MSN SRNA vs. DNAP SRNA Schooling

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Hello all,

After researching a few DNAP CRNA programs, it seems that the programs have integrated the content of DNAP studies into all semesters of the CRNA programs. I do however, wonder if the integration of the DNAP classes that many consider to be "fluff" would distract SRNA's from the core content of anesthesia. There are classes on theory, global health, population based care, etc. that are integrated into DNAP CRNA curriculum; while these classes are certainly beneficial, perhaps they are better left for a post CRNA MSN grad-DNAP program. My question is which program would you choose and why? Also, I've heard from one other person that the "fluff" classes in CRNA school are typically 1 week in length, but I have yet to hear another persons account of this; is this typical with your program?

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I think the whole DNP thing is silly. 'They' say it won't make us any more money and it's not like you call your self 'Doctor' anyways. I get they are trying to 'elevate' the profession and all but idk. I think it's a bunch of smoke and mirrors. If you're applying soon, I'd just go for an MSN - that's what I'm doing. Why? Because I didn't want to be in school for 3 years.

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I ended up with a school that does a MSNA and after the first year you can decide if you want to do a combined MSNA-DNAP. Some of us are sticking with the MSNA, some doing the DNAP. Time and money wise it makes sense to get it over with now, if that is a goal for the future. You take one extra class the last 4 semesters of the MSNA program, then graduate. Then you have one semester of full time classes left to finish out the DNAP. At some point they will all convert, but right now it seems like a great idea if that's what you want. So here the whole first year of didactics is free from DNAP content. We are already hearing about hiring preferences going to DNP over MSN degrees for new grads in this state (Va).

good luck

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Preference for DNAP? while I understand why there wouldn't be preference for an MSN, the counterpart may not have that many advantages, however, I'm no SRNA so I am uncertain. This is indeed what I am trying to figure out. Would the DNAP content distract anesthesia students from focusing on anesthesia, with all due respect to global nursing, population based nursing, healthcare economics, etc. Missnurse01 states the whole first year of didactics in her program is free from DNAP content and students can take one extra class the last 4 semesters of the MSNA then do one semester post MSNA and are awarded the DNAP. I have heard that some programs offer the "fluff" courses for just one week per class in an integrated fashion, while some offer the "fluff" during the immediate beginnings of the program and thus focus on anesthesia in later semesters, in a frontloaded fashion. Is there any truth to this?

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

There are certain courses that have to be included into the curriculum no matter what program you take. The non-nursing (MSNA/MHA/DNaP/DNAP) nurse anesthesia programs tend to focus more on anesthesia programs even in the "fluff" courses.

The DNP/DNAP is supposed to make the graduates experts in the application of research to practice.

My recommendation is if you have the money and time is to get your DNP/DNAP now. You never know where the future will lead you and the DNP or DNAP can only help.

FYI: Some CRNA/APNs that have earned their Doctorates do utilize that title in practice.

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Pretty cool to able to utilize that title in practice. Then I would work damn hard to maintain that level care.

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I am thinking of applying to school in a year or two, and had myself convinced I wanted to go the MSN route then work on the DNP/DNAP for a few years while working as a CRNA. The more I think about it though, it would probably cost less to finish school all at once and I definitely know it would be an AWESOME feeling to be completely done with school and not have to worry about it after work every day.

But as far as the costing less thing goes, I'm bringing in 20 bones/hr + shift diff as a RN at my current job, so the crna salary while finishing school could be the more affordable option in the end. Hope to hear more opinions on this topic so it can help me make the decision later on!

The reason I want the DNP is because I feel like it will one day be the same as ADN vs BSN RNs. Though ADN nurses have some management opportunities, nurses with the BSN have a majority of those positions, especially in big metro facilities where the competition is tough.

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Specializes in Stroke ICU, CCU/SICU/MICU.

I am in my 2nd semester of a DNP program, and it is front loaded. My first semester was not easy (just the tip of the iceberg), but this semester is only DNP courses, so it's a nice break. The calm before the storm, if you will. :bored: I have been told if we make it through the next 3 semesters we make it through the whole program(these are all anesthesia courses except for 1 class). The rest of the DNP courses seem to be integrated throughout the program.

I chose DNP because I know thats where we are headed and I wanted the edge after graduation. I also wanted to get it all done in one shot, even though it's 3 years. When I graduate I don't want to have to go back to get it.

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Well, I've been blessed with the opportunity to attend either the MSN or the DNAP from the same University. 1 year later and I am still torn between which I should choose. Plus side to DNAP, more marketability after graduation (Debatable), prestige/personal accomplishment, not have to go to school again. Downsides of DNAP, will cost me ~$15-20K more in tuition costs alone, will cost me $50-75K in terms of opportunity costs associated with lost income for the extra 2 semesters I will be in school and unable to work, the $50-75K opportunity cost will mean I will have to take out $50-75K more loans with interest that accrues, missed opportunity to simply be grandfathered in, addition of nursing fluff (e.g., Lots of nursing theory), trying to balance completing fluff while studying for multiple exams in class, while trying to learn new clinical cases/procedures, while trying not to have a mental breakdown.

Does anyone have anything they could add to this list? Which would you choose?

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

I am little confused how can you be getting a DNAP or an MSN from the same university when one is a nursing degree and one is specifically for nurse anesthesia students taught outside of nursing schools. Does the school(s) offer a shortened DNAP program for recent graduates? Can you afford the extra two semesters, if so the DNAP would probably be the better option.

FYI: IDK of any nurse anesthesia school that teaches a lot or really any "nursing" theory what they tend to focus on is the evaluation and implementation of research. I also don't think the DNAP will make you more marketable as a new CRNA graduate and the prestige of a DNAP is fleeting at best.

The DNAP IMHO does give you instructions on how to develop your future practice through the use of EBP.

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I am little confused how can you be getting a DNAP or an MSN from the same university when one is a nursing degree and one is specifically for nurse anesthesia students taught outside of nursing schools. Does the school(s) offer a shortened DNAP program for recent graduates? Can you afford the extra two semesters, if so the DNAP would probably be the better option.

FYI: IDK of any nurse anesthesia school that teaches a lot or really any "nursing" theory what they tend to focus on is the evaluation and implementation of research. I also don't think the DNAP will make you more marketable as a new CRNA graduate and the prestige of a DNAP is fleeting at best.

The DNAP IMHO does give you instructions on how to develop your future practice through the use of EBP.

The school I got into has both the DNAP and MSN routes for entry into practice. There is not a MSN to DNAP program offered at my school. The admission committee said there was no preference for DNAP applicants vs. MSN applicants. I chose DNAP and got in, they said any student accepted to the program can switch before the DNAP program begins (January). The MSN begins in August, and those students basically join the DNAP students in the fall. Although I can afford the DNAP, I don't think I will, mostly I'm concerned about the strain I'll be under trying to balance learning anesthesia and writing papers/capstone, etc. I want to go to school and maximize every hour of my time while in the program, perform as much PNB as possible, seek out all opportunities in clinical, etc.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

I think all MSN programs require somekind of research project/capstone. You may develop that project a little further in the DNP, but you will essentially be doing the same project as the the MSN students.

Clinicals are actually extended in a lot of the DNP/DNAP programs not shortened giving you the best opportunity to become competent or proficient in anesthesia skills.

There is one program in Florida that refers to its program as a DNAP (Department of Nurse Anesthetist Program) but the degree they confer is DNP not a DNAP. The DNAP is to my knowledge always conferred from programs not associated with nursing schools.

Good Luck no matter what your decision! I think you will be happy with your career choice once school is over.

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