Doctor of Nursing Practice Nurse Anesthesia Specialty
The University of South Alabama Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Nurse Anesthesia specialty option prepares advanced practice nurses for safe, independent anesthesia practice across diverse clinical environments. The program integrates foundational science, simulation-based training, and supervised clinical immersion to develop clinical judgment, technical competence, and professional accountability.
The curriculum is designed to promote patient safety, evidence-based decision making, and lifelong professional development consistent with doctoral nursing education standards.
Accreditation Status
The University of South Alabama Nurse Anesthesia Specialty Option Director has applied for initial accreditation from the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) and is currently undergoing the initial accreditation review process.
The program is not currently accredited by the COA.
Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs
10275 W. Higgins Road, Suite 906
Rosemont, IL 60018-5603
Phone: 224-275-9130
Website
Program Mission
The mission of the University of South Alabama DNP Nurse Anesthesia Specialty Option is to prepare highly competent, ethical, and independent Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists who deliver safe anesthesia care, advance healthcare systems, and contribute to the profession through doctoral-level scholarship and leadership.
Program Goals
Graduates of the program will demonstrate safe independent anesthesia practice, apply advanced clinical reasoning, integrate evidence-based practice, promote patient safety, demonstrate professional leadership, engage in lifelong learning, and contribute to healthcare improvement.
Applicants must meet minimum criteria including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, active unencumbered RN license, high-acuity ICU experience, minimum GPA requirements, required professional certifications, and completion of the application and interview process. Full admission criteria are published in the Graduate Bulletin.
As a new program undergoing accreditation review, outcome data will be published upon graduation of the first cohort. Future publicly reported outcomes will include
- First-time NCE pass rate
- Attrition rate
- Employment rate
- Graduation rate.
The Nurse Anesthesia specialty option is led by doctorally prepared Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists with experience in nurse anesthesia education, clinical practice, and academic leadership. Faculty maintain active professional engagement and ongoing development consistent with accreditation expectations.
Students are governed by the University and College of Nursing DNP program policies including academic progression standards, professionalism expectations, remediation procedures, grievance procedures, and integrity policies. The Nurse Anesthesia Student Handbook provides detailed guidance.
Students have access to academic advising, disability accommodations, counseling services, library resources, technology support, and financial aid services provided through the University of South Alabama.
Students must meet essential technical and professional standards required for safe anesthesia practice, including physical, cognitive, and behavioral competencies necessary for clinical training.
The University of South Alabama is an equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or veteran status.
Students and members of the public may submit complaints regarding the program through institutional grievance processes or directly to the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs at https://www.coacrna.org.
Contact Information
Dr. Todd Hicks, DNP, CRNA
Assistant Professor
Director for DNP Nurse Anesthesia Specialty