
Anesthesia – Doctor of Nursing Practice Program
We train advanced practice registered nurses to provide compassionate and professional care for patients throughout the full scope of anesthesia practice.
We train advanced practice registered nurses to provide compassionate and professional care for patients throughout the full scope of anesthesia practice.
If you are a critical care registered nurse (RN) looking for greater autonomy and are drawn to providing more advanced care to patients, becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) might be right for you.
CRNAs provide anesthesia care in a number of medical settings, including operating rooms, outpatient centers, emergency rooms, delivery rooms, and dental offices. Our program prepares graduates for a full-scope, evidence-based anesthesia practice with advanced nursing knowledge, leadership, and health policy training, as well as the translational research skills to improve healthcare outcomes in diverse healthcare settings and systems.
Nationwide, CRNAs are in high demand with the field expected to grow significantly by 2030. U.S. News and World Report ranks nurse anesthesia as a Best Health Care Job (2021). CRNAs are some of the best-paid advanced practice nurses according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Commitment to Diversity
Since 2012, the University has been the West Coast “home” of the Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program, a national leader in CRNA diversity, partnering with national conferences and mentoring students from across the country. Our CRNA program is at the forefront of diversity efforts with sixty-three percent of nurse anesthetist students coming from diverse backgrounds.
Application Fees
Application fees are payable to Nursing’s Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS). Samuel Merritt University does not charge an additional admission fee.
Non-Refundable Deposits and Fees
Students offered admission pay a non-refundable tuition deposit of $350 to secure their seat in the class.
Application fees and tuition deposits are non-refundable, whether or not the student withdraws in the first week of the term.
Tuition Calculator
There is a tuition calculator that provides a detailed summary of annual tuition, all fees for the program, and a cost estimator for the entire program.
Your nursing education at SMU is an important and valuable investment in your future. Not only will you have the opportunity to pursue a rewarding career in health care, but SMU graduates have a loan default rate of less than one percent. This means that students who borrowed to attend SMU have found employment in their chosen field that allows them to pay off their loans.
SMU is proud to offer a variety of ways to assist in funding your education including scholarships, work study and student loans. The first step in applying for financial aid at SMU is to submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
SMU offers scholarships and an assortment of resources for funding opportunities outside of the program. Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of financial need. A limited number are awarded for academic merit. Scholarships for nurses include:
In addition to the cost of tuition, books, and fees, financial aid can also cover other indirect educational costs, so the total cost of attendance includes:
Once you receive your financial aid package, check this budget against your actual living expenses and we can make necessary adjustments to meet your needs. Detailed information about financial aid, budgeting, total cost and application processes are available on the webpage.
We realize that the financial aid process can be difficult and overwhelming. We are here to help. Financial aid staff can assist with budgeting, understanding your awards, and understanding the process. The SMU staff is committed to each and every prospective student and enrolled student. We have an open door policy and are available via phone or email. finaid@samuelmerritt.edu or 510.879.9200
SEMESTER 1
NURSG 774 – Population Health and Clinical Prevention, 3.0 units
NURSG 772 – Nursing and Healthcare Science for ANP, 3.0 units
NURSG 757A/757L-A – Adv. Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology 1, 5.0 units (lab/lecture - 3/2)
NURSG 752 – Adv. Pharmacology 1, 4.0 units
Total 15.0 units
SEMESTER 2
NURSG 700 – Evidence-Base Translation for ANP, 3.0 units
NURSG 720 – ANP Project Conceptualization and Design, 2.0 units
NURSG 757B/757L-B – Adv. Anatomy, Physiology and Pathophysiology II, 5.0 units (lab/lecture – 3/2)
NURSG 754 – Adv. Pharmacology II, 4.0 units
Total 14.0 units
SEMESTER 3
NURSG 702 – Health Care Policy for Advocacy in Healthcare, 3.0 units
NURSG 721 – Adv. Nursing Practice Project Management, 2.0 units
NURSG 749/749L – Adv. Health Assessment, 4.0 units (lab/lecture 3/1)
NURSG 751/751L — Principles of Anesthesia I, 5.0 units (lab/lecture 4/1)
Total 14.0 units
SEMESTER 4
NURSG 705 – Organizational and Systems Leadership, 3.0 units
NURSG 755/755L – Principles of Anesthesia II, 5.0 units (lab/lecture 4/1)
NURSG 726 – Adv. Acute and Chronic Pain Management, 3.0 units
NURSG 756L – Clinical Anesthesia I, 2.0 units
Total 13.0 units
SEMESTER 5
NURSG 706 – Information Systems and Technology for APN, 3.0 units
NURSG 701 – IP: Improving Health Outcomes, 3.0 units
NURSG 758L – Clinical Anesthesia II, 2.0 units
NURSG 760/760L – Adv. Principles of Anesthesia I, 5.0 units (lab/lecture 4/1)
Total 13.0 units
SEMESTER 6
NURSG 761L – Clinical Anesthesia III, 3.0 units
NURSG 762/762L – Adv. Principles of Anesthesia II, 5.0 units (lab/lecture 4/1)
NURSG 730 – Adv. Nursing Practice Residency I, 1.0 units
Total 9.0 units
SEMESTER 7
NURSG 763L – Clinical Anesthesia IV, 3.0 units
NURSG 727 – Pharmacology Comprehensive Exam, 1.0 units
NURSG 731 – Adv. Nursing Practice Residency II, 2.0 units
Total 6.0 units
SEMESTER 8
NURSG 764L – Clinical Anesthesia V, 3.0 units
NURSG 728 – Oral Comprehensive Exam, 1.0 units
NURSG 732 – Adv. Nursing Practice Residency II, 2.0 units
Total 6.0 units
SEMESTER 9
NURSG 729 – NCE Prep, 1.0 units
NURSG 765L – Clinical Anesthesia VI, 3.0 units
Total 4.0 units
Grand total 94.0 units
Note: Italicized courses are 100% online.
