Curriculum Overview

An Immersive Experience

The USC Program of Nurse Anesthesia is a full-time, 36-month curriculum leading to the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia (DNAP) degree and eligibility for the National Certification Exam and state licensure as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. The program requires 80 units for completion and degree conferral. Graduates become experts in anesthesiology, perioperative care, and pain management.

In May every year, first-year nurse anesthesia trainee participate in a three-day on-campus orientation. The remainder of the first summer session is a blend of remote and in-person learning (up to 1 or 2 times per week). Doctoral students complete anesthesiology, pharmacology, and pathophysiology coursework in the fall and spring semesters.

An intense two-year clinical training period begins in the second year. High fidelity simulation enhances clinical learning, skill acquisition, and high-performance team development. Nurse anesthesia trainee critically-appraise and translate research into clinical practice and demonstrate proficiency in a scholarly capstone project. In addition, health care policy, leadership, and technology coursework prepare the nurse anesthesia trainee to evolve into an industry leader.

The USC Program of Nurse Anesthesia transitioned to the DNAP degree in June 2017. USC and the Council on Accreditation (COA) of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs approved all curriculum requirements. The program follows the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice and the COA’s Standards for Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.

DNAP Curriculum

Effective May 2022

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3