BSN to DNP Nurse Anesthesiology (D.N.P.)
Website: https://www.fgcu.edu/mariebcollege/nursing/nurseanesthesiology-bsndnp
(239) 590-7505The Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) in Nurse Anesthesiology program at FGCU is designed to prepare graduates with the advanced nursing knowledge and leadership skills to improve health care outcomes and to provide evidence-based nursing across diverse health care settings and systems. The curriculum focuses on providing nurses with the solid science foundation needed to enhance critical reasoning judgement in the management of complex health care situations. Core and specialty courses provide knowledge skills and attributes essential for fully accountable practice in today's health care environment. Emphasis is on innovative and evidence-based nursing practice to meet the demands associated with the increasing complexity of the health care system, improving the safety and quality of patient care delivery, and influencing health care policy.
The curriculum for the post-baccalaureate entry level B.S.N. to D.N.P. Nurse Anesthesiology major consists of 112 credits that are completed over nine semesters of continuous full-time study. Graduates of the B.S.N. to D.N.P. Nurse Anesthesiology major are eligible to seek national certification as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).
Program Accreditation
The D.N.P. program at FGCU is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
The FGCU Nurse Anesthesiology Program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA), 10275 W. Higgins Rd., Suite 906, Rosemont, IL 60018-5603; http://coacrna.org; telephone (224) 275-9130. The program has full COA accreditation until April of 2032.
Program Admission Requirements
All applications to the BSN to DNP Nurse Anesthesiology major must also be submitted through NursingCAS.
The School of Nursing conducts a competitive admissions process. The following are the minimum requirements for admission. Satisfaction with minimum University and program requirements does not guarantee admission to a graduate program.
BSN to DNP Nurse Anesthesiology Major Application Requirements:
- Submit an application and fee through Nursing Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS) and satisfy all applicable university admissions requirements.
- In NursingCAS, provide official transcript(s) for all colleges and universities attended, including a bachelor of science degree in nursing (BSN) transcript from a CCNE or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) nursing program and an institution that maintains accreditation by a U.S. Department of Education sanctioned accrediting body (https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/higher-education-laws-and-policy/college-accreditation) or equivalent foreign institution.
- Show evidence of a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- Provide copy of an unrestricted Florida RN license, or eligibility for RN licensure in Florida.
- Provide evidence of a minimum of one year of current practice experience as a registered nurse in a critical care setting, as defined by the COA.
- Provide a current resume or curriculum vitae.
- Provide a personal statement of professional goals in 350 to 500 words.
- Show completion of the following prerequisite undergraduate-level nursing courses with a grade of "C" or above: Health Assessment, Statistics, and two Chemistry courses (one Chemistry with a lab, and an advanced Chemistry, such as Chemistry II, Biochemistry, or Organic Chemistry).
- Three professional references that indicate your potential for doctoral study, clinical proficiency, and academic competence:
- one from the applicant's supervisor,
- one from the applicant's academic faculty, and
- one from an RN, CRNA, or physician familiar with the applicant's professional expertise.
- Provide a copy of Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores, taken within five years of application, with the following preferred minimum scores: 153 verbal, 144 quantitative, and a minimum of 3.5 out of 6 on the essay portion.
- Provide a signed copy of the FGCU School of Nursing Core Performance Standards Receipt and Acknowledgment form.
- Students who have previously matriculated in a nurse anesthesia program must submit official transcripts and a letter of good standing from the nurse anesthesia Program Administrator.
- Admissions interview, by invitation, with the Nurse Anesthesia Admissions Committee.
- International students must demonstrate English language proficiency in accordance with University regulation.
Additional Requirements:
- ACLS, BLS, and PALS are not required for application to the program but are required to have been completed before the student begins the program. All students must maintain current RN licensure and ACLS, BLS, and PALS certification while in the program. All students must provide evidence of current immunizations and tuberculosis screening throughout the program. All students must complete level one and two background checks and drug and alcohol screening prior to formal admission to the program. Additionally, further immunizations, background checks, and drug screening may be required during the program. Details on these procedures will be given after applicants are interviewed and conditionally accepted.
Program Progression and Additional Graduation Requirements
Students admitted to the B.S.N. to D.N.P. Nurse Anesthesiology major must meet major-specific progression, clinical practice, D.N.P. project, and graduation requirements. See the D.N.P. Nurse Anesthesiology Guidebook, General Graduate Academic Policies, and FGCU Graduation Requirements.
- Successful completion of a minimum of 112 credits of doctoral level course work
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater in the D.N.P. program.
- Completion of all courses with a grade of "B" or higher, or "S" (Satisfactory) where applicable.
- Completion of B.S.N. to D.N.P. Clinical Practicum requirements.
- Completion of D.N.P. Project requirements.
- Students must remain continuously enrolled full-time in the sequential Program of Study.
- Successful completion of all B.S.N. to D.N.P. Nurse Anesthesiology courses in any given semester serves as a prerequisite for progression to the following semester.
- Submit an application for graduation by the semester deadline indicated in the FGCU Academic Calendar.
- Students must register for a minimum of one credit hour during the semester in which they apply for graduation.