Doctor of Nursing MSNA-DNAP at Virginia Commonwealth University

This doctor of nursing program is rated top in the nation! The Virginia Commonwealth University’s Anesthesia Program was ranked #1 in 2011.

Doctor of Nursing combined degree at Virginia Commonwealth University
School of Allied Health Professions
Department of Nurse Anesthesia
On the Medical College of Virginia Campus
P.O. Box 980226
Richmond, VA 23298

Contact Information
Admissions questions:
Marjorie Taylor-Goodwin, Program Specialist
ph: (804) 828-6726
email: mtgoodwin@vcu.edu

Curriculum and capstone project questions:
Suzanne Wright, PhD, CRNA, Interim Director of Doctoral Education
ph: (804) 828-9808
email: smwright@vcu.edu

Quick Facts

CRNA Degree offered
Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia, Combined MSNA and DNAP Program, and Post-master’s clinical doctorate - DNAP

Program Length
32 months full time (8 semesters), 40 months part time (10 semesters). The part time option is full time for 28 months (7 semesters), part time for one year (3 semesters).

Credit Hours
MSNA Credits = 63 (rather than 71 in the Master’s only program). 9 credits are common to both programs.
DNAP Credits = 33
Total Degree credits = 96

Starting Month
August (coursework for the DNAP won’t actually begin until the first semester of your second year).

Application Deadline
November 1st for admission to the MSNA program. Apply to the DNAP during your second semester at VCU.

Cost of the Doctor of Nursing combined degree at VCU

Full Time
Cost of In State Tuition: $$41,184.50
Fees and expenses: $3,380.00
Grand Total: $44,564.50

Cost of Out of State Tuition: $69,394.50
Fees and expenses: $3,380.00
Grand Total: $72,774.50

Part Time
Cost of In State Tuition: $36,475
Fees and expenses: $10,160
Grand Total: $46,635

Cost of Out of StateTuition: $68,350
Fees and expenses: $10,244
Grand Total: $78,594

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CRNA Training

The combined MSNA-DNAP will give you additional knowledge and skills in leadership, education and application of best evidence to practice.

You will build a professional portfolio which will include written case studies of clinical experiences that have significance for nurse anesthesia practice.

Your capstone project will be on a topic of interest relevant to clinical practice, education or leadership and will be your final work as part of the DNAP.

You will complete the MSNA Program in 7 semesters at which time you’ll be eligible to take the CRNA boards and receive your Master Degree. You will have only 12 credits left to complete for the DNAP. You can choose to finish your Doctor of Nursing in one semester or on a part-time basis. You will not receive your DNAP degree until you have passed the National Certification Exam and received your MSNA.

The combined degree program will be available to students in Richmond and Southwest Virginia, using state-of-the-art telecommunications technologies. However, DNAP courses will be both on and off campus. At the beginning and end of each semester, you will have on-campus classes including lectures, seminars, discussions and assigned readings. Your off-campus work will involve computer conferencing, discussion boards and pod-casts, in addition to reading assignments, projects and exercises.

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Program Requirements

CRNA Program Requirements

You must first be accepted to the Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia (MSNA) Program. You may apply to the MSNA-DNAP Program in the second semester of the Master’s Program.

Additional requirements include :

Good academic and clinical standing in the Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia Program.
Cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale (preferred).

Virginia Commonwealth University’s Website

CRNA School Performance

CRNA School Rankings - U.S. News & World Report (2011)
4.0 out of 5.0. Ranked #1 out of 107 CRNA programs.

*Please note: CRNA rankings are bias and subjective. Read disclaimer about how CRNA rankings are created.*

Accredited CRNA Programs are reviewed regularly.
Doctor of Nursing Anesthesia at Virginia Commonwealth University Nurse Anesthetist Program was last reviewed 05/2001. It was given 10 years accreditation and will be reviewed again 05/2011. This shows that the program is very stable.

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CRNA Salaries

An average nurse anesthetist salary in Virginia
Virginia CRNA salaries are about the same as the national average and range from $140k-160k range.

An average annual nurse anesthetist salary in the US is $163,467 (according to a 2008 study)