Nurse Anesthisia

The University of South Florida offers a comprehensive Nurse Anesthesia Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program designed to prepare students for advanced practice roles in anesthesiology. This rigorous program combines extensive theoretical coursework with hands-on clinical training, enabling graduates to deliver expert anesthesia care across a wide range of medical settings. The curriculum emphasizes the development of critical thinking, leadership, and evidence-based practice skills essential for the evolving healthcare environment. Students enrolled in the program will learn to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate anesthesia care for patients of all ages, from routine surgeries to complex medical procedures. The program incorporates advanced coursework in physiology, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and anesthesia techniques, along with training in patient monitoring and safety protocols. Clinical rotations are conducted at leading hospitals and healthcare facilities affiliated with the university, providing students with diverse practical experiences. The program also prepares students to assume leadership roles in clinical practice, education, and research, fostering innovation and improving patient outcomes. Graduates of the Nurse Anesthesia DNP program at USF are credentialed professionals capable of working independently or within interdisciplinary teams to deliver anesthesia services with the highest standards of safety and quality. The program is positioned to meet the increasing demand for highly skilled anesthesia providers and reflects USF’s commitment to excellence in health sciences education. Applicants are expected to have a strong academic background in nursing, relevant clinical experience, and a commitment to advancing their careers in nurse anesthesia. Upon successful completion, graduates will be eligible to sit for certification examinations and will be prepared for dynamic careers in anesthesia practice, education, and leadership in healthcare settings nationwide.

The M.S. program in Nurse Anesthesia requires completion of the credit hours required by the Program. Sequencing of courses is particularly important and academic advisors work with students to design full-time program plans in the program. The curriculum is composed of the didactic phase first 12 months and the clinical phase last 16 months. The classes contain the principles and practices in all applications of anesthesia. The Nurse Anesthesia Program is independent of the USF academic calendar. During certain rotations in the clinical phase, weekends, nights, and 24-hour rotations will be expected.

Total Minimum Program Hours 72 post bachelors

Core Requirements

• NGR 6440L Nurse Anesthesia Simulation Lab I 2
• NGR 6002C Advanced Health Assessment Across the Lifespan 4
• NGR 6404 Anatomy and Physiology for Nurse Anesthesia 3
• NGR 6400 Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Physics for Nurse Anesthesia 3
• NGR 6460 Pharmacology for Nurse Anesthesia 3
• NGR 6152 Advanced Physiology & Pathophysiology 4
• NGR 6157 Physiology & Pharmacology for Nurse Anesthetists II 5
• NGR 6424 Principles for Nurse Anesthesia 3
• NGR 6441L Nurse Anesthesia Simulation Lab II 2
• NGR 6422 Principles of Nurse Anesthesia throughout the Lifespan 3
• NGR 7848 Fundamentals of Statistics for Clinicians 3
• NGR 6442L Nurse Anesthesia Simulation Lab III 2
• NGR 6420 Foundations & Methods of Nurse Anesthesia Practice 4
• NGR 6423 Principles of Cardiothoracic Nurse Anesthesia 3
• NGR 6431 Nurse Anesthesia Clinical Residency I 4
• NGR 6803 Research and Evidence-Based Practice 3
• NGR 6929 Clinical Correlational Conferences 1
• NGR 6432 Nurse Anesthesia Clinical Residency II 4
• NGR 6929 Clinical Correlational Conferences 1
• NGR 6492 Nurse Anesthesia Role Development 3
• NGR 6433 Nurse Anesthesia Clinical Residency III 4
• NGR 6929 Clinical Correlational Conferences 1
• NGR 6434 Nurse Anesthesia Clinical Residency IV 4
• NGR 6929 Clinical Correlational Conferences 1
• NGR 6491 Nurse Anesthesia Practice Comprehensive 2

Comprehensive Examination

Comprehensive competency testing is done through two mechanisms. Currently this requirement is typically fulfilled during the final semester of study and consists of:

• One is a comprehensive oral boards examination which is evaluated by a faculty panel.
• The other mechanism is through the Self-Evaluation Exam (SEE) which is created by the NBCRNA for Nurse Anesthetists who oversees national certification and professional licensure.

• Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited program.
• Competitive applicants to the CRNA Program should have a minimum of a 3.00 GPA (on a 4.00 scale). A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or better (based on a 4.00 system); recommended science GPA of 3.00.
• Required Undergraduate Coursework includes: Pathophysiology (3 credits), Pharmacology (3 credits), Anatomy and Physiology (6 credits), Health Assessment (3 credits), Chemistry (3 credits), Statistics (3 credits) – with a grade of B or Better. If prerequisite science coursework is greater than ten years old, repeating or supplementing with a refresher course at the undergraduate level is highly recommended.
• Earned grade point average of 3.00 or higher on 4.00 scale in all work attempted while registered as an upper division applicant working on a baccalaureate degree.
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) taken within five years of application. Competitive score on the GRE. A performance score at or above the 50th percentile on each of the three subtests of the (General) Graduate Record Exam (GRE).Current license as registered nurse
• Three letters of recommendation, indicating potential for graduate study, from persons who can attest to the applicant's academic ability, clinical competence, and commitment. (Optimally, these letters will be from nursing professors, or clinical supervisors.)
• Personal statement of goals
• Current resume or curriculum vitae
• A minimum of two current years of experience as an RN in an aggressive adult, pediatric, and/0or neonatal Intensive Care Unit (ICU) must be complete prior to matriculation into the program. 
  
