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Post-BSN to DNP Nurse Anesthesia
The UAB School of Nursing provides support and assistance to MSN and DNP students in securing appropriate clinical placement sites and qualified preceptors from among more than 5,000 clinical affiliates.

The Post-BSN to DNP Pathway for Nurse Anesthesia is clinically focused to prepare students for the full scope of Nurse Anesthesia practice.

Graduates are prepared to promote evidence-based practice, patient safety and quality in health care, and demonstrate leadership skills in today's health care setting.

Graduates can apply to take the certification examination administered by the NBCRNA. Satisfactory performance on this examination is necessary in order to practice as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs).

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Program Information

  • Program Information

    The Post-BSN to DNP Pathway for Nurse Anesthesia is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) with full continued accreditation through May 2031.

    Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA)
    10275 W. Higgins Rd., Suite 906
    Rosemont, IL 60018-5603
    Phone: 224-275-9130

    The Post-BSN to DNP Pathway for Nurse Anesthesia also received IFNA Accreditation in August 2021 having completed all requirements of the Anesthesia Program Approval Process established by the International Federation of Nurse Anesthetists (Date of next review: July 2026).

    We are dedicated to advancing and diversifying the nursing workforce, and as part of this mission, the UAB School of Nursing has partnered with five other leading colleges and universities in the Leadership Excel and Achievement Program (LEAP) -a pilot program designed to optimize the diversity of the nurse anesthesia workforce.

    Class of 2023:

    • Attrition: 3%
    • 96% UAB First Time NCE Pass rate
    • 100% UAB Overall NCE Pass rate

    Class of 2022:

    • Attrition: 2%
    • 86% UAB First Time NCE Pass rate
    • 83% National First Time NCE Pass rate
    • 98% Employment after 6 months
  • Admission Requirements

    Prospective students must meet the following requirements for admission:

    • A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) from a regionally accredited institution or the equivalent (e.g., entry level masters in nursing degree such as the UABSON Accelerated Master's in Nursing Pathway for individuals with a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field) must be completed by the application deadline.
    • Active, unencumbered/unrestricted registered nurse license in the state where you will be completing your coursework (didactic and clinical) is required to apply. If admitted, a multi-state compact license will be required before matriculation into the Post-BSN to DNP Pathway for Nurse Anesthesia.
    • Both UAB and the School of Nursing must have current authorization to operate in the state.
    • An undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
    • Post-BSN to DNP Pathway for Nurse Anesthesia applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on their science prerequisite courses and a grade of ‘C’ or higher in all other pre-requisite courses.
    Prerequisite CoursesCredit
    BY 115 Human Anatomy13-4
    BY 261 Microbiology3 or 4
    MA 180 Descriptive Statistics3
    BY 116 Human Physiology13-4
    CH 105/106 Chemistry1
    OR
    CH 115/116 Chemistry1
    3-4
    MA 110 Finite Math2
    OR
    MA 105 Pre-Calculus2
    3
    1Anatomy, Physiology, and Chemistry must be completed with a lab course.
    2Math prerequisite added for the summer 2022 application cycle.
    • At least 11 months experience as an RN in a critical care setting by the July application interview, and continued employment in the critical care setting until pathway matriculation the following May. It is recommended that critical care experience fall within the past 4 years.
    • Critical care experience - Critical care experience must be obtained in a critical care area within the United States, its territories or a US military hospital outside of the United States. During this experience, the registered professional nurse has developed critical decision making and psychomotor skills, competency in patient assessment, and the ability to use and interpret advanced monitoring techniques.
    • 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 (e.g., pulmonary artery, central venous pressure, and arterial catheters), 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. (COA Standards for Accreditation 2020)
    • Three (3) letters of professional reference attesting to the applicant’s potential for graduate study.
    • Standardized test score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)*.
      • There is no minimum score, however all sections of the GRE must be completed prior to application (verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing).
      • Scores completed within the previous 5 years will be accepted and must be submitted to UAB (code 1856).
      • There is no Waiver Process for the Nurse Anesthesia DNP pathway, a GRE exam is required.
    • A personal interview with the selection committee.
    • If admitted, a non-refundable $2000 deposit will be required to reserve a seat in the pathway.

    CORE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

  • State Regulations Governing Distance Programs

    Out-of-state applicants to any of our distance-accessible programs should become familiar with their state’s regulations governing distance accessible programs. Prospective students residing in states other than Alabama should contact their state’s Board of Nursing and Department of Education for specific rules and regulations pertaining to students enrolled in out-of-state programs and are planning to conduct UABSON distance education in their home state. Only those students who reside in Alabama or those states where the UAB School of Nursing programs are available will be eligible to receive an offer of admission.

