Message from the Directors

Our mission is to provide scholarly education and professional development for future nurse anesthetists with the academic strength and leadership skills to advance the nurse anesthesia profession.

Elizabeth Blu Bamgbose, PhD, CRNA & Jeffrey R. Darna, PhD, DNP, CRNA, ACNP-BC
Elizabeth Blu Bamgbose, PhD, CRNA & Jeffrey R. Darna, PhD, DNP, CRNA, ACNP-BC

Degree Information and Performance Metrics

The USC Keck School of Medicine confers the DNAP degree upon program completion. Graduates can take the National Certification Exam (NCE) administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). Graduates may obtain state licensure as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) after completing the NCE.

The program’s application cycle begins July 1st and closes on September 30th. Applicants must submit all documents by September 30th to qualify for an interview. Candidate interviews occur in December, and a new cohort matriculates every May.

The programs will host an information session on April 16th, 2024, 5 pm-7 pm PST and August 20th, 2024 at 5 pm-7 pm PST. The sessions may be remote through Zoom.

Program Video

The USC Program of Nurse Anesthesia is accredited through Spring 2033 by the Council on Accreditation (COA) of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. The university holds regional accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Please reference the university website for accreditation information.

Performance Outcomes (June 2024)

100%

NCE First Time Pass Rate

0%

Attrition Rate (Class of 2024)

100%

Employment Within Six Months

Enrollment Data (Summer 2024)

64

Total applications

24

Entering class

3.58

Mean cumulative GPA

3.30

Mean years of critical care nursing

Program Directors

Jeffrey R. Darna
Director, Program of Nurse Anesthesia

Jeffrey R. Darna, PhD, DNP, CRNA, ACNP-BC

Elizabeth Blu Bamgbose
Director, Program of Nurse Anesthesia

Elizabeth Blu Bamgbose, PhD, CRNA