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Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice - Post-Baccalaureate

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Program Overview

The Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice – Post-Baccalaureate (DNAP) program builds on more than 50 years of excellence in nurse anesthesia education. Designed to prepare a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) for advanced clinical practice and leadership, our program combines classroom and simulation-based training with an immersive clinical experience across diverse practice settings. Students gain expertise in evidence-based care, advanced technology, regional anesthesia and professional advocacy. Through interprofessional collaboration and varied scholarly project options, graduates are equipped to deliver safe, compassionate anesthesia care and shape the future of the profession. 

Application Timeline

Summer 2027

Jul 1, 2026 – Sep 15, 2026

Apply Request Information

Success You Can Measure

From national recognition to student satisfaction and real-world results, these numbers reflect the value and impact waiting for you in our program.

Ranked #15 DNAP program in the U.S.

As reported by the U.S. News & World Report.

100% employment

This is based on graduates seeking employment within six months of graduation.

97% average first-time NCE pass rate

For 2025 graduates

99.5% average overall NCE pass rate

Learning Experience

Engage in immersive clinical and simulation-based education with expert faculty guiding your growth toward advanced practice and leadership in anesthesia care.

Inside the Program

The MUSC Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) program is dedicated to producing competent, compassionate and knowledgeable certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) who will meet the health care needs of society through clinical practice, education and research.

Students are educated in all facets of nurse anesthesia practice throughout the perioperative period. The first 18 months are primarily online/classroom instruction that supports the students’ acquisition of basic and advanced anesthesia skills necessary for the safe administration of anesthesia. Students practice clinical skills using high-fidelity simulation. Students are expected to demonstrate professional advocacy through attendance at state and national meetings. During the next 18 months, students are immersed in the clinical area where they administer anesthesia to all types of patients and in all types of practice settings. Students are evaluated on their ability to integrate didactic knowledge into clinical practice, demonstrate critical thinking skills and appropriate interventions in patient management.

Through our variety of clinical sites, students have opportunities to administer anesthesia to complicated pediatric and adult patients in a large teaching hospital and to patients of all ages in community hospitals and rural independent CRNA practices. Students obtain extensive hands-on clinical experiences in administering many types of regional anesthesia.

The DNAP program offers a wide selection of course work from managing information systems to crisis simulation in anesthesia.

Through interprofessional collaboration, students in the DNAP program will have access to leaders in health care administration education and will attend classes with other non-nursing health care professionals. The variety of coursework and faculty backgrounds will support a wide variety of capstone project options.

Curriculum

Year 1, Summer A (5/1/25–8/14/25)
AFN820 Information Systems 3
AFN823 Research Methods for Nurse Anest 3
AFN815 Prof Issues Seminar 1
AFN817 Chemistry and Physics of Anest 2
AFN811 Principles of Evidence-based Practice 3
Semester Total 12
Year 1, Fall A (8/18/25–12/19/25)
AFN819 Human Anatomy for Nurse Anes 5
AFN821 Adv Health and Phys Assessment 3
AFN800 DNAP Seminar I 2
AFN825 Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology 5
Semester Total 15
Year 1, Spring (1/5/26–5/1/26)
AFN871 Managing Change in Healthcare 3
AFN826 Anesthesia Principles I 3
AFN831 Clinical Simulation I 2
AFN802 DNAP Seminar II 2
AFN861 Foundations in Leadership 3
AFN835 Advanced Pharmacology I 3
Semester Total 16
Year 2, Summer A (5/1/25–8/14/25)
AFN832 Clinical Simulation II 2
AFN805 Teaching and Learning 2
AFN836 Advanced Pharmacology II 4
AFN828 Anesthesia Principles II 5
Semester Total 13
Year 2, Fall A (8/18/25–12/19/25)
AFN830 Anesthesia Principles III 3
AFN841 Anesthesia Practicum I 5
AFN803 DNAP Seminar III 2
AFN833 Clinical Simulation III 1
Semester Total 11
Year 2, Spring (1/5/26–5/1/26)
AFN842 Anesthesia Practicum II 10
AFN806 Foundations in Healthcare Policy 3
Semester Total 13
Year 3, Summer A (5/1/25–8/14/25)
AFN809 Management Principles for Nurse Anesthesia Practice 3
AFN843 Anesthesia Practicum III 10
Semester Total 13
Year 3, Fall A (8/18/25–12/19/25)
AFN844 Anesthesia Practicum IV 10
AFN807 Principles of Pain Management 2
AFN813 Clin Sim in Crisis Management 1
Semester Total 13
Year 3, Spring (1/5/26–5/1/26)
AFN845 Anesthesia Practicum V 10
AFN804 DNAP Seminar IV 2
Semester Total 12
Curriculum Total 118

Clinical Education

Throughout the perioperative period of the post-baccalaureate DNAP program, students are educated in all facets of nurse anesthesia practice.

