DNAP ADMISSIONS

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

To be considered for admission to the 2026 cohort, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Unencumbered RN License: Possess or be eligible for an unencumbered registered nurse license in Tennessee or a compact state by the application deadline.

• BSN from Accredited Institution: Graduation from an accredited baccalaureate nursing program.

• GPA Requirements:

• Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 credit hours of academic coursework

• Minimum 3.0 science GPA on a 4.0 scale

• The following courses are required and included in the science GPA:

• Anatomy & Physiology I and II

• Statistics

• Additional courses used to calculate the science GPA if present:

• Biology

• Microbiology

• General Chemistry

• Organic Chemistry

• Physics

• Critical Care Experience:

• Minimum one year of full-time critical care experience within the past three years, as defined by the Council on Accreditation (COA)

• Shadowing Requirement:

• Documentation of at least 8 hours of CRNA shadowing

• Certifications:

• CCRN certification is mandatory

• Current BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications (required prior to matriculation)

• Leadership & Clinical Excellence:

• Preferred qualifications include:

• Experience as a preceptor, charge nurse, or unit leader

• Participation in policy development, evidence-based practice, or practice change initiatives

• Personal Statement:

• A clearly written personal statement addressing:

• Clinical and work experience

• Scholarly activities and/or publications

• Community service

• Professional and personal goals related to doctoral education

• There is no character limit to this personal statement. 

• Interview Requirement:

• Participation in a structured interview with the Nurse Anesthesiology Admissions Selection Committee

• International Applicants:

• TOEFL exam results

• WES-evaluated transcripts from all international institutions

• Prior Program Dismissals:

• Applicants dismissed from any nurse anesthesia or advanced practice nursing program (academic, clinical, or behavioral) are not eligible for admission

• Applicants who withdrew or remain in good standing must submit a letter of verification from their previous program director.