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DNP Nurse Anesthesia Program
The School of Nursing offers a BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program in Nurse Anesthesia.
The 36-month program requires a minimum of 86 course credits, including core courses and anesthesia specialty courses.
The program integrates research, physiology, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and anesthesia principles and prepares students for the national certification examination.
The 91热爆网 NA Program works closely with our clinical partners as part of the curriculum and some of these clinical facilities require all employees and trainees to be vaccinated for COVID-19. Placement at some facilities is a core part of 91热爆网鈥檚 curriculum. Failure to obtain the COVID-19 vaccination prior to the start of the program may delay or inhibit program progression.
The application deadline for the cohort starting May 2026 class is September 1, 2025. Interviews will be held November 18-20, 2025.
Virtual Open House
Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 5 pm
Join us at one of our upcoming virtual Graduate School Open House events on Zoom! You'll have the opportunity to learn more about Western Carolina University, understand the Graduate School application process, and meet key program representatives.
In Person Open House
Join Us for Our Exclusive Summer Open House 鈥� July 30th!
Don't miss our only in-person Open House this summer! On July 30th, explore our campus, connect with faculty and students, and experience a live simulation.
This two-hour event will feature 30-minute rotations, and space is limited. To secure your spot, email us at naprogram@wcu.edu. Priority registration is available for those who reach out by Monday, June 30th. Detailed scheduling information will be provided upon registration.
We look forward to welcoming you!
Program Overview
Location: Biltmore Park
Program Length: 36-Months
Small Classes, Low Student-Faculty Ratio
App. Deadline: September 1
100% Overall Pass Rate for Certification
Please visit our Admissions page for complete details on admissions requirements.
The Nurse Anesthesia Program's mission is to create an academic center of teaching and learning excellence for the advancement of nurse anesthesia practice. The program seeks to promote clinical scholarship and life-long learning and aims to support skilled and ethical service to our communities. Through nurse anesthesia research, education, and practice, students and faculty will seek to enhance the quality of life for people of all cultures, economic levels and geographic locations.
The BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program in Nurse Anesthesia is a 36-month program.
Graduate students may transfer up to nine credit hours (with a grade of B or better) with approval of the Program Director. Transfer credit requested for doctoral level courses at Western Carolina University must be designated as doctoral level as noted on the official institutional transcript where the transfer credit was earned.
Reasons to Choose 91热爆网鈥檚 Nurse Anesthesia Program
- Open door policy with faculty
- Extensive regional anesthesia experience
- Total anesthetic cases average in excess of 900
- State of the art high fidelity simulation lab with METI Human Patient Simulators
- Diverse clinical experience with no competition from other anesthesia learners
- Small cohort, 18 students per class
- Program faculty with extensive scholarship
- 100% overall pass rate for national certification exam
- Unique learning experiences at three clinical sites where CRNAs are sole anesthesia providers
- Limited opportunities for international service trips
Clinical Anesthesia Experience: Asheville Surgery Center, , , , , , , , , , , ,
Program Director and Core Faculty
2024 Student Data
Female: 60%
Male: 40%
Average pre-admission overall GPA: 3.67
Attrition rate (2024): 0.00%
Overall attrition (2009-2024): 8.7%
First-time test takers (2024): 87%
National average (2022): 83.4%
Overall pass rate (2009 - 2024): First-time test takers: 91.22%
Overall pass rate (2009 - 2024): 100%
Employed within six months of graduation: 100%
Overall employment rate within six months of graduation (2009 - 2024): 100%
Request More Information
Contact Us
Dr. Taya Kretz-Notelle
Program Director
828.654.6524
Verity Wilcher
Administrative Associate
828.654.6511
Accreditation
The DNP Nurse Anesthesia Program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Education Programs (COA).
The Council on Accreditation is a specialized accrediting body recognized by both the United States Department of Education and Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
In October 2022, the DNP Program received full accreditation through 2032 (10275 W.
Higgins Rd., Suite 906 Rosemont, IL 60068, 224.275.9130).