After completing their foundational learning, students participate in a series of 19 clinical rotations, each four to five weeks. During this time, students administer anesthesia to all types of patients—including complex pediatric and adult cases—in a variety of practice settings. Students gain extensive hands-on experience administering various types of regional anesthesia with ultrasound technology.

Our 39 clinical locations throughout South Carolina and Georgia range from Level 1 Trauma Centers to community hospitals to rural independent CRNA practices. We partner with our clinical sites to provide mentorship in major surrounding area trauma centers, rural medical centers and ambulatory centers.

Each clinical setting has student coordinators and instructors who serve as preceptors and role models for the student registered nurse anesthetist. Through their guidance and teaching, students are prepared to be autonomous, compassionate, competent and ethical entry-level nurse anesthetists.

Site Name Address Distance from MUSC (miles)
MUSC Health Rutledge Tower 135 Rutledge Avenue, Charleston, SC 29425 0.2
MUSC Health University Medical Center 169 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC 29425 0.4
MUSC Health Ashley River Tower 25 Courtenay Drive, Charleston, SC 29425 0.6
MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital 10 McClennan Banks Drive, Charleston, SC 29425 0.6
Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center 109 Bee Street, Charleston, SC 29401 0.8
MUSC Health West 2060 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407 6
Bon Secours Saint Francis Hospital 2095 Henry Tecklenburg Drive, Charleston, SC 29414 8
MUSC Children's Health R. Keith Summey Medical Pavilion 2250 Mall Drive, North Charleston, SC 29406 10
Trident Medical Center 9330 Medical Plaza Drive, North Charleston, SC 29406 18
Trident Surgery Center 9330 Medical Plaza Drive, North Charleston, SC 29406 18
Summerville Medical Center 295 Midland Parkway, Summerville, SC 29485 22
Roper Saint Francis Berkeley Hospital 100 Callen Street, Summerville, SC 29486 24
Colleton Medical Center 501 Robertson Boulevard, Walterboro, SC 29488 50
Beaufort Memorial Hospital 955 Ribault Road, Beaufort, SC 29902 70
MUSC Health – Orangeburg 3000 Saint Matthews Road, Orangeburg, SC 29118 78
Tidelands Health 4070 Highway 17 Bypass, Murrell's Inlet, SC 29440 84
Coastal Carolina Hospital 1000 Medical Center Drive, Hardeeville, SC 29927 88
Prisma Health – Tuomey 129 North Washington Street, Sumter, SC 29150 98
Hilton Head Hospital 25 Hospital Center Boulevard, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 100
Conway Medical Center 300 Singleton Ridge Road, Conway, SC 29526 102
MUSC Health Florence Medical Center 805 Pamlico Highway, Florence, SC 29505 110
Lexington Medical Center 2720 Sunset Boulevard, West Columbia, SC 29169 112
McLeod Regional Medical Center 555 East Cheves Street, Florence, SC 29501 112
MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center Downtown 2435 Forest Drive, Columbia, SC 29204 121
MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center Northeast 120 Gateway Corporate Boulevard, Columbia, SC 29203 126
Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center 1304 West Bobo Newsom Highway, Hartsville, SC 29927 127
McLeod Health Medical Center Dillon 301 East Jackson Street, Dillon, SC 29536 136
MUSC Health Lancaster Medical Center 800 West Meeting Street, Lancaster, SC 29720 165
Southeast Georgia Health System 2916 Glynn Avenue, Brunswick, GA 31520 175
Spartanburg Medical Center – Main Campus 101 East Wood Street, Spartanburg, SC 29303 209
Bon Secours Saint Francis Health System – Greenville Downtown One Saint Francis Drive, Greenville, SC 29601 215
Prisma Health (OB) 701 Grove Road, Greenville, SC 29605 217
Prisma Health – Greenville Memorial Hospital 701 Grove Road, Greenville, SC 29605 217
AnMed Health 800 North Fant Street, Anderson, SC 29521 225
WellStar Spalding Regional Hospital 601 S 8th Street, Griffin, GA 30224 300
Phoebe Sumter Medical Center 126 Highway 280 West, Americus, GA 31719 306
Georgia Bone and Joint Surgery Center (Summit Orthopedic Surgery Center) 1755 Highway 34 East, Newnan, GA 30265 326
Cancer Treatment Centers of America 600 Celebrate Life Parkway, Newnan, SC 30265 328
WellStar West Georgia Medical Center 1514 Vernon Road, LaGrange, GA 30240 361

