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Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice

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Curricula

This program is currently undergoing the Capability Review Process for accreditation by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA).  We look forward to welcoming our first cohort in Fall 2025 pending initial accreditation being granted by the COA.

This curriculum is designed to produce highly skilled, knowledgeable, and professional nurse anesthetists ready to meet the healthcare needs of Idaho and beyond. Join us in this transformative journey to advance your career in nurse anesthesia.

Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Proposed Curriculum

Planned Capstone Project

The capstone project is a critical component of the DNAP program, completed over three semesters. It involves:

  1. Identifying a problem relevant to anesthesia practice.
  2. Conducting a comprehensive literature review.
  3. Developing, implementing, and evaluating a solution.
  4. Presenting findings in both written and oral formats.

Planned Clinical Practicum

Students will complete over 2,000 hours of direct clinical experience and 100 lab hours. Clinical practicums are supervised by CRNAs or physician anesthesiologists and include a variety of anesthesia cases, ensuring comprehensive training.

CRNA DNAP FAQ

Goals and Outcomes

  1. Apply the complex principles of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, chemistry, and physics related to the art and science of nurse anesthesia.
  2. Safely and skillfully administer a range of anesthetics for all patient populations and physiological conditions in urban and rural settings.
  3. Synthesize preoperative information from historical, physical, and testing data to develop a safe and evidence-based anesthetic plan.
  4. Utilize current evidence as a basis for clinical decision-making and to improve nurse anesthesia practices.
  5. Utilize ultrasound technology for regional anesthesia administration, invasive lines, and advanced patient assessment.
  6. Recognize and appropriately respond to anesthesia complications that occur during the perioperative and post-operative settings.
  7. Create a safe environment for patients and staff by minimizing the influence of human factors as well as inherent biases and by increasing situational awareness in all settings.
  8. Apply research and writing skills directed towards developing a solution to an anesthesia problem (Capstone Project).
  9. Demonstrate leadership abilities by completing a Capstone Project intended to improve anesthesia practice.
  10. Demonstrate effective communication skills to communicate with patients, healthcare colleagues, families, and members of the public.
  11. Provide evidence-based education on anesthetic concepts to patients, families, students-in-training, and groups within the community using adult learning best practices.
  12. Demonstrate leadership skills to navigate healthcare dilemmas and to advance the nurse anesthesia profession at local, state, and national levels.

Identify the knowledge and tools needed to successfully run an anesthesia business.

Finances

Cost of Attendance

Approximate  program cost which includes tuition and professional fees for this 3 year / 9 semester program = $124,000 (in-state tuition). 

For more detailed information regarding tuition and professional fees associated with the ISU Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice program, see the Cost of Attendance webpage on the Finance and Administration website and the Professional Fees* page under DNAP/CRNA.

*In addition to ISU tuition and fees, a professional fee is assessed for all undergraduate and graduate students in the School of Nursing. Professional fees for the nursing programs are used to support faculty salaries, instruction support services, durable & disposable equipment and supplies, faculty and staff program travel, capital equipment and a reserve for maintenance and purchase of major capital items.

Scholarships

Idaho State University Scholarships

The School of Nursing annually awards over $100,000 in scholarships, and the School of Nursing scholarship application is available annually in April in the Bengal Online Scholarship System (BOSS).
Please see the Scholarship Office website for more information about scholarship opportunities available through ISU.

Travel Nursing

Nursing Education Scholarship awarded by Travel Nursing career organization.
Amount: $1,000.
Requirements: Accepted to or currently attending a full-time nursing or medical program at an accredited institution.
Travel Nursing Scholarship.

Nursing Scholarship

CampusRN has $15,000 in Scholarships Available to Nursing & Allied Health Students.

Career Opportunities

Nurse Careers

Search Thousands of Entry Level Jobs, Externships, & Scholarship Opportunities on CampusRN.

Faculty Openings

Apply for opportunities to teach right here at the Idaho State University School of Nursing. 

