DNP–NA Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ page is currently under development. Some questions are fully addressed, while others include preliminary or high-level information as details continue to be finalized. The content provided reflects the most current guidance available and is intended to be helpful as you explore the program. We appreciate your patience and encourage you to check back as additional information is added.
Can I enroll in the DNP–NA program part-time?
No; this program is offered in full time format only.
Is there an online option for students to complete coursework?
No; this is an in-person program; all nurse anesthesia-specific didactic and clinical courses are offered on-site at the Hershey Campus. Certain DNP-core courses may be offered with a hybrid component.
Does the DNP–NA program accept graduate transfer credits?
Students can transfer DNP-core courses; however, all Nurse Anesthesia-specific courses and DNP scholarly project courses cannot be transferred and must be completed in the program of study.
DNP-core courses that may be transferred (at the discretion of the DNP–NA Program Director) include: NURS 588 Health Policy, NURS 808 Population Health, NURS 836 Health Informatics, NURS 845 Health Care Economics & Policy for Nurse Administrators.
- Note: Decreasing semester credit hours through transfer will result in a lack of full-time enrolled student status.
- The DNP–NA program follows the Fox Graduate School for the transfer of credits in relation to core DNP coursework.
If I am not offered an interview or admitted, can I reapply?
Yes; previous applicants are welcome to reapply.
How many seats are available in a cohort?
Qualified applicants will be invited to interview for 15-20 seats per cohort.
Would I be allowed to work while enrolled in the DNP–NA Program?
Additional employment is discouraged due to the program’s high level of commitment.
Note: Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists are prohibited from employment as nurse anesthetists by title or function while enrolled in the program.
Can I apply to the DNP–NA program if I do not have a bachelor’s degree in nursing?
No; applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree in nursing from a U.S. regionally accredited institution or a postsecondary degree in Nursing that is equivalent to a U.S. baccalaureate degree earned from an officially recognized degree-granting international institution.
Can I apply if my first language is not English?
The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School’s “Requirements for Graduate Admission” page. Penn State’s institutional code is 2660.
Do I need my own liability insurance for clinical rotations?
Yes; specific liability coverage for nurse anesthesia students is required. Policy options will be provided upon matriculation.
How long is the DNP–NA program/when does the program start?
This is a 36-month program starting in May and ending in May.
Do I need to live in Hershey, PA to complete the DNP–NA program?
SRNAs are encouraged to secure housing within a reasonable commuting distance to Hershey, PA, to minimize travel time. All DNP–NA didactic coursework and simulation will be offered on-site at the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center campus.
Will housing be provided to SRNAs at the Hershey Campus?
SRNAs will be responsible for securing off-campus housing accommodations throughout the duration of the program. Graduate housing resources and local rental listings are available through Penn State University Off-Campus Housing. Students are responsible for securing housing for clinical rotations at their personal discretion based on the distance of the individual clinical site.
Are applicants required to take the GRE?
No, the GRE is not required; however, applicants must have a Scholastic and Science GPA of 3.0 or higher. The DNP–NA program follows guidelines provided by the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing DNP Program Graduate Bulletin.
Will I be required to attend conferences/workshops?
SRNAs must attend at least one state professional anesthesia meeting and one national professional anesthesia meeting during their program of study.
Is there a deadline for my application?
Yes; applications are accepted June 1 through September 1.
Do I need a Pennsylvania RN to apply?
Not at the time of application; at the time of application, applicants must possess a current, unencumbered license as a registered nurse. Pennsylvania is part of the Nursing Licensure Compact. Upon enrollment, SRNAs must have a valid multi-state RN license if their primary state of residence is not Pennsylvania. See the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing, Nurse Licensure Compact for more details.
Is the CCRN Required for applicants?
The CCRN is preferred but not required; however, applicants must have a minimum of two years of critical care experience.
What qualifies as “Critical Care” experience?
Applicants are encouraged to work in high-acuity intensive care settings. Acceptable critical care nursing experience includes adult, pediatric, and neonatal intensive care units. Emergency Room, Operating Room, Obstetrics, and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit experience does not qualify for critical care experience.
Should I have more than 8 hours of shadowing experience?
Students are required to have 8 hours of shadowing experience with a CRNA, additional hours are accepted but not required.
Will a wait list be offered for applicants?
Yes; a waitlist will be available for applicants who are not offered initial admission.