For Clinical Instructors

Become a Clinical Site

You can help prepare future nurse anesthetists and make an impact on our profession. MUSC’s Anesthesia for Nurses Program is always looking for new opportunities to provide clinical instruction for our students and establish new partnerships to prepare the next generation of our workforce. Instructors at our clinical sites serve as role models for the student and, through guidance and teaching, help students become autonomous, compassionate, competent and ethical entry-level nurse anesthetists.

We are currently seeking clinical sites for rotations in Cardiac, Pediatric and OB anesthesia.

If you are interested in becoming a clinical site, please contact Blake Frazier, DNAP, APRN, CRNA via email at fraziech@musc.edu or by phone at 843-779-8011.

Resources

Simulation

The Division of Anesthesia for Nurses has its own dedicated laboratory space, task trainers for all anesthesia airway and invasive skills and a high-fidelity mannequin within a simulated operating room. Students use the task trainers to learn basic airway management and eventually advance to practicing crisis situations in high-fidelity simulation. Throughout the program students have unlimited access to all task trainers so that they can practice skills at their convenience. Using small group instruction, students are given the opportunity to use their knowledge, develop skills, learn behaviors and work with equipment that is used in daily anesthesia practice.

Our program uses clinical simulation to teach hands-on skills and reinforce critical thinking throughout the curriculum. Simulation gives both novice and experienced students the opportunity to be trained in a variety of skills and be exposed to multiple patient scenarios, before advancing to their clinical training. Clinical simulation is taught over three of the seven semesters of the post-baccalaureate program and students are required to pass a skills assessment at the end of each semester before advancing to the next level.

Throughout the program, simulation curriculum is designed to parallel didactic content. As students advance through the programs, the focus of the simulations change from skill performance to critical thinking and the application of anesthesia didactic content. Scenarios and situations faced in simulation become more complex and students are required to work together within the high-fidelity simulator to manage cases and troubleshoot patient’s complications as they arise in real time. Crisis simulation is taught, exclusively using high-fidelity simulator, at the end of the post-baccalaureate program. The course trains students for situations that are infrequent yet significantly life threatening to patients such as malignant hyperthermia, anaphylaxis and hemorrhage.

Engage With Our Community

 

Connect with the vibrant MUSC community through events, seminars and networking opportunities that foster peer support and professional development.

CHP Staff

Doctor of Health Administration Virtual Info Session

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CHP Staff

Residential Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Virtual Info Session

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CHP Staff

Hybrid Doctor of Physical (Hybrid DPT) On- Campus Info Session

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See All Events

Your Path to Admission

Discover key information about application steps and required documentation to help you move forward with confidence.

Eligibility Requirements

All applicants must:

  • Possess a nursing degree of the baccalaureate-level or higher from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S. by the time of enrollment.
  • Possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale. The cumulative GPA includes all college coursework taken at any degree level, including BSN and non-BSN coursework.
  • Have taken the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) within the last five (5) years. A GRE is required for all applicants who have a cumulative GPA below 3.6. The GRE is waived for individuals who hold a master's or higher-level degree in any subject from a regionally accredited institution.
  • Hold an unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license in the U.S.
  • Have nursing experience in the critical care setting.
  • Possess effective communication skills.
  • Provide leadership and function as part of a health care team.
  • Hold active certifications in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) at the time of application. Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) is preferred if working in an appropriate setting. All matriculated students will take ACLS, BLS and PALS as a cohort during their first and third years.
  • Have a minimum of one year of nursing experience in a critical care setting (e.g., CCU, ICU, MICU, NICU, PICU, SICU) at the time of application.
  • Have shadowed a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) at the time of application. If assistance is needed, applicants may use the MUSC AFN Program CRNA Shadowing Resource.
  • The required prerequisite coursework at a regionally accredited institution does not have to be completed to apply but must be completed prior to matriculation. In-person and online courses are accepted.

