Advance Your Career with a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Completion Program

The Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) completion degree is a graduate program for practicing CRNAs who already hold a master’s degree from a COA-accredited nurse anesthesia program. The program consists of 30 graduate semester credit hours and takes approximately 24 months to complete in a fully online format. Coursework focuses on evidence-based practice, leadership in advanced practice nursing, health informatics, and a scholarly capstone project that culminates in a meaningful contribution to anesthesia practice.

• Eligible applicants hold a current certification as a CRNA and possess a master’s degree in nurse anesthesia.
• Maintain active clinical practice experience in nurse anesthesia.
• Submit required application documents, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a scholarly project proposal.
• Participate in an interview focusing on professional work history and scholarly project plans.

The Keiser University Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) program boasts over 20 years of history and experience, having been originally established in 2004 as part of Wolford College before transitioning to Keiser University in 2018. Since that transition, the program has continued to expand its healthcare education portfolio and is fully accredited to award the DNAP degree. It serves both entry-into-practice providers and post-master’s certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) seeking to enhance their scholarship, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

CRNAs are board-certified advanced practice nurses who administer anesthesia and provide critical care before, during, and after surgical, therapeutic, diagnostic, and obstetrical procedures. Keiser University’s Nurse Anesthesia program prepares nurses to become CRNAs who deliver expert anesthesia care across diverse clinical settings.

Building strong community partnerships has enabled students to gain enriching experiences beyond traditional operating room settings, including medical mission trips to Honduras and the Dominican Republic. In 2022, the program became one of the first in the nation to offer the didactic curriculum in a flexible online and hybrid format, complemented by on-campus, high-fidelity simulation workshops each semester.

Keiser University’s Nurse Anesthesia program currently offers access to more than 60 clinical training sites across various specialties and practice settings. The program prepares graduates with advanced knowledge, critical thinking skills, and leadership capabilities that enable them to provide enhanced anesthesia care and act as leaders to improve healthcare quality.

Watch the DNAP Program Overview Video

The DNAP completion degree builds on an existing master’s degree in nurse anesthesia for practicing CRNAs. The DNAP Entry-Into-Practice program is designed for RNs with a current and unrestricted Registered Nursing license.

Yes. Students enrolled in the DNAP completion degree program may qualify for financial aid. Online students access the same financial aid resources as campus-based students, including scholarships and tuition assistance programs. Speak with a dedicated financial aid counselor to explore all available options.

The Keiser University Nurse Anesthesia Program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA).  Learn more about Keiser University accreditation.

DNAP graduates may pursue advanced roles in health sciences and anesthesia practice, including positions as clinical directors, anesthesia program directors, nurse anesthesia educators, independent practice CRNAs, healthcare policy advisors, and quality improvement specialists. The doctoral credential strengthens eligibility for leadership positions across operating rooms, critical care units, outpatient surgical centers, and academic institutions.

The DNAP completion degree takes approximately 24 months to complete. Students complete 30 graduate semester credit hours across 10 courses. Time to degree completion is an estimate and may vary based on individual circumstances.

Tuition at Keiser University varies by degree program. Keiser offers financial aid, military and veteran benefits, scholarships, and tuition reimbursement to those who qualify, which can affect total tuition cost. For more detailed cost information, please contact an admissions counselor. Get more information about Keiser University’s tuition and costs.

DNAP-C (Completion) is designed for practicing CRNAs with a master’s degree in nurse anesthesia. This pathway focuses on advanced clinical practice, leadership development, and scholarly work to enhance expertise and career growth.

The DNAP program includes 10 courses each carrying 3.0 credit hours: Scientific Foundations for Evidence-Based Practice, Business Management Application in Evidence-Based Practice, Capstone I (Topic and Literature Review), Leadership in Advanced Practice Nursing: Influencing Policy and Improving Patient Outcomes, Capstone II (Methodology and IRB Submission), Health Informatics Application, Capstone III (Implementation), Leadership Approaches in Healthcare, Capstone IV (Evaluation of Outcomes and Dissemination), and Business in Anesthesia. All degree requirements must be completed to earn the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice credential.

DNAP graduates typically work in clinical and leadership roles, while PhD graduates often pursue research and academic careers.

