Changes are coming for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNAs). In 2007, the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (COA) recommended students entering a CRNA program after 2022 be required to earn a doctoral degree for certification. Students holding a MSN in anesthesia will be able to continue to practice after 2022, but employers will begin giving preference to DNAP or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) candidates. Schools of Nursing are offering doctoral programs for entry-level CRNAs and currently certified CRNAs wanting to obtain a doctorate.
20 Best Value Online Doctor of Nursing Anesthesia Degrees
Nursing anesthesia is a direct patient care specialty which requires hands-on simulation labs, clinical experiences and/or practicum experiences. Online Nurse Anesthetists programs are primarily offered for DNAP and DNP programs in administrative or managerial career paths. Hybrid programs exist that combine online didactic coursework and on-campus attendance which may include clinical practica. Best Medical Degrees has reviewed both online and hybrid programs which lead to a Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees in anesthesia. This ranking describes programs available for doctoral degrees only and includes both online and hybrid programs. Programs are reviewed for accreditation from Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA).
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) ranks Nurse Anesthesia as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) career and will experience a 31% job growth between the years 2016-2026, which is considered to be much faster than average. Salary expectations for this profession, according to PayScale, is an average of $142,745 nationwide; and, the BLS cites a median, 2017 average of $110,930 per year. Job opportunities exist in acute care medical centers, outpatient surgical centers, and physician offices.
Methodology
In developing this list, Best Medical Degrees considered the following information: 1) tuition cost (not including fees) and program length, 2) programs which hold accreditation from the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (COA), 3) rankings the program or school receives from U.S. News and World Report and 4) availability of coursework online with a minimum (if any) on-campus attendance requirements. Program information is taken from the available information on school websites and may be subject to change.
1. Samford University Ida Moffett School of Nursing
Samford University has a MSN plan of study for its Nurse Anesthesia program which may be completed in 36 months and requires both online, didactic coursework and clinical experiences. Applicants must have an unencumbered nursing license, a BSN from an accredited nursing program, a minimum 1-year work experience in critical care, a cumulative 3.0 GPA and successful completion of the GRE. Located in Birmingham, Alabama, U.S. News and World Report ranks the Nursing Anesthesia Program in the top 100 and recognizes the university in its Most Innovative Schools, Best Colleges for Veterans as well as a Best Value School.
Program Length: 82 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $125
Curriculum Snapshot: Ethical Leadership and Collaboration, Anesthesia Pharmacology, Advanced Health Assessment, Pathophysiology, OB/Regional Anesthesiology, Population and Health Policy, Clinicals, Capstone, etc.
Accreditation: COA
Program Website: Samford University Ida Moffett School of Nursing
2. University at Buffalo
A member of the State University of New York system, University of Buffalo (UB) has a hybrid BSN to DNP program that can be completed in three years and requires full-time enrollment. Admission requires an active nursing license and a minimum of one-year ICU experience, GRE scores, an overall 3.0 GPA, official school transcripts, etc. U.S. News and World Report rates UB as a Best Value School, Best Masters in Nursing and Best Doctor of Nursing Practice programs.
Program Length: 124 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $303 (NY Resident); $389 (Non-Resident0
Curriculum Snapshot: Principles of Anesthesia, Pathophysiology for APN, Professional Aspects Nurse Anesthesia, Principles of Anesthesia, Pharmacology Anesthesia, Anesthesia Crisis Resolution Management, Pharmacotherapeutics, Informatics, Advanced Clinical Practice, Capstone Project, etc.
Accreditation: COA
Program Website: University at Buffalo
3. East Carolina University
East Carolina University (ECU) recently changed its hybrid Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) program from a MSN to DNP degree. This program is estimated to be completed in 36 months and begins in May each year. Applicants must hold a BSN degree from an accredited program, submit GRE scores (taken within the last five years), an unencumbered nursing license (students must apply for a NC license prior to admission), etc. This program has both a 100% graduation rate and first-time National Certification Exam pass rate. The U.S. News and World Report ranks ECU as having one of the Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs.