Nursing ALD

Browse their Free Job Board, Publications and Events

Admission Requirements

The student must apply to and meet all requirements for admission to the Graduate School. In addition to the general requirements of the Graduate School, the following are required:

  1. Nursing License / Prior Education
    1. Must have a current and unencumbered license as a registered professional nurse (RN) and/or an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in the United States.
    2. RN licensure in the state of Idaho is required prior to final acceptance into the program. Additional state licensure may be needed for future out-of-state clinical sites.
    3.  A baccalaureate or graduate degree in nursing or an appropriate major is  required prior to registration for courses in the nurse anesthesia program.
  1. Professional Experience:
    1. Minimum of one year of full-time experience (or part-time equivalent) as a registered nurse in a critical care setting (preferably prior to application into the program).
    2. Preferred critical care experiences include adult medical and surgical ICUs, Neonatal ICU, Pediatric ICU, Trauma, and Flight Nurse roles.  Will consider ER experience and other types of critical care experience (see under CRNA DNAP FAQ for an explanation of the accepted forms of critical care experience from the Council on Accreditation Standards).
  1. Grade Point Average (GPA):
    1. A GPA of 3.0 or higher in nursing coursework completed and a GPA of 3.0 or higher for science courses such as Anatomy, Physiology, Pathophysiology and Pharmacology.
  1. Certifications:
    1. Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) are required.
    2. Certification in Critical Care Nursing (CCRN) is highly recommended.
  1. Interview:
    1. Complete an in-person interview (typically at ISU Meridian in February).  Distance interviews may be considered at the discretion of the Program Director.
  1. Background Check and Drug Screen:  Clear a background check and drug screen prior to final acceptance into the program.

     

    Online Application

    Application Process- Online application process for the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Program will become available by August 1st 2024.

    Application Status
    Fall 2025 Admission  Opens in August 2024-January 15, 2025

    Application Requirements

    Students must apply to and meet all requirements for admission to the Graduate School of Idaho State University and should be prepared to  include with their Graduate School Application the following information which is specific to the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Program:

    • Transcripts:
      1. Submission of unofficial transcripts from each institution attended.  If admitted, students will be required to submit all official transcripts prior to registration.
    • Professional Vitae or Resume:

      1. Include all relevant professional experience and education.

      2. Include contact information for two professional references.

      3. Verification of Critical Care Experience: Include contact information of your employer for verification of your critical care experience.  

      4. (Optional) There will be a section on the application where you may provide contact information for letters of recommendation. These individuals will be sent a link for submitting their recommendation on your behalf.

    • Professional Essay:
      1. A 2-3 page essay describing your interest in nurse anesthesia, shadow experiences (highly encouraged), thoughts on independent practice, and factors that will contribute to your success in the program.

    Selection Process for the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice 

    1. Meeting all the eligibility requirements listed above.
    2. The quality and relevance of professional experience and critical care setting.
    3. Strong professional references.
    4. The content and clarity of the professional essay.
    5. Performance in the interview process.
    6. Academic performance, particularly in science and nursing courses.
    7. Certifications and additional qualifications.

    More Information

    IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

    January 15th-  Last day for program application submission.

    By February 15th- Nurse Anesthesia Program Interview completed.

    By March 15th- Applicant notifications sent via email regarding program acceptance.

    Classes start in the Fall semester (August).  Following completion of all clinical and didactic portions of this program, the graduate will be eligible to sit for the National Certification Exam to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologist (CRNA).

    This structured and rigorous program aims to develop competent and skilled CRNAs to meet the healthcare needs of Idaho and beyond. We look forward to welcoming our first cohort in Fall 2025 pending initial accreditation being granted by the COA.

    Questions related to this degree program should be addressed to:

    picture of shad westover

    Shad Westover DNAP, CRNA

    Program Director, Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice

    Office: Meridian

    208-373-1782

    shadwestover@isu.edu

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