Students complete a 24-month clinical residency that encompasses diverse practice settings including but not limited to large academic medical, trauma centers, community hospitals, rural hospitals, critical access hospitals, in medically underserved and healthcare provider shortage areas. Practice settings include CRNA independent, anesthesia care team, and medical direction practice models.
Community Regional Medical Center, Fresno
David Grant Medical Center, Travis Air Force Base, Fairfield
Fresno Veterans Administration Medical Center, Fresno
Highland General Hospital, Oakland
Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Walnut Creek
Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Antioch
Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Fresno
Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Roseville
Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, North Sacramento
Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Oakland
Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Richmond
Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Redwood City
Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Roseville
Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Santa Clara
Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, San Francisco
Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, San Jose
Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Folsom
Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Fremont
Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, San Leandro
Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, San Rafael
Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Santa Rosa
Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, South Sacramento
Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, South San Francisco
Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Vacaville
Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Vallejo
Mercy Medical Center, Mount Shasta
San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco
San Francisco Veterans Administration Medical Center, San Francisco
San Joaquin General Hospital, French Camp
St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Stockton
Sutter Medical Center Sacramento
Stanford Medical Center, Palo Alto
UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento
UCSF Mission Bay Hospital, San Francisco
UCSF Parnassus Hospital, San Francisco
UCSF Mount Zion Hospital, San Francisco
Kaweah Delta Medical Center, Visalia
Graduates of our accredited program will be eligible to take the national certification exam (NCE) to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist. Clinical practice rights are granted by reciprocity in all states after successful completion of the NCE.
Mission
The Anesthesia Doctorate of Nursing Practice (ADNP) program strives to educate skilled clinicians and healthcare leaders who are vigilant in the delivery of care and exercise cultural competency throughout the full scope of anesthesia practice.
Vision
We will become nationally recognized as a premier nurse anesthesia program, through innovative instruction, a solid foundation in science-based theories, and translational research.
Values
The ADNP program and our faculty are led by:
PLO1: Integrate nursing science with biomedical knowledge and evidence-based interprofessional best practices for the highest level of nursing practice.
PLO2: Provide leadership for the organization, delivery, quality, safety, sustainability, accountability, responsiveness, and continuous improvement in healthcare.
PLO3: Translate evidence into practice, evaluate practice, improve outcomes of care, and participate in collaborative research.
PLO4: Identify, appraise, implement, and evaluate information technology and systems to provide and improve care.
PLO5: Design, advocate, and implement health care policy to support equitable and inclusive health care access, financing, regulation, safety, quality, and efficacy.
PLO6: Provide leadership to facilitate collaborative team functioning and interprofessional practice to improve healthcare outcomes.
PLO7: Analyze health risks within the biological, environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic determinants of health to develop, implement, and evaluate clinical prevention measures to improve population health.
PLO8: Practice in a specialty role using advanced levels of clinical judgment, systems thinking, accountability, and innovation to design, deliver, and evaluate evidence-based care to improve healthcare outcomes.
ADNP Attrition Rates
Class of 2025 Attrition Rate (COA) to be Determined
ADNP NCE (NBCRNA) Pass Rates (1st Time/Subsequent Pass Rate)
Class of 2025 NCE Pass Rates (COA) to be Determined
ADNP Graduation Rate *
Class of 2025 Graduation Rate (COA) to be Determined
Class of 2025 Employment Rate (COA) to be Determined
ADNP Employment Rate in the Profession (within six months of graduation) **
*Percent of entering Cohort Graduated Within 150% of Expected Time
**Employment data only includes graduates who responded to SMU Alumni or Employer Surveys; the employment rate is not necessarily representative of graduates who did not respond to SMU Alumni or Employer Surveys.
Samuel Merritt University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501; 510.748.9001.
The Anesthesia- DNP Program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA).
