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Earn Your Doctorate of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) with an Emphasis in Health Administration

Webster’s DNAP with a Health Administration emphasis focuses on equipping nurse anesthetists with knowledge and skills in topics such as clinical practice-oriented leadership through evidence-based research, quality improvement, intradepartmental collaboration, financial management and systems leadership.

Webster University’s Nurse Anesthesia Program offers students high-quality, hands-on training through clinical partnerships with more than 30 sites, including private-practice and university-based facilities. By the time you graduate, you’ll have obtained real-world experience from a variety of these institutions with a broad range of experience in all anesthetic techniques caring for adults and children. Explore below to learn more about our curriculum, which encourages professional development in and out of our classrooms and labs.

 

Nursing student practicing in simulated lab.

 

Choose Webster for Your Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Degree

Learn From Experienced Faculty

When you earn your DNAP degree at Webster, you’ll take highly engaging classes taught by leading faculty with years of professional, research and academic experience.

Meet our Nurse Anesthesia Faculty and Staff

Students and professor explore state-of-the-art imaging equipment.

Comprehensive, Hands-On Clinical Sites

We’re fortunate to have access to more than 30 clinical sites and a state-of-the-art simulation center. These facilities afford us the opportunity to offer our students comprehensive exposure to a variety of specialist settings, which include cardiothoracic, pediatrics and obstetrics, as well as opportunities in rural settings. Our partner clinical sites are overseen by highly qualified CRNAs and physician anesthesiologists. Clinical rotations begin in the fifth term of the first year.

We have clinical sites across the state of Missouri, and in Illinois and Kentucky. Our SSM Health sites include St. Louis University Hospital, Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital, DePaul Hospital, St. Clare Hospital, St. Mary’s Hospital, St. Joseph Hospital, Good Samaritan Hospital, and the St. Louis University-Anheuser Busch Institute. Mercy-affiliated sites include Mercy St. Louis, Jefferson, Perryville, South, Southeast, and Lourdes (Kentucky) Hospitals. BJC-affiliated sites include Missouri Baptist Medical Center, Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital, St. Peter’s Hospital, Christian Hospital and Parkland Health Center. St. Luke’s facilities include Des Peres Hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital and Hedrick Medical Center.

Baptist Health Paducah (Kentucky), Blessing Hospital (Illinois), Boone Hospital Center, John J. Cochran Veterans Affairs Hospital, Lake Regional Hospital, Missouri Delta Medical Center, Phelps Health, St. Francis Medical Center and University of Missouri Hospital Center also serve as clinical sites for our program.

Program Spotlight: Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice

See how Webster University's hands-on clinical experience and helpful simulation rooms have aided students in their journeys in the DNAP program.

Transcript

[Music]

Text on screen: Program Spotlight: Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice

Text on screen: Vicki Callan, PhD, CRNA, CHSE, Director of Clinical Education, Associate Professor, Nurse Anesthesia

Vicki Callan: The Nurse Anesthesia Program at Webster University is a 36-month full time program that involves both didactic and clinical instruction.

[Footage of different classrooms, a lecture with a presentation and various shots of hands-on learning with medical equipment in Webster’s Simulation Labs]

We do have a pretty heavy science focus for the first year of the program, but we also mix that with a strong foundation in simulation and basic anesthesia principles.

Text on screen: Nicholas C. Curdt, DNAP, CRNA, Assistant Professor, Anesthesia

Nicholas Curdt: We try to make sure that we create a curriculum that encompasses all types of learners, everything from auditory to visual.

[Footage of Vicki Callan demonstrating how to administer a spinal epidural on a simulated patient]

Text on screen: Bridget M., Student

Bridget M.: And so all of this knowledge is just building and building and building. And there's no question if we know enough.

[Footage of a professor demonstrating proper sonogram technique, mumbling directions]

We really do start at rock bottom, and we just continue to build and grow and learn.

Text on screen: Cutting-Edge Facilities: Simulation Guided by Highly-Trained Faculty

Curdt: What simulation provides for them is an opportunity to be able to be in an environment that is safe for them and allows them to experience things without having the additional stress of working on a real human being.

[Footage of Nicholas C. Curdt prepping and guiding students in Webster’s simulated operating room. Students are in full scrubs and are operating anesthesia equipment]

Text on screen: Dalton J., Student

Dalton J.: It's a good opportunity because it's right here in the building about ten feet away from our classroom. It's imperative. I just don't see how you can do a successful job without simulation.

