Doctor of Nursing Practice in Anesthesia

Research-oriented degrees include the Doctor of Nursing Science (DNSc, DNS or DSN) and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

The practice-oriented degree, also called the clinical doctorate, is the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP or DrNP).

The DNP degree is meant to prepare registered nurses to become advanced practice nurses. The curriculum includes leadership training, application of clinical research and advanced practice training.

The DNP degree will soon be required of all advanced practice nurses, including nurse practitioners (NP), certified nurse midwives (CNM), clinical nurse specialists (CNS) and nurse anesthetists (CRNA).

DNAP Will Soon Replace the MSNA

In the meantime, all nurse anesthetists who obtain a CRNA masters degree before 1025 will be “grandfathered” in and will not be required to go back to school to get a DNP.

So if you're not required to get an advanced practice nursing degree, should you? Here is a list of pros and cons that will help you decide of the doctor of nursing practice is the right path for you.

List of CRNA Schools that offer an entry DNAP

Though this list is currently a short one, it will grow at an alarming rate as we approach 2025.

Many CRNA Schools are in the process of changing their curriculum. The schools listed below are ahead of the curve.

Rush University Medical Center. Rush is now offering a DNP program in place of the current MSN. It is pending approval by the COA (Council on Accreditation) 7/31/2011

University of Iowa. The class of 2010 will be their first class to graduate with this degree.

Union University Post-Master's DNP, Tennessee. Please note, as a post-master's program, you need to have a Master's degree as well as your CRNA license to enroll in this program.

Thomas Jefferson School, PA. Jefferson School of Nursing's DNP program has been awarded CCNE accreditation through 2014 and COA accreditation through 2019.

Voice Your Opinion

How do you feel about this change to the DNP?

How does this change to the DNP affect your educational plans?

Do you think it's necessary that nurse anesthetists have a doctorate degree?

Some people think it's unfair for a nurse (who spends a few extra years beyond the bachelor's level) to be given almost the same title as a medical doctor who devotes an entire decade to study. They feel it will confuse patients. Do you agree?

What Other People Think

No I don't agree and I think that's exactly what advance nurses are
I believe it's about time nurses are recognized for their education, training and hard work. Nurses are more holistic in their approach to patient care ...

DNPs spend more than enough time (counting training and experience) to deserve the "doctor" title
I feel that after spending more than 12 years to become a nurse anesthetist, I should be called a doctor!

Though they're both called "doctors" their ...

If you want to be called "Doctor" go to Medical School.
I am a nurse.

3 years in a NA program does NOT equal 4 years of medical school and 4 years of residency.

It is deceptive to call yourself "Doctor"...

Call me doctor, please!
Whilst some may feel it is deceptive to call yourself doctor when you are a DNP, the fact is that you will be treated with more respect by patients and ...

Advanced degrees don't make you any more valuable.... just expensive. Not rated yet
I find it interesting when people equate length of study with the quality of an educational model or value of a title. The strength of nursing is with ...

My opinion to the CRNA change to DNP Not rated yet
I am currently a nursing student working on obtaining my RN. After which, I will earn my BSN; then I plan to become a CRNA.

I do not agree with the ...

CRNA can call them selves Doctor as long as they do the same jobs as MDA Not rated yet
Change is needed with current health care system. The transformation from MN to DNP is a good idea. The patients are not stupid and just telling them you ...

Discouraging Not rated yet
The argument I hear often is that a DNP/DNAP will put nurses on par with other professional such as pharmacists, dentists, etc. Studies show that master'...

It's a title for a degree, not a job description. Not rated yet
Anyone who puts in the work to earn a doctorate degree deserves to use the title doctor. Yes, I call my physician "doctor." I also call my dentist "doctor"...

The meaning of Doctor... Not rated yet
Doctor is an academic degree (just like an Associates, a Bachelor, a Master), you can be a Dr. of Music, Dr. in Teaching, Education, Divinity, etc... So ...

Call them Doctors! Not rated yet
How is it deceptive? If you have earned it you should have a right to call yourself Doctor! Originally doctor was used for phd candidates and then it went ...

DNP should not be required for entry into practice Not rated yet
I do not think that a DNP should be the required entry level for practice. I think that the Masters Degree is sufficient for entry. Perhaps the DNP should ...

This seems to be a natural progression Not rated yet
I'm an anesthesia nursing student who will not complete the doctoral (DNAP) route. But I feel that this is the natural progression of many health and medical ...

Mandatory DNP is Not a Good Idea Not rated yet
I feel it would confuse patients. I believe you will see a lot of nurses with this degree trying to make people think they are actually a medical doctor....