Doctor of Nursing Practice — Nurse Anesthesia Degree Program

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Nurse Anesthesia Degree Program prepares experienced critical care nurses with the advanced skills and knowledge necessary to excel as nurse anesthetists.

The integrated, full-time, three-year program offers online coursework coupled with in-person simulation and clinical experience training. The DNP-Nurse Anesthesia degree program prepares graduates to become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). The new program will open admissions in the fall.

The DNP – Nurse Anesthesia Degree Program is designed for experienced critical care RNs who hold a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in nursing and aspire to become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). We are offering this program to address a critical health care need for anesthesia. CRNAs enhance access to vital anesthesia care in various settings, including rural and under-served communities. The program emphasizes the role of CRNAs as leaders poised to drive health care innovation through sustainable and forward-thinking anesthesia care.

About the DNP-Nurse Anesthesia Degree Program

The 36-month, full-time program integrates online didactic courses with in-person simulation and clinical rotations. Coursework is designed to build sequentially, enhancing students’ understanding of anesthesia principles and the science of the profession.

Overview of program

• The immersive and rigorous program requires students to be on-site at the Sacramento campus 1-2 days a week in Quarters 3 and 5 for mandatory simulation training and programmatic requirements.
• Students also have the option to present their scholarly projects on campus in Quarter 12 if not presented through other means.
• Clinical rotations begin in Quarter 6 and continue through Quarter 12, with partnerships established at various UC Health campuses and other health systems across California.

Our goal is to educate and train nurse anesthetists to function to the fullest scope of practice after graduation, potentially arranging clinical sites outside of students’ areas of residence. Students should not expect to complete all rotations near their homes.

Students should expect the following in each year of the program:

Year 1

• Attend an online orientation in June before starting online courses.
• Attend simulation training on campus for 1-2 days per week during Quarter 3 (Winter).

Year 2

• Attend in-person simulation activities 1-2 days per week of in-person simulation activities in Quarter 5 (Summer) before beginning clinical rotations in Quarter 6.
• Increase clinical rotations from two to three days a week in Quarters 6, 7, and 8.
• Students complete scholarly project prospectus in Year 2.

Year 3

• Advancement to candidacy and engage in more extensive clinical rotations, occurring 4-5 days a week from Quarters 8 to 12.
• Execute culmination of clinical activities participating in increasingly specialized clinical cases.
• Take on off-shift, in-house calls, and some weekend clinical rotations.
• Experience the day-to-day working environment of nurse anesthetists, providing students with valuable experience and responsibilities.
• Students complete their final scholarly project in Year 3.

What we’re looking for

• We are seeking students with a diverse set of experiences who are interested in serving rural and under-served communities across California.
• We are looking for motivated applicants who are self-starters, take initiative, and posses a growth mindset, ready to commit to a rewarding, rigorous, and immersive academic experience.
• Students are HIGHLY encouraged to shadow a CRNA or anesthesiologist before applying to the program to gain a firsthand understanding of the expectations and opportunities in the profession.

What we provide:

• By partnering with UC Health Campuses, we provide clinical rotations that expose learners to a large academic health system across various regions throughout the state of California.
• Additionally, we plan on collaborating with facilities outside of the UC Health System, particularly in underserved communities, to offer a wide range of clinical experiences.
• We will offer a robust mentorship program that pairs students with experienced CRNAs from the community. Faculty members provide guidance, support and professional development throughout the program.
• We emphasize immersive learning experiences, including state-of-the-art simulation training, and diverse clinical rotations, to ensure students are well-prepared for the demands of the profession.
• We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive learning environment that values and promotes diversity in all its forms, ensuring a rich educational experience for all students.