Program Length: 90 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $482
Curriculum Snapshot: Interprofessional Leadership for Excellence in Practice, Policy and Ethics, Conceptual Foundations and Application of Translational Nursing, Human Physiology for Nurse Anesthetists, Basic Principles of Nurse Anesthesia, Chemistry and Physics of Anesthesia, Doctor of Nursing Practice Project, Healthcare Finance, Advanced Pharmacology
for Nurse Anesthetists, Clinical Practicum, etc.
Accreditation: COA
Program Website: East Carolina University School of Nursing
4. University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota (UND) offers a hybrid DNP Nurse Anesthesia degree which can be completed in 9 semesters. Applicants must hold a BSN from an accredited school, unencumbered nursing license, at least one-year critical care experience, a 3.0 GPA, pass a background check, etc. The program boasts a 100% National Certification Exam rate which leads to a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) designation. UND is recognized as Top Public Schools and Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice.
Program Length: 97 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $601 (ND Resident); $763 (MN Resident); $902 (Non Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Advanced Physiology/Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Health Assessment, Basic Principles of Anesthesia Practice, Anatomy for Nurse Anesthetists, Integrated DNP Core Concepts, Clinical Anesthesia Practicum, DNP Capstone Project, etc.
Accreditation: COA
Program Website: University of North Dakota
5. University of Cincinnati
The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree with an emphasis in anesthesia at the University of Cincinnati (UC) can be completed in 9 semesters of fulltime study. A hybrid program, students are required to attend campus intensives once a semester as part of the curriculum. Applicants must have a current nursing license, a BSN from an accredited school, one-year nursing experience, and submit GRE scores along with other requirements. UC is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a Best Nursing Schools for both their Doctor of Nursing Practice and its Master’s program.
Program Length: 109 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $640
Curriculum Snapshot: Informatics for DNP Practice, Essentials of Research Methods for Evidence-Based Practice, Biostatistics for Evidence-Based Practice, Theoretical Basis of Clinical Reasoning, Advanced Pharmacology for Anesthesia, Healthcare Policy for the Doctorally Prepared Nurse, Seminars in Anesthesia, ANP Anesthesia, Capstone Project, Clinical Experience, etc.
Program Accreditation: COA
Program Website: University of Cincinnati
6. Northern Kentucky University
Northern Kentucky University (NKU) has an online DNP-Post-Master’s Specialization degree. Applicants must hold a minimum of a baccalaureate or higher in nursing, one-year minimum critical care experience within the past two years prior to application, documentation of shadowing experience with an anesthesiologist or CRNA, etc. Admissions also requires completion of prerequisites in physiology, microbiology, anatomy, and chemistry. NKU also has a DNP-Nurse Anesthesia Specialization which not offered online. U.S. News and World Report rates NKU as a Top Public School.
Program Length: 35-36 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $673
Curriculum Snapshot: DNP Role Development, Epidemiology and Population Health, Informatics for Advanced Practice, Analysis & Applic of Health Data for ANP, Health Care Policy, etc.
Program Accreditation: COA
Program Website: Northern Kentucky University
7. Texas Christian University
Texas Christian University (TCU) has a DNAP degree which is hybrid and offered in two phases (years). Year one is comprised of predominately online courses during the spring and summer, classroom and laboratory work. Year two requires TCU residency for clinical practice. Applicants for this program must hold a BSN from an accredited nursing program, unencumbered nursing license, at least one-year critical care nursing experience, official GRE scores, and other institutional admission forms. TCU’s graduate nursing programs are ranked by U.S. News and World Report’s Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice as well as for its Masters nursing program.
Program Length: 73 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $712
Curriculum Snapshot: Biostatistics for the Advanced Health Practitioner, Research in Nurse Anesthesia, Decision Science and Informatics, Physical Science in Nurse Anesthesia, Advanced Anatomy, Physiology and Pathophysiology, Advanced Project, Clinical Residency, etc.