    More information is available at the State Approval Website for Online Degree Programs at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

  • Application for Admission/Application Deadlines

    Application Deadlines

    Deadline for Submission of Application: May 1st
    Scheduling and Notification of Applicant Interview: June
    Interview Completed: July
    Admission Decision Notification: Two weeks post-interview
    Admitted Students Matriculate: Summer Semester of following year
  • Program Outcomes

    Upon completion of the Post-BSN to DNP Pathway for Nurse Anesthesia, students will be able to:

    • Synthesize scientific evidence for the development of clinical interventions for practice.
    • Evaluate policy, healthcare delivery, and organizational systems for current and future health care needs.
    • Translate scientific, theoretical, and ethical principles into healthcare for individuals, families, and populations.
    • Incorporate knowledge of current and emerging health technologies to improve healthcare delivery and organizational systems.
    • Advocate for social justice, equity, and ethical policies in healthcare.
    • Demonstrate intra- and inter-professional collaboration to address health disparities and to improve the quality of healthcare across diverse populations and cultures.
    • Assume complex leadership roles to advance clinical practice and healthcare delivery at the organizational and systems level and to improve health outcomes of individuals and populations.
  • Program of Study

    Students are expected to follow the program of study.1,2,3

    Course Format Color Legend:
    Didactic / Face-to-Face Course Distance Accessible / Online Clinical Practicum / Immersion
    Nurse Anesthesia Program Curriculum
    Year One - First Term: SummerHours
    NA 731Q Biochemistry and Physics for Nurse Anesthetists4
    NUR 700Q Clinical Data Management and Analysis3
    NUR 740Q Health Policy and Politics: Implications for Health Care3
    NA 733Q Theories, Concepts & Writing for Nurse Anesthetists3
    Total Hours12
    Year One – Second Term: FallHours
    NA 702 Anatomy and Physiology for Nurse Anesthetists6
    NA 720Q Anesthesia Pharmacology I3
    NQI 702Q Clinical Data Management and Application for Improvement3
    NUR 735Q Population Health in Advanced Nursing Practice3
    Total Hours16
    Year One – Third Term: SpringHours
    NA 721Q Anesthesia Pharmacology II3
    NA 770 Anesthesia Pathophysiology I3
    NA 740 Anesthesia Principles I4
    NUR 614Q Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning for Advanced Nursing Practice3
    NA 718L Focus on Advanced Nursing Practice Specialization4
    Total Hours17
    Year Two – First Term: SummerHours
    NA 741 Anesthesia Principles II3
    NA 750 Regional anesthesia3
    NA 771 Anesthesia Pathophysiology II3
    NUR 729Q Evidence-Based Practice Design and Translation3
    NA 708L Anesthesia Practicum I2
    Total Hours14
    Year Two – Second Term: FallHours
    NA 742Q Anesthesia Principles III3
    NA 745Q Professional Aspects4
    NUR 743Q Evidence-Based Practice Strategies3
    NA 709L Anesthesia Practicum II3
    Total Hours13
    Year Two – Third Term: SpringHours
    NUR 738QL DNP Project Planning3
    NUR 742Q Program Evaluation Methods3
    NA 710L Anesthesia Practicum III5
    Total Hours11
    Year Three – First Term: SummerHours
    NA 795Q Critical Concepts I3
    NUR 739QL DNP Project Implementation and Evaluation3
    NA 711L Anesthesia Specialty Immersion I5
    Total Hours11
    Year Three – Second Term: FallHours
    NA 796Q Critical Concepts II3
    NUR 739QL DNP Project Implementation and Evaluation3
    NA 712L Anesthesia Specialty Immersion II5
    Total Hours11
    Year Three – Third Term: SpringHours
    NA 797Q Critical Concepts III3
    NA 713L Anesthesia Specialty Immersion III5
    NUR 739QL DNP Project Implementation and Evaluation1
    Total Hours9
    Overall Total: 114 hours

    1Students will be expected to come on-campus for monthly program assessments, advisement, high fidelity simulation, and team meetings during semesters 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9.
    2All students are required to attend an annual On-Campus Intensive.
    3Program of Study is subject to change.

  • Tuition and Fees

    The following tuition and fees are valid for the 2023-2024 academic year. Tuition and fees and are SUBJECT TO CHANGE annually based on approval from the University of Alabama Board of Trustees and/or university.

    The estimates below are based on the costs listed at the UAB Office of Planning and Analysis website.

    Each student’s costs will vary depending upon a number of factors including state of residence, the number of credits taken in a semester, or whether the student attends class live or through a distance-accessible format. Fees vary by program and course.