[Footage of Dalton using medical equipment in the Simulated Operating Room at Webster University]

Curdt: It provides them the ability to have a better education because it's much more controlled and focused and it's guided by faculty that is here.

[Footage of Nicholas C. Curdt guiding students through a simulated operation, with the sounds of medical equipment]

Text on screen: Scott K., Student

Scott K.: The simulation lab will kind of introduce you slow and easy into what the nurse anesthetist is expected of when we arrive to our first day of clinicals.

[Footage of students in the Simulation Operating Room at Webster University]

Text on screen: Clinical Rotations: Hands-On Experience in a Variety of Practices

Text on screen: Desiree L., Student

Desiree L.: Webster’s set me up for success when I graduate, and I attribute a lot of that to the different clinical sites that they offer.

[Footage of a Webster University Student in a real hospital wearing operation room scrubs and a mask, cut to an epidural being administered and footage of an operating room]

You just see so many different ways that anesthesia is practiced, and I think it's really beneficial. You can take the best of every little part and you build your own practice.

Bridget: We go all over Missouri. We go down south, urban, city, rural areas.

Text on screen: Nearly 30 Clinical Sites

[Graphic of the state of Missouri with dots appearing at various locations, showing several clinical locations that are available for students]

Just the experience here is pretty unmatched.

[Footage of students in various classrooms and simulation rooms]

Callan: By the time our students graduate, they really are prepared to walk into any environment.

[Footage of different groups of students, including discussing with doctors, practicing with a sonogram and preparing an epidural.]

Curdt: We want them to become successful professionals and continue to succeed after they have graduated.

[Cut to footage of teachers guiding students one-on-one, hands-on]

[Webster University logo animates on screen]

Text on screen: webster.edu

[Outro music]

Nurse Anesthesia Program Academic Information

In order to fulfill the graduate research project requirement, students must develop and execute a doctoral scholarly project. Webster University offers a variety of diverse and dynamic opportunities in the areas of research and evidence-based inquiry, including bench, clinical, survey research, policy and protocol analysis, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice analysis. In conjunction with our PhD biological sciences faculty, we are able to offer hands-on laboratory bench research involving anesthetic agents currently in use in the clinical setting. The strong support of our clinical sites allows our students to develop and direct research studies applicable to clinical practice. These types of opportunities are directed by anesthesia faculty at the clinical sites and provide evidence-based results with implications for the delivery of patient care. Survey research offers insight into the academic, psychosocial and environmental impact the specialty of nurse anesthesia has on individual patients, practitioners, etc. Policy and protocol analysis fosters the review and implementation of practices that support best patient outcomes.

The types of outcomes gleaned from this type of research can be utilized to improve our anesthesia programs and our clinical practice. We believe our research opportunities are among the most vibrant offered in any anesthesia program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthetists, and we are continuously looking for ways to expand research opportunities.

The DNAP Program is committed to providing service to the University, the community, the profession and the nation. Faculty and NA residents become members of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) and the Missouri Association of Nurse Anesthetists (MOANA). The program shows support by attending AANA and MOANA meetings, attending MOANA's Advocacy Day in Jefferson City and participating in an annual University service day. Our students are encouraged to serve in leadership roles within a variety of communities and organizations.

American Association of Nurse Anesthetists

Third-year students and faculty members attend the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) Annual Congress. The four-day conference is a great opportunity to gain insight and knowledge from leaders and innovators in the field of anesthesia. This conference combines clinical educational opportunities with informational sessions regarding patient safety, wellness, legislative issues and the business of the national organization.

Missouri Association of Nurse Anesthetists

As part of the educational experience at Webster, doctoral students also participate in multiple state professional activities through the Missouri Association of Nurse Anesthetists (MoANA). Professional involvement plays a vital role in the development of a well rounded CRNA. 

Advocacy Day

Many CRNAs play an active role in influencing state and federal legislation concerning patient safety, accessibility to anesthesia services, and nurse anesthesia education and reimbursement issues. Every February, MOANA sponsors a day to meet with state legislators at the capitol building in Jefferson City. This function, Advocacy Day, is an opportunity for CRNAs to meet with their legislators and discuss issues vital to the profession of nurse anesthesia in the state of Missouri. Students play a key role in contacting and educating members of the Missouri Congress about CRNAs and proposed legislation affecting the practice of nurse anesthesia. It is a wonderful opportunity to get involved at the grassroots level and make a difference.