  "A critical care area is defined as one where, on a routine basis, the registered professional nurse manages one or more of the following: invasive hemodynamic monitors (such as pulmonary artery catheter, CVP, arterial); cardiac assist devices; mechanical ventilation; and vasoactive infusions. Examples of critical care units may include but are not limited to: Surgical Intensive Care, Cardiothoracic Intensive care, Coronary Intensive Care, Medical Intensive Care, Pediatric Intensive Care, and Neonatal Intensive Care. Those who have experiences in other areas may be considered provided they can demonstrate competence with managing unstable patients, invasive monitoring, ventilators, and critical care pharmacology." - Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Programs.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certifications (must be maintained while in program). Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CCRN) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) is also highly recommended.
• A personal interview with the CRNA Program Panel is required
• Statement of good physical, mental and emotional health to be verbally provided during interview.
• International students whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in the English language. A Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) composite score of 550 for the paper test or 213 for the computer-based test is strongly recommended for admission to the graduate program.

Applicants who do not meet these requirements may petition the Student Affairs Committee for consideration for admission.

The Nurse Anesthesiology program at the University of South Florida offers comprehensive financing options to support students throughout their educational journey. Prospective students can explore various financial aid opportunities, including federal and state grants, scholarships, loans, and institutional funding programs designed to reduce the financial burden of graduate education. The university encourages applicants to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for need-based financial support. Additionally, USF provides specific scholarships for health sciences students, which may be available to those enrolled in the Nurse Anesthesiology program based on academic merit, leadership qualities, and financial need. Students are advised to regularly check the USF Office of Financial Aid and the College of Nursing’s financial resources for updated scholarship announcements and application deadlines. Loan options include federal Direct Loans, which typically feature favorable interest rates and flexible repayment terms, allowing students to finance their education with manageable repayment plans post-graduation. The university also offers loan forgiveness programs for those pursuing careers in underserved areas or working in specific healthcare fields. Besides external funding, the USF College of Nursing may provide assistantships, tuition waivers, or work-study opportunities to graduate students, encouraging them to engage in research or teaching activities that complement their educational experience while offsetting costs. It is essential for students to develop a detailed financial plan early in their academic program, including budgeting for tuition, books, supplies, and personal expenses. Financial counseling services are available through USF to assist students in understanding their options and managing their finances effectively. Moreover, students should consider employment opportunities on or near campus that can provide supplementary income without interfering with their rigorous coursework and clinical training commitments. Overall, the USF Nurse Anesthesiology program strives to make advanced nursing education accessible and affordable by providing a range of financial assistance options tailored to the needs of its students, fostering a supportive learning environment that enables future nurse anesthetists to focus on their professional development and clinical expertise.

The University of South Florida offers a highly specialized and competitive Nurse Anesthesia Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program designed to prepare registered nurses for advanced practice roles as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). This program emphasizes a rigorous curriculum combining didactic coursework, simulation training, and extensive clinical practicum experiences. Students are trained to administer anesthesia to patients across a broad spectrum of surgical and diagnostic procedures, ensuring safe and effective anesthesia care in diverse settings.

The program is typically delivered in a hybrid format, integrating on-campus classes with online coursework to offer flexibility for working professionals. Admission requirements include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, valid RN license, minimum GPA benchmarks, and relevant clinical experience. Prospective students must also demonstrate strong leadership skills, critical thinking, and a commitment to the field of anesthesia.

Throughout the program, students gain comprehensive knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and anesthesiology practices. They are trained to assess patient needs, develop anesthesia care plans, and monitor patients during surgical procedures. The curriculum also includes training in anesthesia equipment and technology, patient safety protocols, and interprofessional collaboration.

The University of South Florida’s Nurse Anesthesia program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring the education meets national standards for excellence. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination for Nurse Anesthetists, leading to certification and licensure as a CRNA. The program is recognized for its faculty expertise, research opportunities, and clinical partnerships with hospitals and surgical centers across Florida.

Students benefit from USF’s focus on evidence-based practice, innovative research, and community engagement. The program prepares graduates to work in a variety of healthcare environments including hospitals, outpatient surgical centers, and trauma services, where they play a vital role in perioperative care. Graduates often find employment in regional and national healthcare systems, contributing to improved patient outcomes and advancing the profession of nurse anesthesia. With a strong emphasis on professionalism, ethical practice, and lifelong learning, the USF Nurse Anesthesia program aims to develop highly competent, confident, and compassionate anesthesia providers who are equipped to meet the challenges of modern healthcare.