National University

What you'll study

The degree requires completion of the DNAP course sequence totaling 34 courses (92 semester credit hours); all DNAP courses must be taken in sequence and students must achieve at least a B‑ in nurse anesthesia courses to continue matriculation. Curriculum components described on the program page include:

• Research and evidence‑based practice: study designs, measurement, data collection, and statistical logic leading to an evidence‑based scholarly question relevant to nurse anesthesia.
• Advanced pharmacology and anesthesia pharmacology: pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacotherapeutics, and agents specific to anesthesia (inhalation agents, induction drugs, neuromuscular blockers, adrenergic agents, local anesthetics).
• Advanced human anatomy (lecture and lab): organ system approach to gross and microscopic anatomy, embryology, anatomical pathology, and lab dissection/histology with emphasis on anesthesia management.
• Physiology series: cellular, membrane, skeletal muscle and neurological physiology, and separate modules examining cardiovascular, immune, endocrine and gastrointestinal physiology as they relate to anesthesia.
• Fundamentals of anesthesia and clinical skills: monitoring, assessment, airway management (including endotracheal intubation), preoperative assessment, documentation, and anesthesia machine/technology.
• Advanced simulation: high‑fidelity simulation experiences to develop critical thinking, problem solving and hands‑on skills; simulation is corequisite with selected clinical/skills courses.
• Point‑of‑care ultrasound (POCUS) and technology integration: early, structured ultrasound training in regional anesthesia and diagnostic POCUS; each student receives a Butterfly iQ handheld ultrasound at program start and training includes Intelligent Ultrasound simulators and HoloAnatomy augmented reality tools.

Entry requirements

The admissions page indicates a required personal statement and notes that the NU application fee is $0. Some clinical and didactic courses list prerequisites such as admission to the Nurse Anesthesia Program or approval from the Academic Program Director. The program operates on a cohort model and reviews applications year‑round.

Career prospects

The curriculum and clinical placement model are structured to prepare graduates for independent or collaborative CRNA practice. The program reports that over 70% of clinical sites are in independent or collaborative practice environments, aiming to develop graduates capable of full‑scope anesthesia roles across diverse and complex settings.

Scholarships & funding angle

The program page does not specify scholarships or tuition; prospective applicants should contact National University financial services and the program office for current information on tuition, scholarships, loans, employer sponsorship and other funding options.