The COA requires that all students matriculating into a nurse anesthesia educational program on Jan. 1, 2022, or thereafter be enrolled in a program approved by the COA to award a practice doctoral degree.
During its Oct. 13-15, 2021 meeting, the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) informed the Samuel Merritt University Program of Nurse Anesthesia of the approval of the doctoral degree program for entry into practice starting in the Fall of 2022. The decision recognizes the program for providing a graduate-level curriculum leading to the award of a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. The program is scheduled for its next consideration of continued accreditation by COA in the Spring 2024.
Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs
10275 W. Higgins Road Suite 906
Rosemont, IL 60018-5603
224.275.9130
http://www.coacrna.org
accreditation@coacrna.org
The doctoral degree programs in nursing at Samuel Merritt University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC., 20001.
Initial Accreditation Date: Sept. 24, 2012
Most Recent Accreditation Date: Nov. 2-4, 2020
Accreditation Term Expires: June 30, 2031
Last On-Site Evaluation: fall 2020
Next On-Site Evaluation: fall 2030
The Anesthesia Doctor of Nursing Practice (ADNP) program strives to educate outstanding clinicians who demonstrate a high level of competence in the full scope of anesthesia practice. We are committed to providing innovative educational opportunities that engender reasoned, safe, culturally sensitive, evidence-based practice, and practitioners who value integrity and professionalism. The following technical standards, in conjunction with the academic standards, are requirements for admission, promotion, and graduation. The term “candidate” refers to candidates for admission to the ADNP program as well as current students who are candidates for retention, promotion, or graduation.
These requirements may be achieved with or without reasonable accommodations, the cost of which will be borne by the institution. These standards should not serve as a deterrent to any candidate with disabilities who desires to pursue a medical education. Candidates with disabilities bring unique perspectives which contribute to the diversity of the student population and will create a diverse healthcare workforce of culturally competent practitioners who can meet the needs of their patients. Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Disability Resource Center immediately upon acceptance to begin a confidential conversation about possible accommodations necessary to meet these standards. Fulfillment of the technical standards for graduation from the FNP program does not guarantee that a graduate will be able to fulfill the technical requirements of any specific clinical position.
Observational skills: A candidate must acquire information as presented through demonstrations and experiences in foundational sciences. Also, a candidate must be able to evaluate a patient accurately and assess relevant health, behavioral, and medical information. Candidates must be able to obtain and interpret information through a comprehensive assessment of patients, correctly interpret diagnostic representations of patient physiologic data, and accurately evaluate patient conditions and responses. Also, candidates must have sufficient capacity to make accurate observations, interpret and effectively participate in the context of patient care and simulated learning activities.
Communication skills: Candidate must be able to perceive changes in mood, activity, posture; and accurately interpret verbal and non-verbal communications from patients and others. Each candidate must have the ability to effectively communicate with patients, their family members, and other professionals in health care and classroom settings. The candidate must be able to document patient care to maintain accurate clinical records effectively.
Motor skills: The candidate must perform complete physical examinations utilizing multiple types of diagnostic maneuvers. A candidate must be able to perform and assist with procedures, treatments, administration of medication, management and operation of diagnostic and therapeutic medical equipment utilized in the initial administration, maintenance and emergent of anesthesia for patients. The candidate must possess the stamina to meet the demands associated with satisfactory and safe performance in clinical and classroom settings.
Intellectual-conceptual, integrative, and quantitative abilities: Candidates must be able to learn through a variety of modalities, including but not limited to, classroom instruction; laboratory, including cadaver lab; small group, team and collaborative activities; individual study; preparation and presentation of reports; and use of computer technology. A candidate must effectively interpret, assimilate and understand the complex information required to function within the ADNP curriculum including, but not limited to, the ability to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and understand the spatial relationships of structures; effectively participate in individual, small group, and lecture learning modalities in the classroom, clinical and community settings; learn, participate, collaborate, and contribute as a part of a team; synthesize information both in person and via remote technology; interpret causal connections and make accurate, fact-based, conclusions based on available data and information; formulate a hypothesis, investigate the potential answers and outcomes; and reach appropriate and accurate conclusions. A candidate must be able to find sources of knowledge and acquire the knowledge through various modalities and possess the ability to be a life-long learner.
Behavioral and social attributes: Candidates must possess the physical, mental, and emotional health required for the application of intellectual abilities and the employment of sound judgment appropriately and promptly. Candidates must be able to function effectively under physically taxing workloads and in times of physical and mental stress. Candidates must accept constructive criticism, display compassion, sensitivity, and empathy while maintaining professional integrity, in addition to professional moral and ethical standards at all times.
We've been preparing nurse professionals for success in the field for more than 100 years.
Our nursing faculty prepare more nurses in Northern California than anyone. Their expertise in best practices, outcomes-based healthcare, and inter-professional simulation is unrivaled. They prepare nurses for careers in all levels of the field, from entry-level clinical positions to advanced careers in primary care and nursing leadership.