Doctorate for Entry into Nurse Anesthesia by 2025

Biotechnology · Sep 29, 2007

I think the AANA is shooting itself in the foot on this topic..... There aren't enough nurses going into anesthesia as it is and now with DNAP in place, there will be even less.......

core0 · Sep 29, 2007

Funny this should get brought up. I am studying for my first "Professional Aspects" test now. Gotta love all those dates, as if I dont have enough else to study already. DNP's for CRNA's according to my lecture notes will be in place by 2015 as mandated by nursing. It is on a ppt, i didnt write it down. I saw where everyone was saying 2025. Either my professor put it in wrong or the time frame changed? Those of us already in school or who are fortunate enough to be working will be grandfathered and wont have to worry with it. Our dean told us that some programs would end up being 36 months long once the DNP was in place. You cant work until you have completed the entire program. We have two anesthesia schools here, UAB and Samford. Both are already gearing up for the DNP. I dont want one. I had initially thought I would just get my doctorate just b/c. During my interview process I discussed it with one of the faculty and was told there was no reason to get one. I'd still be a nurse (he has a point), its costly and wont give me a pay raise! I'm glad I wont have to worry about it. I'm not really sure it would be a natural progression either. Most people I know think its insane.

In 2004 AACN issued a position statement that all APN programs should be dnp programs by 2015. In 2005 CCNE issued a statement that the only practice doctorate accredited will be the DNP and that they endorsed AACNs decision to move the current level of preparation for advanced nursing practice roles from the Masters to the Doctorate level.

http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Media/NewsReleases/2005/CCNEDNP.htm

You can also find more information here:

http://www.aacn.nche.edu/DNP/index.htm

David Carpenter, PA-C

allthemadmen · Sep 29, 2007

I first heard about the 2015 date in the Wikipedia article on CRNAs, actually. The statement linked above, from AANA, has the 2025 date.

I can see that being able to say "doctorate" can make a difference, though not a substantial one, obviously, since anesthetists have been providing excellent and indispensible care throughout their history, regardless of changes in educational requirements. As a doula, I actually had clients who, after demanding their epidural, weren't happy they weren't getting a "real doctor." It reminds me of the whole direct entry midwife/nurse-midwife/OBGYN thing. The type of training is not what ensures quality care.

What concerns me is whether getting into a DNP program will by its nature be more difficult than getting into the master's programs that currently exist. Are students going to have to obtain a master's before being able to apply to anesthesia programs, I wonder? Like so many I have my whole life planned out around my degree requirements.

endorphinrush · Sep 29, 2007

:) I will be sure to tell him he was dead wrong. He is our director as well as my instructor for professional aspects. He presented the info and stated he felt it was a terrible idea. Is it written in stone? Of course not. Anything can happen b/w now and then and most people are praying it will get shot down. However, UAB and Samford both claim they will have it ready by 2015 b/c that is what is being pushed for. He made it quite clear that the AANA was not for it. THere are already some MSN programs that are at or near 36 months. I am just grateful that I will grandfather should this come to pass. It was brought up years ago and rumored that by 2010 the DNP requirement would be in place. Obviously that has not happened. So maybe this wont either. But if you apply within 3 years, regardless, you should be fine.

piper_for_hire · Sep 29, 2007

My guess is zero. If anything, there will be some programs that come up with their own version of the "Anesthesia DNP" but it is unlikely that the curriculum will match what is required somewhere between 2015 and 2025 or at all. I'm sure they have a very high quality magical mystery 8-ball but nobody can see into the future. Personally I wouldn't get an DNP until all the dust has settled and the accreditation process is complete. In any event the DNP part will be optional since you only need the MS or MSN to be eligible to practice.

-S

p.s. I thought DNP meant Doctor of Nursing Practice but it seems more like it means "EVERYBODY PANIC"

Any guess as to how many programs will require the DNP within the next 3 years? I'm sure I won't be the only prospective SRNA looking for a program that will let me graduate with just a MSN.

jen123321 · Sep 30, 2007

I'm somewhat torn between 2 schools. The 1st one I was accepted to offers an MSN, but the other is an MS in Anesthesia. So, with all of this DNP 2025 in consideration I'm curious as to the process if I chose the school that awards the MS in Anesthesia...guessing I would have to take MSN classes and then DNP classes? What do you guys think is best? I'm not the type of person that is going to stay in one state forever...I'm only 23, and will eventually move someday, so who knows if I would be grandfathered in-in another state.

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Oct 13, 2007

report of the aana task force on doctoral preparation of nurse anesthetists

http://www.aana.com/professionaldevelopment.aspx?ucnavmenu_tsmenutargetid=131&ucnavmenu_tsmenutargettype=4&ucnavmenu_tsmenuid=6&id=9468%20

position statement: adopted june 2, 2007

the aana supports doctoral education for entry into nurse anesthesia practice by the year 2025.

RRT2RN2CRNA · Jan 22, 2008

Yeah... I wouldnt freak out about this.

Some program are already switching their programs from MSNA to DNPNA... but since the MSNA programs are already long and comprehensive (almost doctorates in themselves), most are just adding 2-3 semesters onto the end in the form of a clinical residency. And there are some other classes that run concurrently with the regular MS classes you would take. Look at OHSU's website for an example.

Regardless you would be grandfathered in.. and I would be surprised if state licensing positions take the position of "you have to have a DNP or you're not practicing". That would cut so many people out. You might hit a snag or two down the road if you have to relocate to another state... might have to go back part time or something... but I really dont see it as being such a crazy disaster as everyone makes it out to be.

I would just think it would be cool if we could take our CRNA boards right after we finish the MS stuff and have all our cases done (before you finish that last DNP clinical residency thing for 2 semesters).. Get us working quicker.

gasmaster · Jan 23, 2008

I saw today that the AANA is requiring all entrants into nurse anesthesia practice to have a doctorate by 2025.
How do you think this will affect those of us who plan to enter CRNA school within the next 5 years?

From what I've read there will be grandfathering, but I plan on applying to a program when I complete my CRNA. Currently TCU has a DNP program and TWU has a DNAP program (which is online). I'll be looking at these programs when the time comes, mainly because I'm no spring chicken and want this ammo to help me when and if I decide to teach in a program.

RRT2RN2CRNA · Jan 23, 2008

I agree with Neurogeek... for a couple extra semesters, it opens up a lot of teaching opportunities too.

But I guess it depends on what your goals are.

gasmaster · Jan 23, 2008

I agree with Neurogeek... for a couple extra semesters, it opens up a lot of teaching opportunities too.
But I guess it depends on what your goals are.

The TWU & TCU programs are approx. 3 years in length. I don't believe there is a dissertation though.

93cobra · Jan 26, 2008

KU is 36 months also. They are moving towards a DNPNA also.