DNP in Nurse Anesthesia + AGACNP
Transition From Critical Care to Nurse Anesthesia
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) administer anesthesia in various settings by adapting treatment plans to accommodate patients across the lifespan. The role of a CRNA is the most challenging, versatile, independent and highly sought after advanced practice nursing role.
In alignment with the University of Texas at Tyler (UT Tyler) and the School of Nursing (SON), the mission of the Nurse Anesthesia Program (NAP) is to:
- Prepare each graduate as an expert clinical member of the community.
- Prepare each graduate for practice in diverse clinical practices and cultures spanning the lifespan.
- Foster life-long learning through evidence-based research and full scope of practice as nurse anesthesia providers.
Why Earn a DNP-NA AGACNP From UT Tyler?
The NAP's vision is to be the premier nurse anesthesia program in the East Texas region by preparing our graduates to be transformative, innovative and technologically advanced practitioners and leaders.
Our innovative and intense 36-month approach to educating qualified critical care registered nurses that are ready to be challenged academically and clinically will position our graduates to be practice-ready upon graduation. Graduates will be prepared to pass the National Certification Exams (NCE) administered by the National Board on Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetist (NBCRNA) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) for the AGACNP.
Comprehensive
The UT Tyler DNP-NA program encompasses a wide range of essential topics and skills necessary for the practice of nurse anesthesia:
- The curriculum includes in-depth coursework in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and pathophysiology, which are fundamental to understanding how anesthesia affects the body.
- NARs undergo rigorous clinical training in various clinical settings, gaining hands-on experience and critical thinking skills on the management of patients undergoing surgical procedures.
- The DNP-NA Program also incorporates advanced simulation technology to provide realistic practice scenarios, helping residents build confidence and competence in a controlled environment before working with actual patients.
- Interdisciplinary learning opportunities allow the nurse anesthesia resident to collaborate with other healthcare professionals and comprehend the broader context of holistic patient care.
- Emphasis is also placed on research and evidence-based practice, ensuring NARs are up to date with the latest advancements and best practices in anesthesia.
- These elements ensure that our graduates are well-prepared to handle the complexities and demands of the nurse anesthetist role.
Collaborative
NARs often work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as surgeons, nurses and attending anesthesiologists (dependent on practice settings) to provide comprehensive patient care. This collaboration helps NARs appreciate the roles and responsibilities of different team members while fostering effective communication and coordination in clinical settings. These collaborative experiences prepare NARs to function effectively as part of a healthcare team, ensuring high-quality patient care and safety.
DNP-NA and AGACNP
This dual certification equips the NAR with a broad skill set, enabling them to provide comprehensive care across various settings, from primary care to acute and critical care environments.
In addition, the NAR can address a wider range of patient needs, improving access to specialized care in underserved areas. This versatility allows the NAR to fill gaps in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural or low-income communities where there may be a shortage of specialized providers.
The ability to manage both anesthesia and acute care reduces the need for multiple specialists, streamlining patient care and ultimately improving outcomes.
Leadership and Mentorship
The DNP-NA Program provides the NARs with the skills and experiences necessary to excel in leadership roles within healthcare:
- NARs will take on leadership positions, such as serving as class representatives and participating in programmatic and university committees, which help them develop essential leadership skills like communication, decision-making, and team management.
- NARs are mentored by experienced faculty and practicing anesthetists in the field, who provide guidance and support as they navigate their training and career development. Providing feedback, guidance, and support mentorship helps NARs build confidence and competence in their leadership and technical abilities.
- Furthermore, the curriculum often includes coursework on leadership and management principles, preparing NARs to take on administrative and executive roles in the future.
What You'll Learn
You will explore the full spectrum of Nurse Anesthesia and AGACNP practice through a rigorous 117-credit-hour DNP-NA AGACNP curriculum encompassing:
Scientific Foundations
The UT Tyler DNP-NA AGACNP Program integrates a comprehensive coursework that covers essential scientific principles by including subjects such as chemistry, biochemistry, physics and genetics, which are fundamental to understanding anesthesia practice.