Clinical & Cognitive Skills

Applicants must be able to perform the essential functions or tasks of an anesthetist using the following abilities:

Sensory

  • Discriminate variations in human responses to disease using visual, auditory, tactile and other sensory clues.
  • Discriminate changes in monitoring devices and alarms using visual and auditory senses.
  • Communicate clearly and effectively in English through oral and written methods in order to interact with other health care providers and patients of all ages.

Motor

  • Coordinate gross and fine motor movements and the senses of touch and vision required to safely provide all aspects of general, regional and monitored anesthesia care (MAC) and handle multiple patient needs.
  • Perform tasks such as insertion of intravascular and intra-arterial access lines, administration of regional anesthetics, performance of airway management and timely response to in-house emergencies.
  • Demonstrate sufficient physical strength to perform airway management and move or position patients and equipment.
  • Possess sufficient stamina to stand or sit for prolonged periods.
  • Safely maneuver the operating room and anesthetizing locations.
  • Respond appropriately to alarms and changes in patient conditions requiring physical interventions.

Cognitive

  • Use reason, analysis, calculations, problem-solving, critical thinking, self-evaluation and other learning skills to acquire knowledge, comprehend and synthesize complex concepts.
  • Interpret auditory, written and visual data to determine appropriate anesthetic management plans.
  • Apply theoretical knowledge to practice to provide safe anesthetic care.

Behavioral

  • Demonstrate personal and professional ethical behavior, self-control, tactfulness, sensitivity, compassion, honesty, integrity, empathy and respect.
  • Work flexibly and effectively in stressful and rapidly changing situations.
  • Collaborate with other members of the health care team to ensure a therapeutic environment and safe patient care.

Non-Discrimination

This program does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, nationality, origin, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation or sex/gender in its admissions or educational activities. Because of the nature and intensity of the work, all students are assessed individually based on their ability to meet the didactic and clinical requirements of the curriculum.

Credentials

  • National Certification Examination administered by the National Board for Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).

Resources

Minimum Abilities

At MUSC, we actively support all students to ensure their success in both academic and clinical settings. The university outlines essential qualities and functional abilities required for educational participation, including observational, communication, motor, intellectual and behavioral skills necessary for safe and effective practice. View the full list on the Minimum Abilities page.

Prerequisite Coursework 

Course Credit Hours
Anatomy 4
General Chemistry 8
Statistics 3
Pharmacology**
Physiology 4
Organic Chemistry* 3
Pathophysiology*
Microbiology* 4

* While not required, this course is highly recommended.

** Pharmacology coursework may be part of an integrated curriculum. A course syllabus is required from the institution where the prerequisite was taken, and it must match the semester and year shown on the transcript.

Advanced Placement and dual enrollment courses are accepted for prerequisite coursework.

Courses must have been completed in the last ten years (preferably within the last five years).

Frequently Approved Prerequisites

Before applying, it's essential to ensure that any prior coursework meets the admissions requirements. MUSC provides a helpful reference list of frequently approved prerequisite courses to guide applicants in understanding which classes may satisfy program requirements. To explore the list, visit our Frequently Approved Prerequisites page.

Application Review Process 

The following process outlines how and when your materials will be reviewed.

  1. Complete the MUSC application.
  2. Submit all supplemental materials, if not included within the application.
  3. Once all materials have been received and verified, your application will be reviewed. Selected applicants will be contacted for an interview.

