Frequently Asked Questions
CARSON-NEWMAN UNIVERSITY
DNAP PROGRAM
What degree is awarded upon completion of the program?
Graduates will earn the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesiology Practice (DNAP) degree. This is a clinical doctorate designed to prepare students for the full scope of nurse anesthesia practice and leadership in the healthcare environment.
HOW LONG IS THE PROGRAM?
The program is 36 months in length and follows a full-time, cohort-based format. Students complete nine consecutive semesters of integrated didactic, clinical, and scholarly work.
IS THE PROGRAM ACCREDITED?
The program is pending full accreditation by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA). It is approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing and authorized by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the DNAP degree.
WHAT ARE THE MINIMUM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS?
Applicants must have:
A BSN from an accredited program
An unencumbered RN license (Tennessee or compact state)
Minimum 3.0 GPA (last 60 credit hours and science GPA)
At least one year of critical care experience
CCRN certification
Completion of 8 hours of CRNA shadowing
A personal statement, interview, and leadership experience are also strongly considered
See full admission requirements here
DO I HAVE TO BE BAPTIST TO ATTEND C-N’S DNAP PROGRAM?
No. While Carson-Newman University is a Christian university affiliated with the Tennessee Baptist Convention, we welcome and value students from all faith traditions and backgrounds.
Carson-Newman University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, or veteran status in the provision of its educational policies, programs, and activities.
To be considered for admission, applicants must meet academic requirements and other established criteria. Students are not required to subscribe to a particular denomination or religious belief to be accepted or to succeed at Carson-Newman.
CAN I WORK WHILE ENROLLED IN THE PROGRAM?
The program is academically and clinically rigorous, and students are strongly discouraged from maintaining employment while enrolled. Full-time commitment is necessary to ensure success and meet clinical requirements.
HOW IS THE CURRICULUM DELIVERED?
Year 1: Courses are delivered in person on Carson-Newman’s campus, with heavy emphasis on simulation, anatomy, and foundational anesthesia principles.
Years 2 and 3: Instruction is delivered through a hybrid model of distance education combined with on-campus intensives and full-time clinical residency.
WHERE ARE CLINICAL ROTATIONS CONDUCTED?
Clinical education occurs across a network of high-acuity hospitals and surgical centers throughout East Tennessee, including:
Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center
Parkwest Medical Center
LeConte Medical Center
Johnson City Medical Center
Niswonger Children’s Hospital
See full list of clinical sites here
IS THERE A SIMULATION COMPONENT?
Yes. The program offers an extensive simulation curriculum using high-fidelity CAE Human Patient Simulators (HPS) in a dedicated, state-of-the-art facility located on the third floor of the Drama and Ted Russell Center. Simulation is integrated throughout the curriculum and prepares students for real-world crisis management and patient care.
WHAT ARE THE ESTIMATED PROGRAM COSTS?
Tuition: $1,250 per credit hour
Total credits: 102
Other fees: Lab ($2,250), ExamSoft ($100/year), SEE Exam ($250 × 2)
IS FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE?
Yes. Students may be eligible for federal loans, veteran’s benefits, and other forms of financial assistance. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for individualized guidance and planning.
HOW CAN I AFFORD DNAP IF I CAN’T WORK AS A NURSE?
We understand that the demanding nature of the Nurse Anesthesiology Program makes full-time employment difficult. Fortunately, there are several financial aid options available to help cover both tuition and living expenses:
Federal Student Aid (via FAFSA)
Scholarships and grants
Loan repayment programs such as Nurse Corps
Military education benefits (e.g., GI Bill)
Employer tuition assistance programs
Disclaimer: Every student’s financial situation is unique. This information is provided for general awareness and is not intended as formal financial aid advice. We strongly encourage you to contact our financial aid experts for personalized assistance.
Contact:
Carson-Newman University Office of Financial Aid
Phone: 865-471-3247
Website: www.cn.edu/financial-aid
CAN INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS APPLY?
Yes. International applicants must:
Complete the TOEFL
Submit WES-evaluated transcripts
Meet all standard program requirements
WHAT IF I WAS PREVIOUSLY ENROLLED IN ANOTHER DNAP PROGRAM?
Applicants who have been dismissed from a nurse anesthesia or advanced practice nursing program for academic, clinical, or behavioral reasons are not eligible for admission. Those who withdrew or remain in good standing must provide a letter from their former program director verifying their status.
WHO CAN I CONTACT FOR MORE INFO?
Dr. Brian Foster, DNP, APRN, CRNA
Founding Program Director
Email: bfoster@cn.edu