Nov 25, 2024  
2024-2025 Graduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Graduate Catalog

Nurse Anesthesia Practice, DNAP


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Program Description

The Missouri State University School of Anesthesia is a 36 month program that provides the scientific foundation and clinical training that prepares anesthesia providers as certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA) at the clinical doctorate level.

Program Accreditation

The Missouri State University School of Anesthesia is fully accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, the official accrediting agency for nurse anesthetists. They may be contacted at 10275 W. Higgins Rd, Suite 906, Rosemont, IL 60018-5603; Phone: 224-275-9130.

Entrance Requirements

All applicants must meet the following requirements:

  1. A bachelor’s degree in an area of life science, nursing, or chemistry from an accredited institution in the U.S. or equivalent training in a foreign country;
  2. Undergraduate work must include inorganic chemistry (4 hrs), organic chemistry (3 hrs), microbiology, human anatomy, human physiology, and genetics (strongly recommended);
  3. A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale for the last 60 hours of coursework. Emphasis will be placed on science courses;
  4. Submission of official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores taken no earlier than five years prior to application with a preferred minimum score of 153 in Verbal Reasoning, 150 in Qualitative Reasoning, and 3.5 in Analytical Writing, or successful passing of the CCRN exam (preferred);
  5. Current licensure as a registered nurse in the U.S.;
  6. A minimum of one year experience in an acute care setting is required;
  7. Current BLS, ACLS, PALS certification are required;
  8. A personal interview with a screening committee;
  9. The application deadline is June 30th. Interviews are scheduled within 3 months of the application deadline;
  10. Students are required to complete a criminal background check and a drug screen prior to beginning classes;
  11. Students will pay the current association fee to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) for an associate membership during the initial semester of the program.
  12. A $500.00 confirmation deposit is required to hold a seat in the class once a student has accepted a cohort position. The fee is required to be paid to Missouri State University and is used as part of the first semester’s tuition.

Degree Requirements Minimum Credit Hours: 119 - BS - DNAP


Research/Capstone Requirement Total Credit Hours: 6


Each student will complete a Capstone project. This project must be started in the ANE 897  class and completed in the ANE 898  class. Students are allowed to work in groups of 2, or maximum 3, if approved by the Program Director.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (MS - DNAP)


Students who have already completed the CRNA certification at the Master’s level, can be admitted into the completion program, requiring 27 hours for completion. These hours may be completed via distance and may be completed on a part-time or full-time basis. Completion Program Additional Requirements: (a) Current Valid CRNA License; and (b) transcript from all completed college coursework.

Completion program - Three Year Program Credit Hours: 27


Additional Requirements or Limitations


  1. The candidate must maintain a minimum GPA of at least 3.00 each semester for the degree.
  2. All requirements must be satisfied within eight years.
  3. Six semester credit hours (or the equivalent in quarter hours) of credit may be transferred into the program from an accredited University Graduate Program, after approval by the Graduate College and Program Director).
  4. All coursework must be approved by the Program Director.
  5. The candidates must pass a written comprehensive examinations.
  6. No more than 5 hours of C grade is allowed during the program.
  7. Candidates who do not achieve the academic standards set forth by the program will be immediately dismissed.
  8. For MS to DNAP candidates, an $900 fee will be applied to each class.

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