Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) Completion Degree -- for CRNAs only
The Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) degree is the highest practice degree in nurse anesthesia. MTSA offers the DNAP degree through a completion program specifically designed with the working CRNA in mind and in an online format. All students accepted into the program must be currently licensed CRNAs. The program can be completed over two years. MTSA’s DNAP program is differentiated from other DNP programs because it is designed specifically for the CRNA. Each course is created with specific nurse anesthesia content.
The DNAP program focuses on utilization of research findings for evidence-based clinical practice, education, and/or administration/business management related to nurse anesthesia, and the DNAP curriculum is designed accordingly. In addition to requisite foundational courses, completion of a scholarly project, which is the seminal scholarly work associated with the degree, is required. MTSA faculty mentor each DNAP student with this project that focuses on utilization and translation of research findings to augment evidence-based nurse anesthesia clinical practice, nurse anesthesia education, and/or administration/business management related to nurse anesthesia.
Completion of a master’s degree with a focus in nurse anesthesia is a prerequisite for acceptance into MTSA’s professional practice doctoral program that grants the DNAP degree.
To request a copy of a previous edition of the MTSA Student Catalog and Handbook, please contact the Registrar’s Office at registrar@mtsa.edu.
DNAP-Completion Application Cycle and Deadline for Fall 2024
| Application Cycle | Application Deadline | Semester Start Date |
| Sept. 1, 2023 – March 1, 2024 | March 1, 2024 | September 3, 2024 |
Apply Here!
*Note: If interested in enrolling in the DNAP-C and one of our Alternate Tracks simultaneously, please continue scrolling for information and the application options.*
Learn more about the Doctorate Completion program and application process:
Overview»
Requirements»
Admission Checklist»
Academic Course Sequencing by Semester»
Interview Process»
Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP)»
Academic Summary & Standards»
Evaluating and Awarding Academic Credit Policy»
Student Handbook»
Graduation Requirements»
Outcome Criteria Upon Graduation»
Admissions Contact»
Frequently Asked Questions (Doctorate Completion Program)
What are the basic requirements for admission to the MTSA DNAP program ?
- Graduation from a COA-Accredited Nurse Anesthesia Program
- Current Certification or Recertification as a CRNA
- Current active membership with the AANA
- Master’s Degree from a nurse anesthesia program
- Current licensure as an APN/APRN
- Current licensure as an RN
- Currently practicing as a CRNA
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
How long is the program?
Two years inclusive of scholarly project. Classes begin in August/September.
Is the program all online?
Yes, the program is all online.
What is the cost of the program?
Tuition can vary/increase year to year, so please refer to the Current Tuition and Fees section of the DNAP-Completion Handbook for the most current tuition costs.
Are there any financial funding options available for the program options or DNAP Completion?
MTSA was awarded the HRSA Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) grant for the Academic year of 2023-2024 that provides up to 85% loan forgiveness to DNAP-C and Education track students who continue employment as a clinical or academic educator for a period of 4 years after graduation. Additional private loads are available and VA benefits can be applied to the cost of tuition. MTSA’s Director of Financial Aid, Jennifer Speer, can address any funding options available by contacting her at: Jennifer.Speer@mtsa.edu.
What is the class size?
Class size is dependent upon the number of qualified applicants.
Which transcripts need to be submitted?
Original transcripts from all academic work after high school should be submitted via the NursingCAS application portal.
Alternative Tracks
- Acute Surgical Pain Management Fellowship+--
Enrollment: DNAP Completion and Acute Surgical Pain Management (ASPM) Fellowship
Attain the highest qualifications possible in both your acute pain clinical practice and academic credentials with a path that brings both together – MTSA’s Doctorate in Nurse Anesthesia Practice, and the Acute Surgical Pain Management Fellowship.
Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP)»
Application Cycle and Deadline for Fall 2024
Application Cycle Application Deadline Semester Start Date Sept. 1, 2023 – March 1, 2024 March 1, 2024 September 3, 2024 Apply Here!
For more information and to schedule a school visit (optional)
Call MTSA for information at 888-353-6872. Our offices are open Monday through Thursday, 8am – 6pm CST. You may also email Hallie Evans at hallie.evans@mtsa.edu for more information or to make an appointment to visit the school.FAQs
Why the program options?
Program options allow the student to accomplish both programs (DNAP completion and ASPM Fellowship) concurrently in two years. With these program options, the CRNA can focus their didactic assignments within the field of Acute Surgical Pain Management. The ASPM Fellowship enhances the regional anesthesia skill set for the experienced CRNA, and the DNAP completion program challenges the CRNA to expand their knowledge base in a variety of Nurse Anesthesia concepts.
What will it cost?
Tuition can vary/increase year to year, so please refer to the Current Tuition and Fees section of the DNAP-Completion Handbook for the most current tuition costs.
Are there any financial funding options available for the program options or DNAP Completion?
MTSA was awarded the HRSA Nurse Faculty Loan Program grant for the Academic year of 2023-2024 that provides up to 85% loan forgiveness to DNAP-C, Dual, and Education track students who continue employment as a clinical or academic educator for a period of 4 years after graduation. Additional private loads are available and VA benefits can be applied to the cost of tuition. MTSA’s Director of Financial Aid, Jennifer Speer, can address any funding options available by contacting her at: Jennifer.Speer@mtsa.edu.
What will I get for my financial investment?
Each student who successfully finishes the DNAP completion program will be conferred a Doctor of Anesthesia Practice degree. Each student that successfully completes the ASPM Fellowship will receive an ASPM Fellowship certificate of completion. Additionally, through the ASPM Fellowship each student will have opportunity to participate in three cadaveric workshops at no additional cost and earn up to 24 class “A” continuing education credits.
Do I still have to produce a scholarly project?
Yes, each DNAP completion student must complete and present a scholarly project.
What is the campus onsite requirement?
The onsite requirement is two extended weekends attending cadaver workshops, and two weeks minimal in doing clinical rotations at MTSA ASPMF sites during the second year and upon entry into the Fellowship portion of the program.
Academic Course Sequencing by Semester
Acute Surgical Pain Management Elective Course Options
- Nurse Anesthesia Educator Track+--
Enrollment: DNAP Completion and Nurse Anesthesia Educator Track (NET)
MTSA’s Nurse Anesthesia Educator Track is a 12-month course of study that prepares students to function in the Nurse Educator role. Students learn about the theoretical foundations of nursing education, how to assess educational needs, various evidence-based teaching and assessment strategies, curriculum design and development, and program evaluation.
Complete your DNAP degree and NECP in two years.
The Nurse Anesthesia Educator Curriculum meets eligibility requirements of the National League for Nursing (NLN) Academic Nurse Educator Certification. The curriculum uses the NLN Core Competencies (NLN-CC) of Academic Nurse Educators© with task statements as a framework. Upon completion of the Nurse Anesthesia Educator Track, graduates will be eligible to sit for the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) Examination developed by the NLN Academic Nurse Educator Certification Program (ANECP).
Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP)»
Application Cycle and Deadline for Fall 2024
Application Cycle Application Deadline Semester Start Date Sept. 1, 2023 – March 1, 2024 March 1, 2024 September 3, 2024 Apply Here!
Call MTSA for information at 888-353-6872. Our offices are open Monday through Thursday, 8am – 6pm CST. You may also email Hallie Evans at hallie.evans@mtsa.edu for more information or to make an appointment to visit the school.
Academic Course Sequencing by Semester
Nurse Anesthesia Educator Elective Course Options