Program Accreditation: COA
Program Website: Texas Christian University
8. University of Pittsburgh
If you already have a CRNA MSN and want to advance your career, this may be the program for you. The University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) offers an online DNP program. Admissions requires applicants to be currently certified Nurse Anesthetists with a current nursing license, minimum 3.0 GPA in a graduate Nurse Anesthesia, accredited program and clinical experience. U.S. News and World Report rates Pitt as a Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice program as well as a Most Innovative School, Best Colleges for Veterans, and Top Public Schools.
Program Length: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $744 (PA Resident); $888 (Non-Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Applied Statistics for Evidence-Based Practice, Directed Seminars in Nurse Anesthesia Practice, Curriculum, Instruction and Evaluation in Nurse Anesthesia Education, Ethics in Healthcare, Introduction to Genetics and Molecular Therapeutics, The Science of Health Care Delivery, Capstone Project, DNP Project Clinical, etc.
Program Accreditation: COA
Program Website: University of Pittsburgh
9. Florida International University
Florida International University (FIU) has a hybrid, Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) with limited enrollment. Admission to the program includes a current unrestricted Florida nursing license, an accredited BSN degree, a minimum of one-year critical care nursing experience, official GRE scores, as well as other general FIU admission requirements. Many of the didactic courses may be completed online, but the program also requires campus attendance for clinical simulation courses, and a hospital residency. FIU is recognized as one of U.S. News and World Report’s Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice programs.
Program Length: 106 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $748 (FL Resident); $1279 (Non Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Healthcare Informatics, Patient Safety and Quality Improvement in Healthcare, Pharmacological Concepts in Advanced Practice Nursing, Culture and Advanced Practice Nursing, Advanced Health Assessment, Analytical Methods for Evidence-Based Clinical Practice, Pathophysiology for Advanced Practice Nursing, Fundamentals of Clinical Education, Anesthesiology Nursing Simulation Practicum, Regional Anesthesia and Pain Management, Anesthesiology Nursing Clinical Residency, etc.
Program Accreditation: COA
Program Website: Florida International University
10. Augusta University
Augusta University (AU) offers an interactive hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice with an anesthesia concentration. Applicants must hold either a BSN or MSN with a cumulative 3.0 GPA. Admissions also requires a current nursing license in the student’s home state (a Georgia nursing license is required prior to enrollment), one-year minimum experience in critical care (ICU specifically), etc. AU has received high recognition as one of U.S. News and World Report’s Best Nursing Schools in the following categories: Nursing Anesthesia, Doctor of Nursing Practice and Masters in Nursing programs.
Program Length: 113 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $750 (GA Resident); $1500 (Non Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Advanced Anatomy & Physiology for Nursing Anesthesia, Advanced Health Assessment, Basic Principles of Anesthesia, Clinical Chemistry and Physics Nursing Anesthesia, Advanced Pharmacology for Nursing Anesthesia, Evidence-Based Practice: Principles and Processes, Clinical Experience, etc.
Program Accreditation: COA
Program Website: Augusta University
11. Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) provides a hybrid Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) program which may be completed in 1-3 years depending on fulltime or parttime enrollment status. The program is designed for CRNAs who graduated from an accredited nurse anesthesia program with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Other admission requirements include a current nursing license, GRE scores (taken within five years of program application), and professional recommendations, etc. U.S. News and World Report cites VCU as one of the Best Nursing Anesthesia Programs in the nation, as well as in its Schools for Doctor of Nursing Practice and Masters in Nursing.
Program Length: 33 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $800 (VA Resident); $1415 (Non-Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Ethics and Health Care, Nurse Anesthesia Patient Safety Seminar, Leadership in Nurse Anesthesia Education, Nurse Anesthesia Professional Practice, Biostatistical Methods for Health Related Sciences, Human Factors and Patient Safety for Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Anesthesia Capstone Project, etc.