• The DNAP degree is a clinical doctorate that prepares expert clinicians and leaders who apply evidence-based practice to improve patient care.
• The PhD is a research doctorate emphasizing original scientific research and academic scholarship.

All DNAP students complete a Capstone Project, the program’s major scholarly and practical work. Instead of traditional research involving original data collection, the Capstone Project focuses on utilizing existing evidence and advanced knowledge to address a real-world issue or enhance clinical practice in nurse anesthesia.

The project unfolds over four courses across the later semesters of the program. Students start by selecting a meaningful topic related to anesthesia practice, education, or leadership. They then thoroughly review the current scientific literature to understand best practices and identify areas that need improvement.

Based on this research, students develop an evidence-based solution such as a clinical protocol, educational module, or simulation training. Instead of direct patient research, the project involves simulated implementation or expert evaluation.

Finally, students prepare professional materials, including manuscripts, posters, and presentations, to share their findings with healthcare and academic audiences.

Throughout this process, the Capstone Project chair guides students, providing mentorship and scholarly oversight to ensure the project meets rigorous academic standards and aligns with accreditation requirements.

This role includes helping with topic refinement, reviewing project designs, and supporting dissemination efforts. The Capstone Project cultivates critical thinking, leadership, and evidence-based practice skills, equipping graduates to enhance anesthesia care and healthcare systems.

DNAP-C (Completion):

• Hold current certification as a CRNA and possess a master’s degree in nurse anesthesia.
• Maintain active clinical practice experience in nurse anesthesia.
• Submit required application documents, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a scholarly project proposal.
• Participate in an interview focusing on professional work history and scholarly project plans.

Three GPAs will be reviewed: overall, highest degree, and science GPA. All applicants must have a 3.0 or higher GPA to be considered for an interview.

What are the chemistry requirements for admission to the program?

General Chemistry I and General Chemistry II, one with a lab component, with grades of a B or higher, are required. One must have been taken within the last five years.

I am currently taking the last class that is required for the program. May I submit my application before completing the class?

You can begin your application at any time, but all admission requirements must be met before an applicant can be considered for an interview. Final grades of all required classes are a part of those admission requirements.

When will an interview be offered?

Applicants who have met all admission requirements and have completed applications with clear background checks will be considered for an interview.

What does the interview process involve?

Applicants who have been prequalified and have completed and cleared a background check will be invited to interview.

DNAP-Completion interviews focus on the applicant’s relevant professional experience, contributions to anesthesia practice, and ideas for their Capstone Project. The goal is to ensure alignment of the project plan with program expectations and scholarly rigor.

When are students required to be on campus?

DNAP-Complerion students do not have any required on-campus sessions and complete the program online.

What clinical sites are available for students?

Choosing a nurse anesthesia program based solely on clinical training site affiliations can be uncertain because clinical sites often change and may become unavailable for various reasons.

Keiser University’s program has been established for many years. It has developed strong and lasting clinical partnerships throughout Florida, including Tampa Bay, Orlando, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Naples, and Jacksonville sites. The program also looks to expand clinical training opportunities into Ohio and a few other states.

Despite these long-standing relationships and ongoing growth, the program cannot guarantee placement at a specific clinical site or even ensure that a particular site will remain available during clinical training.

However, every effort is made to connect students with clinical sites in their preferred practice areas, especially when they have relevant work history or live near those locations.

How does the program prepare students for the National Certification Examination (NCE)?

The curriculum is designed to support students thoroughly in preparing for the NCE.

Students engage with core content multiple times through didactic coursework, clinical practice, and review modules.

Integrated resources such as Prodigy Anesthesia and Apex Anesthesia Review supplement preparation with focused exam-style questions and practice.

Is the GRE required to apply?

The GRE is not required. Applicants who have taken the GRE may submit scores, which can strengthen their application, but this is not mandatory.

Is the CCRN certification required?

No. CCRN certification is not required, though equivalent critical care competency and experience are expected and assessed as part of the admissions process.

What types of critical care experience count toward admissions?

Accepted critical care experience includes adult medical, surgical, cardiovascular, trauma, cardiothoracic, and neurosurgical intensive care units.

Experience in the emergency department, post-anesthesia care unit, operating room, pediatric or neonatal intensive care units, and flight nursing are not accepted for meeting clinical experience requirements.

Does the program offer tutoring?