Required Application Materials 

  • MUSC Application: All applicants must submit an MUSC application.
  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended: Applicants are required to submit official transcripts from each post-secondary school attended, even if no degree was earned.
  • Supplemental Materials: In addition to the application itself, the applicant must complete supplemental materials. These forms are sent via email once you submit your application and should be uploaded to the application portal.
  • Anesthesia Clinical Shadowing Experience Log: This form is found within the application.
  • Certifications: All applicants must provide a copy of active/current BLS and ACLS certifications. A copy of active/current PALS certification is preferred but not required.
  • Graduate Record Exam (GRE): If applicable, applicants must provide a copy of their GRE score.
  • Letters of recommendation: All applicants must have three professional references complete the MUSC reference form found in the application. References should include a supervisor, a colleague and one additional professional reference of your choice.
  • Personal statement: Applicants must submit a personal statement (maximum 1,000 words) answering two questions:
    • Explain your reason for pursuing graduate study in nurse anesthesia, including future career goals.
    • Identify a clinical problem you may investigate during your doctoral scholarly project, including proposed solutions and desired outcomes.

    References are not required, but citations must be included if sources are used. Upload to the Documents section in the application portal and include your name and email address on the document.

  • Nursing license: Applicants must provide a copy of their nursing license.
  • Resume: Applicants must provide an updated resume including:
    • Education, licensure and certification
    • Current and past employment
    • Volunteer/community service (with hours, location, contact and type of experience)
    • Extracurricular, community, leadership and professional activities
    • Professional memberships, committees and organizations
    • Publications, research projects, academic honors or awards

    Indicate a minimum of one-year full-time experience in a critical care setting (e.g., CCU, ICU, MICU, NICU, PICU) at the time of application and specify the unit type and exact dates (e.g., Seaside Hospital, MICU, Staff RN, Dec 97–Jan 99).

  • TOEFL (if applicable): If English is not your native language and you have not studied within the United States, an official copy of your TOEFL scores is required.

All information above must be received by the deadline to be considered for admission. Without all materials, applicants will be considered incomplete. It is the applicant’s responsibility to monitor the progress of their application and ensure all materials have been submitted.

International Applicants

MUSC’s DNAP degree program is unable to admit international students requiring an F-1 visa. Applications will only be accepted from U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or those holding other valid nonimmigrant visa classifications that allow participation in lawful study while in the United States.

Why MUSC was the Right Choice

Hear from current students about how MUSC provided the mentorship, resources and real-world experience to build confidence and competence in anesthesia practice.

About the AFN Program
Explore the MUSC College of Health Professions

Funding Your Path Forward

Explore financial guidance, scholarship opportunities and cost transparency to support your journey in the Anesthesia for Nurses DNAP-PB program.

Tuition

Fees

Fee Type Fee
Application Fee (per application) $100
Matriculation Fee (upon applicant acceptance) $500

Tuition and fees listed below are per semester unless otherwise noted.

Full-time

Tuition/Fee Type Fall Spring Summer Annual
In-state Tuition $7,724 $7,724 $7,724 -
Out-of-state Tuition $13,597 $13,597 $13,597 -
Program Fee $1,600 $1,600 $1,600 -

Part-time

Tuition/Fee Type Fall Spring Summer Annual
In-state Tuition (per credit hour) $888 $888 $888 -
Out-of-state Tuition (per credit hour) $915 $915 $915 -
Part-time Student Fee $861 $861 $861 -
Program Fee $1,600 $1,600 $1,600 -

Estimated Cost of Attendance

Item Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Est. Total
Direct Costs
Tuition – In-state/Out-of-state $23,172 / $39,791 $23,172 / $39,791 $23,172 / $39,791 $69,516 / $119,373
Fees $4,800 $4,800 $4,800 $14,400
Health Insurance $4,591 $3,780 $3,780 $12,151
Direct Costs Subtotal $32,563 / $49,182 $31,752 / $48,371 $31,752 / $48,371 $96,067 / $145,924
Indirect Costs
Housing/Food $27,144 $27,144 $27,144 $81,432
Personal $2,880 $2,880 $2,880 $8,640
Transportation $3,240 $3,240 $3,240 $9,720
Books/Required Expenses $5,010 $9,610 $9,535 $24,155
Indirect Costs Subtotal $38,274 / $38,274 $42,874 / $42,874 $42,799 / $42,799 $123,947 / $123,947
Total – In-state/Out-of-state $70,837 / $87,456 $74,626 / $91,245 $74,551 / $91,170 $220,014 / $269,871

 

Disclaimer: The Estimated Total listed above reflects an approximation of educational costs for planning purposes only. Actual expenses may vary based on individual circumstances, program requirements and annual changes in tuition, fees and other charges. The Medical University of South Carolina reserves the right to adjust tuition, fees and other charges at any time without prior notice.

