Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia (DNAP) degree differ from a PhD?

Doctoral programs fall into two categories: practice-focused / professional degrees and research-focused degrees. The two types of doctoral degrees are alternative approaches to the terminal level of educational preparation in a field.

The DNAP is a practice-focused doctoral degree. Practice-focused degrees prepare experts for specialized roles within a discipline. Coursework focuses on the CRNA as a clinical expert, leader, and educator who can identify issues, apply scientific findings, and develop practices that are supported by the best available evidence. The practice doctorate culminates in a "capstone project" that pertains to the individual's area of interest. Graduates are prepared to accept positions as expert clinicians, instructors in academic and clinical settings, and positions emphasizing leadership.

Research-focused degrees prepare scientists and scholars who can develop programs of research that lead to advancing the knowledge and science of a discipline. PhD programs require extensive coursework in theory, research methodology, and statistics. The PhD culminates in an original research project with completion and defense of a dissertation. Graduates are prepared to develop programs of research, serve as primary investigators on research projects, and teach in academic programs emphasizing research and teaching.

I took the GRE more than 5 years ago. Do I need to repeat it?
I'm a CRNA with a master's degree, but I’ve never taken the GRE. Do I need it?

Post-master's applicants who have previously taken the GRE, may submit a copy of those scores. Post-master's applicants who have never taken the GRE must provide evidence of having the knowledge, skills, and ability to complete doctoral-level work. Documentation may include, but is not limited to, examples of written work, publications, or presentations.

Applicants to the combined-degree MSNA-DNAP program must take the GRE within the last 5 years.

Do I need to move to Richmond to complete the DNAP?

The Department of Nurse Anesthesia uses distance technology to offer its programs in two locations. Students may participate in on-campus DNAP sessions on the MCV campus of VCU in Richmond or at the Southwest Higher Education Center in Abingdon, Virginia.

The post-master's DNAP is structured to allow students to spend limited amounts of time on-campus. However, the MSNA program requires a full-time commitment, so students in the combined degree MSNA-DNAP program must live in either the Richmond or SW Virginia area.

How much time will I need to spend on campus?

The post-master's DNAP is structured for working CRNAs. The curriculum is offered through a combination of on- and off-campus sessions. Off-campus work is completed by a combination of assignments (clinical practice, readings, written work) and web-based activities using the Blackboard learning platform. On-campus sessions are held at the beginning and end of each semester for 1-2 days (per course). Courses with an NRSA designation will meet in early January, May, and late August. Courses with an ALHP designation are offered in a 6-month executive format and meet in early January and late June or early July. Class sessions are arranged to maximize efficiency with one class ending and another starting in the same week.

Is the Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists (CCNA) transcript the same as my university transcript?

No. The CCNA transcript is the one sent by your nurse anesthesia program to the CCNA when you graduated from your program. It is part of the application process for the certification examination. You can request a copy of the original from the CCNA. Information on requesting the transcript is available on the AANA website.

What is the Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists' transcript?

When you graduated from your nurse anesthesia program and applied for the national certification examination, your program submitted a transcript to the CCNA. This transcript detailed how you met all the requirements for certification. The CCNA transcript is not the same as the transcript issued by the university that issued your degree. Information on requesting the transcript is available on the AANA website.

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