To be considered for admission to the DNAP program, you must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN): You must hold a BSN from an accredited institution.
- Current RN License: A current and unencumbered RN license and/or APRN in the United States or its territories or protectorates is required to apply.
- Minimum One Year Critical Care Experience: Critical care experience must be obtained in a critical care area within the United States, its territories, or a US military hospital outside of the United States. A critical care area is defined as one where, on a routine basis, the registered professional nurse manages one or more of the following: invasive hemodynamic monitors (e.g., pulmonary artery, central venous pressure, and arterial catheters), cardiac assist devices, mechanical ventilation, and vasoactive infusions. Examples of critical care units may include but are not limited to: surgical intensive care, cardiothoracic intensive care, coronary intensive care, medical intensive care, pediatric intensive care, and neonatal intensive. Those who have experiences in other areas may be considered provided they can demonstrate competence with managing unstable patients, invasive monitoring, ventilators, and critical care pharmacology.
- Certifications: You must possess ACLS, BLS, and PALS certifications, as well as CCRN certification or other specialty certification (e.g., ER or PACU).
- Minimum GPA of 3.0: Your undergraduate coursework should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Organic Chemistry: An organic chemistry or biochemistry course taken within the last five years with a B grade or above.
- Official Transcripts: Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities you attended.
- Personal Statement: Provide a personal statement outlining your goals, interests, and reasons for pursuing a DNAP
- Letters of Recommendation: Submit letters of recommendation from healthcare professionals, such as physicians, nurse anesthesiologists, or nurse managers.
- Shadowing Experience: Document at least 16 hours of shadowing a CRNA or physician anesthesiologist.
- Interview: Complete an interview with program faculty or administrators.
- GRE Score: Achieve a combined score of 300 or above on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).
- Recommended undergraduate basic sciences: physics, pharmacology, statistics, college algebra, or similar math class within the last five years.
- Criminal Background Check: A criminal background check is required as part of the application process.
International students: The RVU DNAP program may consider international applicants. Demonstrated English language proficiency is required; preference will be given to applicants who have previously attended a regionally-accredited college or university in the US.
**All prospective applicants must apply through NursingCAS.