Scholarships

MUSC offers scholarships for which you may be eligible. Some are awarded based on academic achievement; others are awarded based on community service, for example. However, the majority of scholarships awarded at MUSC are based on financial need. This means that these scholarships are only awarded to students who need some financial assistance to cover the cost of tuition and fees. If you would like to be considered for a financial need-based scholarship, you must have an up-to-date Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. Make sure you list the Medical University of South Carolina on your FAFSA form, along with MUSC's code: 003438. We encourage you to submit your FAFSA as early as possible. It is recommended to submit your FAFSA in January if you plan to enroll in the fall.

Click here to visit our scholarship application system to view a complete listing of MUSC scholarships.

Career Outlook

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

CRNAs deliver safe, expert anesthesia care in hospitals, clinics and surgical centers, trusted nationwide with 50 million anesthetics each year.

Program Outcomes

See proven results in clinical competency, certification success and employment outcomes that reflect the quality and impact of our residential curriculum. 

NBCRNA NCE Pass Rates and Attrition

The following table displays the first-time pass rate and overall pass rate of the NBCRNA NCE by graduates of the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice – Post-Baccalaureate program in comparison with the national pass rate. Additionally, it provides the attrition rate.

Year First-time Pass Rate Overall Pass Rate National Pass Rate Attrition Rate
3-Yr Avg (2023–2025) 95% 99% 86% 2.14%
2025 97% 100% TBA 3.13%
2024 96% 100% 89.3% 3.3%
2023 92% 96% 83.2% 0%
2022 96% 100% 83.4% 0%
2021 69% 100% 84.1% 3.7%
2020 82% 100% 85.2% 0%

Employment Rate

The following table displays the employment rate for graduates seeking employment within six months of graduation.

Year Employment Rate
Average 100%
2025 100%
2024 100%
2023 96%
2022 100%
2021 100%
2020 100%

Program Faculty

Angela Ciuca, Ph.D., DNAP, CRNA

mail ciuca@musc.edu View Faculty Profile open_in_new View Provider Profile open_in_new

Assistant Professor and Division Director
843-792-0127 , ciuca@musc.edu

Blake Frazier, DNAP, APRN, CRNA

Clinical Anesthetist – MUSC Ashley River Tower
Area of Expertise: nurse anesthesiology; vascular, surgical oncology, thoracic, electrophysiology
Role in AFN: Pharmacology didactic instruction and advisor for doctoral scholarly work

Catherine Horvath, DNP, CRNA

Associate Professor, College of Health Professions
View Faculty Profile open_in_new

Admissions FAQs

The program receives more than 200 applicants each year. Approximately 60 candidates are invited for in-person interviews.

No. Admission into the program is very competitive. All applications are reviewed and evaluated for critical care experience, GPA and GRE, leadership experiences, references, essays and other life experiences. The Admissions subcommittee invites the most qualified candidates of each application cohort to an in-person interview.

All interviews are conducted in person at the MUSC College of Health Professions. The interview day will include a description of the program, a tour of the campus and an interview during which the applicant will meet with several students, faculty members and the program administrator. The interview process will take 2-3 hours.

To be eligible, a candidate must have at least 1 year as a registered nurse in a critical care unit that includes, at a minimum, invasive hemodynamic monitoring, ventilator management and vasoactive infusions. Acceptable intensive care units include surgical, medical, cardiovascular, pediatric and neonatal critical care. Emergency Room and Post Anesthesia Recovery Units are not considered acceptable. The candidate must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited university as well as active certification in ACLS, BLS and PALS.

Admitted students have an average GPA of 3.5, 24 months of critical care nursing experience and have completed all prerequisite coursework. Most admitted students have served as clinical preceptors, charge nurses, unit committee chairs, or have other demonstrated engagement in the nursing profession.

Yes. If you retake a course, the highest grade is used to meet the prerequisite. To meet the prerequisite, the course needs to have a grade of C or higher. To calculate your cumulative GPA, MUSC will use all grades earned for any coursework.

No. We require that you shadow a CRNA.

Our student-run MUSC AFN Program CRNA Shadowing Resource is available to improve access to shadowing opportunities. We can assist in finding shadowing opportunities in South Carolina. Please complete this interest form.

