Take your career further
The D.N.P./NA completion degree is an online post-masters Doctorate in Nursing Practice with a focus in nurse anesthesia. This degree is available to Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) holding a master’s degree in anesthesia or CRNAs with a master’s degree in nursing.
Earn Your D.N.P. at Maine's Leading Health University
UNE’s Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia program produces highly-skilled, well-rounded D.N.P.s with extensive experience in every category of medical procedure in which anesthesia is necessary. You will graduate with research experience as well as vast knowledge of health care systems, special patient populations, and health care policy — all of which equip you to pursue a range of professional avenues, including clinical practitioner, business owner, independent contractor, chief nurse anesthetist, researcher, educator, or an executive-level administrator.
UNE’s post-masters degree is pending accreditation by the COA.
Why UNE for your D.N.P. Degree
- First-time NCE pass rates were 94% and 95% in 2019 and 2020 respectively, 10 percentage points above the national average. Learn more about the exam and UNE pass rates (PDF).
- A comprehensive health sciences university that is nationally recognized for excellence in preparing students for collaborative, interprofessional, team-based care.
- Train alongside future physicians, nurses, physician assistants, pharmacists, dentists, and other health professionals.
- Our exceptional faculty members are willing to go the extra mile for you.
- Skilled tutors in the Student Academic Success Center.
- A mentoring program that pairs incoming D.N.P. degree candidates with advanced nurse anesthesia students.
of our students pass the NCE on the first try, which is 10 percentage points above the national average
of our students are employed within 6 months of graduation
approximate number of hospitals and facilities in New England with clinical training sites
The D.N.P. Completion Program Experience
The program begins in the fall semester and extends over five semesters. The coursework is only offered during the stated semesters.
Curriculum
Year 1
Fall 2024
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| ANE 720 Leadership in Advanced Practice Nursing and the Evolving Healthcare System | 3 |
| ANE 722 Epidemiology, Population Health, and Prevention | 3 |
Spring 2025
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| ANE 726 Translational Research and Evidence-based Practice | 3 |
| ANE 723 Using Informatics to Improve Healthcare Quality and Safety | 3 |
| Year 1 Total Credits | 12 |
|---|
Year 2
Summer 2025
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| ANE 727 Introduction to Scholarly Project I | 2 |
| ANE 744 Advances in Pharmacology | 3 |
Fall 2025
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
ANE 719 Economics, Ethics, and Healthcare Policy |
3 |
|
ANE 729 DNP Scholarly Project II |
2 |
Spring 2025
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| ANE 730 DNP Scholarly Project Ill | 1 |
| ANE 746 Pathophysiology and Chronic Pain Management | 2 |
| ANE 748 Human Factors and Patient Safety for Nurse Anesthetists | 3 |
| Year 2 Total Credit Hours | 16 |
|---|
| Total Credits | 28 |
|---|
Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management
A graduate certificate in Healthcare Management can be obtained by taking two additional online courses in the College of Professional Studies.
- HCA 601 Introduction to Health Administration
- HCA 765 Communication for Healthcare Leaders
Application Process
All applicants should apply through the Central Application System (CAS) beginning January 15, 2024. The application period will extend through May 17, 2024.
Application Requirements
- Application with application fee
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended including nurse anesthesia program transcript
- CV/Resume
Degree Requirements
- Evidence of graduation from a COA-accredited nurse anesthesia program with a Master's degree
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 in the nurse anesthesia program
Licenses and Certifications
- Proof of current certification or recertification as a CRNA
- Current, unencumbered RN and APRN license
- Proof of current AANA membership
- Current ACLS, BLS, PALS certifications
Letters of Reference
Two professional references
- One from a current supervisor addressing practice verification
- One from an educator addressing potential tor academic success
Essay
The online application will provide a specific writing prompt.
Interview
Interviews are a required part of the application process.
- Highly qualified applicants will be contacted and invited to interview during the spring/summer months, prior to the fall start of the Nurse Anesthesia program.
- Interviews are done by invitation only.
- Interviews will be conducted via phone or zoom and scheduled through the Office of Graduate Admissions.
Other Requirements
Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check.
Policy Exceptions
Policies have been established to ensure fair and consistent admissions practice for all applicants.
All criteria presented in this summary are subject to change per professional accreditation requirements, changes in curriculum and/or other institutional standards, and clinical affiliation requirements.
Exceptions to existing admission policies are rare and made only when it is deemed necessary and appropriate to maintain fair and consistent practice for all candidates, not individual candidates.
Accreditation
The School of Nurse Anesthesia is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, a specialized accrediting bodyu recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. The School of Nurse Anesthesia is accredited by COA through the fall of 2031. The program received the maximum 10-year accreditation length in the fall of 2021.
UNE’s post-masters degree is pending accreditation by the COA.
The COA of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs recognizes the program for providing a graduate-level curriculum leading to the award of a Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) degree. The proposed date of implementation of this degree offering in August 2022.
COA Contact
Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA)
10275 W. Higgins Rd., Suite 906
Rosemont, IL 60018-5603
(224) 275-9130