Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice - Post-Baccalaureate
book_2 Learning Mode: Residential
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
Ranked
#15
nurse-anesthesia 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
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.
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
Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Studies Virtual Information Session
- calendar_today Tuesday, Mar. 10
CHP Staff
MUSC Hybrid Doctor of Occupational Therapy Virtual Information Session
- calendar_today Tuesday, Mar. 10
CHP Staff
Doctor of Occupational Therapy - Residential Virtual Information Session
- calendar_today Wednesday, Mar. 11
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. To support this goal, the university outlines the essential qualities and functional abilities required for participation in its educational programs. These include a range of observational, communication, motor, intellectual and behavioral skills necessary for safe and effective practice.
Prerequisites
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Anatomy | 1 |
| General Chemistry | 1 |
| Statistics | 1 |
| Pharmacology** | 1 |
| Physiology | 1 |
| Organic Chemistry* | 1 |
| Pathophysiology* | 1 |
| Microbiology* | 1 |
* 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 Process
The following process outlines how and when your materials will be reviewed.
- Complete the MUSC application.
- Submit all supplemental materials, if not included within the application.
- Once all materials have been received and verified, your application will be reviewed. Selected applicants will be contacted for an interview.
Application Requirements
- 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.
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
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
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.
Guided by Purpose & 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
Stories Worth Sharing
Stay connected with success stories of students, alumni and faculty driving health care forward through leadership, innovation and service.
Division of Cardiovascular Perfusion + College of Health Professions
Global Impact in Extracorporeal Science: One Student’s Path Forward
College of Health Professions + Division of Healthcare Studies
Why We Redesigned the Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Studies Program for This Moment in AI and...
College of Health Professions + College of Medicine
Center for Global Health announces 2025-26 faculty mentor travel grant awardees
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.