    Tuition and Fees
    UAB School of Nursing 2023-2024
    Resident
    Charge ($)
    Non-resident
    Charge ($)
    DNP coursework (in classroom per semester hour)5951,461
    DNP coursework (distance-accessible format per semester hour)682682
    Fees - UAB School of NursingCost ($)
    Educational Support and Technology Fee (per course)235
    Anatomy Lab387
    Other Related Expenses (Estimated)Cost ($)
    Travel/Lodging for Attending Annual On-Campus DNP Intensive (annual estimate)800
    Books and supplies (estimate per term)600
    Uniforms350
    Student Hospitalization Insurance Fee1 (estimate per month)270
    Background Check (annual estimate)92
    1Estimate based on one student. May be waived with documented proof of equal or greater coverage.
  • Funding Your Education

    UAB Financial Aid and Scholarships

    Information on Financial Aid, University Scholarships and other funding opportunities is available at:

    UAB School of Nursing Scholarships

    • The School of Nursing at UAB has an excellent scholarship program that provides financial support to Alabama’s best and brightest nursing students.
    • Currently, the School’s scholarship portfolio consists of 76 endowed scholarships and 3 active sponsored scholarships.
    • The school currently has an $10.1 million endowed fund that supports nursing scholarships annually.
    • Scholarships are awarded twice a year – spring and fall semesters. The scholarship application process is simple. One application is needed to be considered for all undergraduate or graduate scholarships.
    • Application and additional information can be found at https://www.uab.edu/nursing/home/scholarships-financial-aid

    For Information about School of Nursing Scholarships, Contact:

    Photo of Stephanie Hamberger
    Stephanie Hamberger, MPA
    Director of Student Engagement, Recruitment and Scholarships
    205.934.5483

    Fellowship, Traineeship, and Other Funding for Graduate Programs

    There are a limited number of Graduate Fellowships and Traineeships that are awarded through the UAB School of Nursing that require students to meet specific requirements, and are only awarded when funds are available. When such funds are available in a particular program, students enrolled in the program will be notified and provided information on how to apply. Contact Katrina Staffney (email: KatrinaStaffney@uab.edu), for more information.

    Nurse Faculty Loan

    Federal Nurse Faculty Loan Funds are available to all DNP students who intend to assume a faculty position in a school of nursing upon completion of the degree. These funds are limited to payment of tuition and fees and other reasonable educational expenses. Contact JoeAnn Kennedy (email: joeann@uab.edu), for more information.

  • Information for International Students

    NOTE: Prospective International students must first contact UAB International Admissions to determine eligibility to study in the U.S. and/or submit an application for admission to UAB.

    UAB International Admissions
    Email: IntlAdmin@uab.edu
    Phone: 205.934.4686
    Fax: 205.934.8664

    The table below provides information on eligibility requirements for the DNP Program.

     BSN-DNP
    F1 or J1 Visa AcceptableNot eligible for this program
    College Degree (BSN Equivalent)Required
    Foreign Transcripts EvaluatedRequired
    English ProficiencyRequired
    Graduate Record Exam (GRE)Required
    Licensure as a Registered Nurse in the U.S.Required

    Application Requirements

    • Prospective students must have a master’s degree in nursing equivalent to that offered by a U.S. regionally accredited educational institution.
    • For Graduate Clinical Programs such as the Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program, prospective students must also be licensed as a registered nurse in the U.S., in the state in which they will reside while completing the program.
    • International applicants must, as part of their application, provide a detailed course by course evaluation of their academic transcripts and verification of their academic credentials. Students may use one of the following firms for transcript evaluation; a report of the evaluation must be submitted directly to the UAB School of Nursing prior to admission decisions.
      • Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
        P.O. Box 514070
        Milwaukee, WI 53203-3470 USA
        Website: www.ece.org
      • World Education Services
        Bowling Green Station
        P.O. Box 5087
        New York, NY 10274-5087 USA
        Website: www.wes.org
    • Applicants must have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on prior college/university course work.
    • Applicants must complete and submit their scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) as part of the application process. If the GRE was completed prior to application, only scores completed within the previous 5 years are accepted.
    • Completion of a formal admission interview.
    • Meet English language requirements. Students must submit scores on Tests of English Language (TOEFL or IELTS) and achieve the following minimum scores:
      • TOEFL iBT 80 and minimum of 18 in each of the 4 test sections, or
      • IELTS 6.5 and minimum of 6.0 in at least 2 of the 4 test sections.

Contact

Jacqueline Lavier

Jacqueline Lavier

M.Ed

DNP Pathway Manager
Office of Student Success

205.975.7529

Susan McMullan

Susan McMullan

PhD, CRNA

DNP Nurse Anesthesia Pathway Director

205.934.6587