceptance into the program after the interview.

Program Details

• 9 semesters
• 36 months
• 110 credits
• 55 students admitted annually

Licensing Eligibility

Upon completion of the FIU DNP-Nurse Anesthesia program, graduates will be eligible to take the National Certification Examination to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), as well as apply for the Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) credential with a specialization as a nurse anesthetist from the Florida Board of Nursing.

Accreditation

The DNP Anesthesiology Nursing Program at Florida International University is fully accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA). The program's accreditation review was completed in October 2022. The Program received 10-year continued accreditation until Fall 2033.

Performance Outcomes

Performance outcomes reported for the FIU Doctor of Nursing Practice Anesthesiology Nursing Program graduation class (December 2024) as of January 6th, 2025 are as follows:

• Graduation rate: 100%
• Attrition rate: 10%
• Employment rate: 100% within 1 month of graduation
• FIU Class of 2024 Nurse Anesthesia First Time Pass Rate: 100%
• The National Average First Time Pass Rate: Pending

Additional Information

Information last updated: January 6th, 2025