The curriculum also delves into advanced physiology and pathophysiology, focusing on systems like the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, to provide a deep understanding of how anesthesia affects the body.
Additionally, the UT Tyler DNP-NA AGACNP Program includes courses on pharmacology, which cover the mechanism of action, side effects and interactions of various drugs and anesthetic agents.
The scientific grounding ensures that students are well-prepared to make informed decisions about anesthesia management and patient care. By building a strong scientific foundation, the UT Tyler DNP-NA AGACNP Program equips the NAR with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their roles as advanced practice nurses.
Clinical Expertise
NARs in the UT Tyler DNP-NA AGACNP Program develop clinical expertise through a combination of rigorous academic coursework, hands-on clinical training, and continuos mentorship. NARs gain practical experience by practicing in a wide range of clinical settings, which allow them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios and hone their skills in administering anesthesia.
Additionally, NARs are encouraged to engage in continuous learning through case discussions, workshops and professional development opportunities.
By integrating these elements, the UT Tyler DNP-NA AGACNP Program ensures NARs are well-prepared to deliver high-quality, safe, and effective anesthesia care.
Scholarly Project
The scholarly project prepares NARs to contribute to scholarship by fostering critical thinking, research skills, and evidence-based practice. Through this project, NARs engage in rigorous research, which involves identifying a relevant clinical proble, reviewing existing literature, and developing a research plan to address the issue.
This process helps the NAR to synthesize and apply the knowledge gained throughout the curriculum. NARs often work on projects that focus on quality improvement, clinical protocols, or policy development.
These projects not only enhance their understanding of the subject matter but also contribute new insights and solutions to the field of nurse anesthesia. By presenting their findings at conferences or publishing in peer-reviewed journals, NARs disseminate their work to a broader audience, thereby advancing the profession and ultimately improving patient care, and prepare to become leaders in research and practice.
Careers with a DNP-NA/AGACNP Degree
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the geriatric population in the U.S. is projects to grow significantly in the coming decades. By 2030, all baby boomers will be older than 65 and older Americans will make up 21 percent of the population.
In line with this demand, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 40% increase for CRNAs through 2033 while in Texas the trends demonstrate a 50% projected demand through 2030.
A dual-certified CRNA with an AGACNP has a wealth of career opportunities due to their extensive training and versatile skill set that allows them to make significant contributions to patient care and the healthcare system as a whole.
This unique training will likely become a trend in CRNA education in the future. With the UT Tyler DNP-NA AGACNP Program, the future has arrived now, and our NARs will be well prepared to meet those challenges.
Key Information
At its core, candidates interested in this highly competitive and selective program
are required to have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution
and at least one year of current Intensive Care Unit (ICU) experience along with a
Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification.
Please review all requirements and deadlines before starting your application.
The University of Texas at Tyler School of Nursing (SON) is seeking initial accreditation
to offer Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia (DNP-NA) from the Council
on Accreditation of Nurse ANesthesia Educational Programs (COA) for a projected start
date of Fall 2025.
*NO Residents will be enrolled in the CRNA Program until initial accreditation is
granted by the COA.
Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Program (COA)
10275 W. Higgins Rd. Suite 906
Rosemont, IL 60018-5603
224.275.9130
https://www.coacrna.org/
Supporting and enhancing healthcare delivery across East Texas involves strategically placing NARs in various clinical settings throughout the region. These placements provide invaluable hands-on experiences that allow NARs to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world situations.
By working in diverse environments such as hospitals and clinics, the NAR will gain a comprehensive understanding of the unique healthcare needs of East Texas communities and beyond.
Additionally, these clinical placements foster strong partnerships between UT Tyler and local healthcare providers and organizations, promoting collaboration and continuous improvement in healthcare delivery. Through these efforts, the overall health and well-being of the East Texas population are significantly enhanced.
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Next Steps
Building upon your critical care experience, the UT Tyler DNP-NA AGACNP Program offers an exciting and in-demand career path. Enroll today.