Learning Experience FAQs

DNAP students only share clinical rotations with physician anesthesiology residents at the MUSC clinical sites and at the Charleston Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The program has a diversified portfolio of clinical sites that allows students opportunities that may not be available at MUSC.

Yes. In addition to a very comprehensive didactic training that includes a human cadaver lab and a state-of-the-art simulation classroom, DNAP students gain hands-on neuraxial and peripheral regional anesthesia experiences at a variety of clinical sites. Students learn and perform regional anesthesia and analgesia. Examples of blocks that are personally performed include neuraxial, brachial plexus, lower extremity and truncal blocks.

Candidates for the degree of Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice must achieve the following requirements and be recommended by the faculty.

  • Complete all academic requirements as described in the AFN Administrative and Student Manual.
  • Attend two nurse anesthesia professional meetings, which may include state, national, or a combination of both.
  • Complete a scholarly project and disseminate the results.
  • Obtain a passing score, as determined by the program, on the Self Evaluation Examination administered by the National Board for Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).
  • Perform a minimum number of clinical cases and clinical skills as determined by the program. These minimums may exceed the requirements set by the NBCRNA.

The program admits up to 40 students per year. This number varies depending on the quality of the applicant pool. Only students who demonstrate high scholastic achievement, a strong clinical background and the commitment to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) are admitted.

Living in Charleston

Charleston offers a unique blend of coastal beauty and modern convenience. With top-rated dining, scenic waterfronts and endless outdoor activities, the city offers an unmatched quality of life for residents, striking a balance between work and leisure.

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Guided by Purpose and Principles

MUSC's values-driven program cultivates leaders who act with integrity, lead with purpose and devise solutions that enhance community health.

Objectives

The DNAP – Post-Baccalaureate program aims to prepare graduates to:

  • Expand the clinical education of certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) with increased clinical education hours, instruction in advanced technology and high-fidelity crisis simulation.
  • Prepare CRNAs to provide clinical practice founded on evidence, research and outcomes.
  • Produce CRNAs who have the education and skills to assume leadership roles in health care.

Competencies

Upon completion of the DNAP – Post-Baccalaureate program, graduates will be able to:

  • Integrate advanced clinical knowledge, technological proficiency and high-fidelity simulation training to deliver safe and effective anesthesia care across diverse patient populations and practice settings.
  • Critically appraise and apply current evidence, research findings and outcomes data to inform clinical decision-making and improve anesthesia practice.
  • Design, implement and evaluate quality improvement initiatives that enhance patient safety, operational efficiency and clinical outcomes in anesthesia care.
  • Demonstrate leadership in interprofessional health care environments by guiding teams, influencing policy and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Adhere to the highest ethical and professional standards in the delivery of anesthesia care, ensuring compliance with regulatory, accreditation and practice guidelines.
  • Employ advanced communication, collaboration and consultation skills to effectively engage with patients, families and members of the health care team.

Vision

 To be a nationally recognized nurse anesthesia educational program that graduates highly sought after, innovative nurse anesthesia leaders.

Mission

To prepare independent, ethical, culturally aware nurse anesthesia providers ready to lead in the clinical and professional arena. This is accomplished by providing evidence-based, high quality didactic, clinical, health care policy and simulation education.

Values

At the core of our program, we are guided by a commitment to the following values that drive our mission:

  • Integrity
  • Evidence-based Education
  • Professional Advocacy
  • Wellness
  • Innovation

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Accreditation & Recognition

 Gain confidence knowing this accredited program meets high national standards, preparing graduates for leadership roles in anesthesia care.

The Anesthesia for Nurses program at the Medical University of South Carolina is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA), 10275 West Higgins Road, Suite 906, Rosemont, Illinois 60018-5603; telephone: 224-275-9130; website: https://www.coacrna.org. The program was awarded a full 10-year accreditation in June 2020. Whereas accreditation applies to training programs, licensure applies to individuals.

Our program prepares students for and makes them eligible to take the National Certification Examination (NCE) through the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). Passing the NCE is required for employment as a CRNA and may also be required to obtain licensure. All applicants should review the licensure criteria for the state or states where they plan to practice.

Information regarding each state’s nurse practice act and regulatory requirements may be found on the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology website. You can find additional requirements for practicing nurse anesthesia in each state on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing website.

Essential Resources