Program Accreditation: COA
Program Website: Virginia Commonwealth University
12. University of Maryland
This University of Maryland (UM) hybrid program culminates as a Nurse Anesthesia specialty Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and can be completed within 36 months. Admission requires an unrestricted nursing license from Maryland or compact state, official transcripts from previously attended institutions, two recommendations, as well as an essay. Graduates may sit for the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists certification exam. The program has a 81% first time pass rate for certification. U.S. News and World Report rates UM a Best Value Schools, Top Public School and Best Colleges for Veterans.
Program Length: 93 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $816 (Maryland Resident); $1447 (Non-Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Chemistry of Nurse Anesthesia, Technology & Physics of Nurse Anesthesia, Principles of Nurse Anesthesia, Methods for Research and Evidence-Based Practice, Regional Anesthesia, Professional Aspects of Nurse Anesthesia, Practicum, Clinical Experience, etc.
Accreditation: COA
Program Website: University of Maryland School of Nursing
13. Loma Linda University School of Nursing
Loma Linda University School of Nursing (LLUSN) offers a hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice with an anesthesia concentration with the majority of first-year courses offered online. The program requires a baccalaureate or masters degree for admission, along with a minimum of one-year critical care nursing experience, an unrestricted US nursing license (a California RN license is necessary during the program), etc. The nursing anesthesia program is ranked in the top 100 by U.S. News and World Report.
Program Length: 148 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $820
Curriculum Snapshot: Health-Care Systems Leadership, Advanced Role Development for the Nurse Anesthetist, Anesthesia Equipment and Technology, Advanced Pharmacology for the Nurse Anesthetist, Principles of Nurse Anesthesia Practice, Advanced Clinical Anatomy for the Nurse Anesthetist, Theology of Human Suffering, Clinical Practicum and Correlation Conference, DNP Practice Inquiry Project, etc.
Program Accreditation: COA
Program Website: Loma Linda University School of Nursing
14. Central Connecticut State University
Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) has a hybrid DNAP program which is considered an advanced specialization program and requires on-campus attendance 2-3 on-campus sessions per academic year. The program is estimated to be completed in 2 years with part-time attendance. Applicants must hold a masters degree from a CRNA accredited program and hold certification, an unencumbered US nursing license, GRE (see webpage for waiver information), and other CCSU admission requirements. U.S. News and World Report recognizes the graduate anesthesiology program in its Best Graduate Schools rankings. CCSU also offers an entry-level DNAP specialization option.
Program Length: 34 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $897
Curriculum Snapshot: Bioethics in Nurse Anesthesia, Evidence-based Practice and Biostatistics, Leadership in Nurse Anesthesia Education, Advanced topics in Nurse Anesthesia, Advanced Physical Health Assessment for Nurse Anesthetists, Advanced Anesthesia Clinical Practicum, Doctoral Capstone Project, etc.
Program Accreditation: COA
Program Website: Central Connecticut State University
15. Missouri State University
Missouri State offers hybrid DNAP programs for working CRNAs with either a bachelors or masters degree. Certified CRNAs with a masters degree may be admitted to the completion program which requires 27 credit hours which are offered online. Admission requires GRE scores, a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program with a 3.0 GPA, a current nursing license, minimum of one-year acute care experience, a background check, etc. U.S. News and World Report rates Missouri State’s Nursing Anesthesia Program in its top 100 programs.
Program Length: 81 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $900
Curriculum Snapshot: Business of Anesthesia, Professional Practice In Anesthesia, Anesthesia and Healthcare Policy, Bioethics, Anesthesia and Healthcare Policy, Health and Wellness in the Healthcare Setting, Capstone Project, etc.