Students have multiple resources to support their learning and success. These include access to Tutor.com for on-demand tutoring, as well as clinical and virtual simulation tools, such as an Anatomage table, a state-of-the-art, life-sized 3D anatomy visualization tool that allows students to virtually dissect and explore real human cadavers. Additionally, students have access to Keiser Evolve, KU Labster, and ShadowHealth. Comprehensive anesthesia textbooks and student resources are also provided by publishers such as McGraw-Hill and Pearson.

Students are encouraged to use faculty office hours and connect with their faculty advisors for additional guidance and support. Informal peer collaboration is welcomed.

What should students study before starting the program?

Before beginning the DNAP program, students should review foundational subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology, emphasizing receptor theory and cell signaling pathways.

Developing effective learning strategies and understanding personal study preferences is more valuable than trying to learn anesthesia-specific content prematurely.

Students should also be comfortable with basic healthcare-related calculations, including:

Mastering these skills before entering the program will help students prepare for the rigorous mathematical and scientific demands of nurse anesthesia education.

Avoid studying anesthesia concepts on your own to prevent misunderstandings. Instead, identify your learning style and create a routine suited for adult learning; this is more important than reviewing material in advance.

What happens if I have a prior arrest or background issue?

Applicants must fully disclose any history of legal issues, including arrests, charges, convictions, or any other encounters with law enforcement, regardless of how minor or long ago they occurred.

This includes matters that may have been dismissed, expunged, or sealed.

The admissions committee reviews all background information on a case-by-case basis to determine eligibility for admission.

Failure to disclose such information may result in denial of admission or rescission of acceptance if discovered later.

Complete transparency is essential to ensuring compliance with clinical site requirements and professional licensing standards, as well as verifying eligibility for certification.

What student support services are available to DNAP students?

Keiser University offers a comprehensive range of student services to support your academic and professional journey:

These services are designed to enhance your educational experience and help you succeed both academically and professionally.

What should I know about online learning for the DNAP program? What technology do I need, and who is this type of learning suitable for?

The DNAP program is mostly online, with live classes you attend on set schedules.

To do well, it helps to maintain a regular study routine, stay engaged in discussions and group work, and stay motivated to complete assignments.

To participate fully in live sessions, you will need reliable internet access, a computer with updated software, and an external webcam and microphone.

This program is best suited for students who are organized, communicate effectively, can adapt to new technology, and enjoy guided independent learning.

Online learning offers valuable flexibility, but to fully benefit from this format and succeed in the DNAP program, it is crucial to manage time effectively and stay on track with coursework and deadlines. Without strong self-discipline and organization, the advantages of online learning can quickly become challenges, so it’s important to actively plan a study schedule and stay accountable throughout each term.

Can I work while enrolled in the DNAP program?

Employment During the Didactic Phase
The didactic phase of the DNAP program involves intensive coursework that requires significant time and cognitive engagement.

While acceptance into the program does not explicitly forbid employment during this phase, given the curriculum’s demands, it is strongly discouraged.

To ensure success, students must dedicate substantial time to studying, attending lectures, and engaging in other academic activities.

Employment During the Clinical Education Phase
The clinical education phase introduces additional complexities. During this time, it is discouraged for a DNAP student to be employed.

Clinical schedules are variable, and students are required to be available for shifts that may extend beyond regular working hours and on short notice.

Above all, there are legal limitations on the amount of downtime required before starting a shift, which can vary depending on state regulations and institutional policies.

All of these factors make balancing employment with clinical responsibilities impractical and potentially detrimental to both patient care and student well-being.

• Dosage calculations (mg/kg, mcg/min)
• Intravenous flow rates and drip rates
• Unit conversions (e.g., milligrams to grams, milliliters to liters)
• Dilution and concentration calculations
• Basic algebra for solving equations with unknown variables
• Interpretation of numerical laboratory values
• Career development includes assistance with CV writing, interview preparation, job search strategies, and access to job postings through the online career center.
• A student services portal provides access to academic calendars, event schedules, grades, and other essential resources.
• Financial aid counseling offers guidance on scholarships, grants, loans, and other financial resources.
• Accessibility services support students with disabilities to ensure equal access to educational opportunities.
• Health and wellness resources help maintain your well-being during your studies.