BSN-DNP for CRNA possible?

Nursing Students Post Graduate

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I haven't begun my BSN program yet but I'm just doing some research about the different areas and specialties of nursing. I'm not settling on anything until I get experience but I just want to be informed, especially about the advanced nursing because I AM considering that. This is just one of the things that caught my eye and has me curious.

Now, I know some schools offer BSN-DNP programs on campus and online. I'm a bit confused, however. I know for the DNP program, you have to pick one either Nurse Practitioner, Midwife, or anesthesia for specialty. Am I correct about this or am I misunderstanding? Does this mean that it's possible to become a CRNA through a DNP program without going to an accredited nurse anesthetist school for a masters? Or do you most definitely have to go to one of the accredited schools to become a CRNA before you get your DNP, even if the program is a BSN-DNP?

For example, the University of Pittsburgh offers a BSN-DNP and there's one specifically for CRNA. On the other hand, say that X University offers just a basic BSN-DNP program with nothing specific like Pitt has. Can you still choose to specialize and do your training in anesthesia and become a legitimate CRNA that way?

Like I said, I'm just exploring and researching and this is something I was wondering about. Thank you!

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There are some schools that offer a BSN-DNP for CRNA, but you have to be accepted into one of these schools to become a CRNA. There are specific licensure exams for each of the specialty areas.

CRNA graduate programs often have increased standards and one will need to maintain a high GPA, good experience, good letters of recommendations, and additional science-based courses such as chemistry, physics, and other courses depending on where you look.

Hope this helps make things clearer for you!

* I am a BSN nursing student and have done extensive research on several different graduate programs.

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There are some schools that offer a BSN-DNP for CRNA, but you have to be accepted into one of these schools to become a CRNA. There are specific licensure exams for each of the specialty areas.

CRNA graduate programs often have increased standards and one will need to maintain a high GPA, good experience, good letters of recommendations, and additional science-based courses such as chemistry, physics, and other courses depending on where you look.

Hope this helps make things clearer for you!

* I am a BSN nursing student and have done extensive research on several different graduate programs.

Thank you so much for your reply. I greatly appreciate it!

However, what I meant was, is it possible to do a general DNP program at a school that offers one but specialize and do your clinical rotations for anesthesia and still sit eligible for the licensure exam for CRNA? Will that be accepted as an "accredited CRNA program?" Or do you most definitely have to attend one of the 111 accredited CRNA schools to be allowed to sit for the licensure exam and practice as a legitimate CRNA?

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You have to attend a crna program accredited by AANA accrediting body. You can't pick just any DNP program and decide to specialize in anesthesia. Thier are no anesthesia specialties either, you will be trained in everything. You can decide to specialize after graduation. Go to the AANA website and find the link to accredited programs, those are the only schools available. The schools that offer a DNP will say so, many are transitioning over. As a CRNA it will not matter if you have a DNP unless you want management or education. No one will know what degree you have, the ability to do good anesthesia is what matters. I work with many good anesthetists who only have a bachelors.

I haven't begun my BSN program yet but I'm just doing some research about the different areas and specialties of nursing. I'm not settling on anything until I get experience but I just want to be informed, especially about the advanced nursing because I AM considering that. This is just one of the things that caught my eye and has me curious.Now, I know some schools offer BSN-DNP programs on campus and online. I'm a bit confused, however. I know for the DNP program, you have to pick one either Nurse Practitioner, Midwife, or anesthesia for specialty. Am I correct about this or am I misunderstanding? Does this mean that it's possible to become a CRNA through a DNP program without going to an accredited nurse anesthetist school for a masters? Or do you most definitely have to go to one of the accredited schools to become a CRNA before you get your DNP, even if the program is a BSN-DNP?For example, the University of Pittsburgh offers a BSN-DNP and there's one specifically for CRNA. On the other hand, say that X University offers just a basic BSN-DNP program with nothing specific like Pitt has. Can you still choose to specialize and do your training in anesthesia and become a legitimate CRNA that way?Like I said, I'm just exploring and researching and this is something I was wondering about. Thank you!
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Also, many DNP programs are "degree completion" and require you already be a practicing CRNA. These programs will not accept non- clinicians. There are not many first time DNP programs for crnas. The ones I know about offer a option to do several more months for a dnp.

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You have to attend a crna program accredited by AANA accrediting body. You can't pick just any DNP program and decide to specialize in anesthesia. Thier are no anesthesia specialties either, you will be trained in everything. You can decide to specialize after graduation. Go to the AANA website and find the link to accredited programs, those are the only schools available. The schools that offer a DNP will say so, many are transitioning over. As a CRNA it will not matter if you have a DNP unless you want management or education. No one will know what degree you have, the ability to do good anesthesia is what matters. I work with many good anesthetists who only have a bachelors.

Thank you! That definitely clears things up a bit! That makes a lot more sense, as well. :)

Just curious, how is it possible that those anesthetists are practicing only with a bachelors? You don't need a masters from one of the programs?

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