Program Accreditation: COA
Program Website: Missouri State University
16. Barry University
Barry University offers a DNP with an anesthesiology specialty which consists of what the university’s webpage describes as a “…web-mediated courses that provide opportunities for synchronous and asynchronous learning.” Admission to this program requires a MSN in anesthesiology from a COA accredited program, CRNA certification verification with a 3.0 GPA, a valid nursing license, etc. Barry University is recognized by U.S. News and World Report in its Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice as well as Best Nursing Schools: Masters programs.
Program Length: 36-37 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $990
Curriculum Snapshot: Healthcare Informatics for DNP, Scientific Foundations of DNP, Advances in Anesthesia Practice, Biostatistics, Advanced Health Assessment and Differential Diagnosis, Perioperative Safety, Risk Reduction, & Outcomes Assessment, Anesthesiology Scholarly Project, DNP Scholarly Project, etc.
Program Accreditation: COA
Program Website: Barry University
17. Texas Wesleyan University
Texas Wesleyan University (TWU) has an online DNAP program offering focuses on management, administration or education which may be completed in 2 years. Applicants must hold an accredited MSN degree with a 3.0 GPA, have passed a graduate-level research course with a minimum of a “B,” be a practicing and certified CRNA, have a valid nursing license, and have clinical experience. TWU’s graduate program in Nursing Anesthesia ranks in the top 100 according to U.S. News and World Report.
Program Length: 32 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $1122
Curriculum Snapshot: Introduction to the DNAP Program, Health Law & Ethics, Pathophysiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Applied Biomedical Statistics, Scholarly Work Completion, etc.
Program Accreditation: COA
Program Website: Texas Wesleyan University
18. Rush University
Rush University has both a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with an anesthesia specialty focus for nurses holding a MSN, as well as a BSN-DNP. A hybrid program, coursework for this program is primarily offered online with specialty courses conducted on-campus and clinical experiences are required. Applicants must hold a minimum of a BSN degree with a 3.0 GPA. GRE scores and current US nursing licensure are expected along with other admissions criteria.
Program Length: 77 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $1066
Curriculum Snapshot: Anesthesia Principles, Anesthesia Pharmacology, Chemistry & Physics in Anesthesia, Leadership in Evolving Healthcare Environment, Neuroscience for Basic and Clinical Applications, DNP Specialty Practicum, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: Rush University
19. University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
This program is a BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice (anesthesia emphasis), hybrid program requiring online didactic coursework and significant on-campus attendance for the nurse anesthesia courses. Admission to this program includes at least a BSN from an accredited nursing program, an unencumbered Wisconsin nursing license, GRE scores, one-year (two-years preferred) critical care experience with certification preferred, as well as a 3.0 GPA. Other documentation is also required. U.S. News and World Report recognizes the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh as a Top Public School.
Program Length: 74 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $1148
Curriculum Snapshot: Anatomy, Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Roles, Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Nursing Roles, Foundation of DNP Role, Translational Scholarship, Advanced Epidemiology and Biostatistics for Population
Health, Healthcare Systems Policy and Advocacy, Organizational Leadership and Health Policy for ANP, Clinical Experiences, etc.
Program Accreditation: COA
Program Website: University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
20. University of Arizona
The University of Arizona (UA) has an online, hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice with an anesthesia specialty available for post-BSN or post-MSN students. Applicants must have at least one-year (two preferred) of continuous and current critical care experience, a valid and current nursing license, and be graduates of an accredited nursing program, along with other university criteria. This DNP in anesthesiology may be completed in 36 month with full-time enrollment. The University of Arizona has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report for having a Best Online Graduate Nursing Program, Best Colleges for Veterans, Top Public Schools and Best Value Schools.
Program Length: 85 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $1200
Curriculum Snapshot: Human Gross Anatomy, Statistical Inference for Evidence-based Practice, Nurse Anesthesia Pharmacology, Foundations of Nurse Anesthesia, Health Assessment, Population Health for DNPs, Advanced Anesthetic Principles, DNP Project, Clinical Practicum, etc.
Program Accreditation: COA
Program Website: University of Arizona
