VCU Offers Practice Doctorate for CRNAs

Elizabeth Seibert, PhD, CRNA

The Department of Nurse Anesthesia at Virginia Commonwealth University is pleased to offer a new program, the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP), the first practice doctorate designed specifically for nurse anesthetists. The DNAP is an innovative post-master’s program designed for CRNAs who wish to expand their knowledge in the areas of patient safety, evidence-based practice, education, and leadership. A combined-degree track (MSNA-DNAP) is also available for students matriculating in the master’s program. The DNAP was approved by the State Council on Higher Education for Virginia in February 2007 and by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs in May 2007.

The post-master’s DNAP includes 33 credit hours of coursework that are grouped into the core areas of patient safety, research, and leadership. The patient safety core focuses on the basis of human error and introduces a systems approach to error investigation and analysis. The patient safety core includes a 6 credit practicum that consists of an individually designed clinical experience of 100 hours of practice per credit hour (600 hours total). The 12 credit leadership core includes courses in health services delivery systems, ethics, education, and health care politics. A 3-credit biostatistics course and a 6-credit capstone project round out the curriculum.

The DNAP program is offered through a combination of on- and off-campus sessions. During 4 on-campus sessions each year, students spend 2-3 days attending class in Richmond or at the Southwest Higher Education Center in Abingdon, VA. Off-campus sessions are conducted through readings, assignments, and discussion groups on the Blackboard learning platform.

The post-master’s DNAP is designed to be completed in 12 months of full-time study or 2-3 years of part-time study. Preference is given to applicants who desire to attend full-time. The combined-degree MSNA-DNAP track can be completed in 8 semester of full-time study. The MSNA portion of the MSNA-DNAP is offered only on a full-time basis, but the remaining DNAP courses can be completed on a part-time basis after the MSNA is awarded.

Currently, 7 CRNAs are enrolled in the post-masters track and 11 students are enrolled in the MSNA-DNAP. Students give a variety of reasons for entering the DNAP. Some CRNAs feel that the DNAP will help them improve their practice through the application of best available evidence. Others hope to move into education or leadership roles in the future or are interested in research but have no desire for a research doctorate. Students in the combined degree recognize that CRNAs will be required to have a doctorate by 2025 and want to be prepared for this change.

Applications to the DNAP are reviewed on a continuing basis; however, students are admitted only once a year, in the fall semester. Because some courses are offered in a 6-month executive semester, classes actually begin in July. CRNAs who wish to apply the DNAP must meet the following admission requirements to be considered for an interview: 1) baccalaureate and master’s degrees from regionally-accredited universities, 2) graduation from an accredited nurse anesthesia program, 3) a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, 4) certification by the Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists, 5) recertification by the Council on Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists, 6) current licensure as a registered nurse, 7) a record of professional competency/success, 8) satisfactory performance on the Graduate Record Examination General Test within 5 years of application, and 9) submission of a written statement that clearly articulates professional goals.
The Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice website gives examples of curriculum plans, course descriptions, and answers frequently asked questions. Specific application procedures are also available. The website is located at: www.sahp.vcu.edu/nrsa.