Other Meetings

In addition to the AANA Annual Congress, there are other opportunities to participate on the national level. There are three other meetings offered by the AANA on a yearly basis. The Assembly of Didactic and Clinical Educators is a meeting held in February of every year that offers informational sessions for nurse anesthesia educators and program administrators. This is an opportunity to meet other educators and share ideas. Students having an interest in pursuing a career as a nurse anesthesia educator are afforded the opportunity to attend this meeting.

Every April, the Mid-Year Assembly is held in Washington, D.C. This meeting is very similar to the advocacy day event held at the state level. CRNAs who attend this meeting are educated on the current or proposed federal legislation that has the potential to affect nurse anesthesia practice. Students with desire to influence policy decisions are encouraged to attend this meeting. The result of attendance at the Mid-Year Assembly is a better understanding of the effects of the decisions made in Washington on CRNA education funding and practice.

The Fall Leadership Academy is held in November. This meeting focuses on developing strong effective leaders for the state organizations. Any student with aspirations of leadership at the state level should consider attending this event.

National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists

The National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to promoting patient safety by enhancing provider quality in the field of nurse anesthesia. They accomplish their mission through the development and implementation of credentialing programs that support lifelong learning among nurse anesthetists.

COA-Accredited Degree

COA sealWebster University is accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) for the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice entry level and completion programs. The program's next review by the COA is scheduled for May 2030.

Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA)
10275 W. Higgins Road, Suite 906
Rosemont, IL 60018-5603
Phone: 224-275-9130
Email: accreditation@coacrna.org

  Attrition Rates Pass Rates Employment Rates
2023 Cohort 4% (23/24) 92% first-time pass rate
100% overall pass rate		 100%
2022 Cohort 5% (18/19) 64% first-time pass rate
100% overall pass rate		 100%
2021 Cohort 0% (22/22) 64% first-time pass rate
100% overall pass rate		 100%
2020 Cohort 5% (18/19) 83% first-time pass rate
100% overall pass rate		 100%
2019 Cohort 0% (17/17) 88% first-time pass rate
100% overall pass rate		 100%
2018 Cohort 0% (16/16) 88% first-time pass rate
100% overall pass rate		 100%
2017 Cohort 6% (16/17) 94% first-time pass rate
100% overall pass rate		 100%
2016 Cohort 0% (18/18) 100% first-time pass rate
100% overall pass rate		 100%

The Webster University Nurse Anesthesia Program has an ethical responsibility for the safety of the patients with whom students and graduates will come into contact. Although students learn and work under the supervision of the faculty, students interact directly with patients throughout the anesthesia education process. Patient safety and well being are therefore major factors in establishing requirements involving the sensory, motor, cognitive and behavioral abilities and characteristics described herein as “performance standards.” The attributes encompassed in the performance standards are broad categories, and are required in order to function in a competent manner in settings that may involve long work hours, heavy workloads and stressful situations.

The Department of Advanced Clinical Sciences acknowledges the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Learn more about accomodations at Webster University.

Students need to have the physical and emotional endurance to adapt to a demanding graduate program. Successful progression through the Nurse Anesthesia program requires the following abilities:

  • Discriminate variations in human responses to disease using visual, auditory, tactile and other sensory cues.
  • Discriminate changes in monitoring devices and alarms using visual and auditory senses.
  • Communicate clearly and effectively in English through oral and written methods in order to communicate with other health care providers and patients of all ages.
  • Comprehend written and verbal communications in English.

  • Coordinate gross and fine motor movements and the senses of touch and vision to competently and safely accomplish required responsibilities such as inserting intravascular access, administering regional anesthetic techniques and performing airway management techniques.
  • Demonstrate sufficient physical strength to perform airway management, and move and position patients and equipment.
  • Sufficient stamina to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time.
  • Safely maneuver in the operating room and other anesthetizing locations.
  • Respond appropriately to alarms and changes in patient conditions that require physical interventions.

  • Use reason, analysis, calculations, problem solving, critical thinking, self-evaluation and other learning skills to acquire knowledge, comprehend, and synthesize complex concepts.
  • Ability to discern and adhere to program and affiliate policies.
  • Interpret information derived from auditory, written and other visual data to determine appropriate anesthetic management plans.
  • Apply theoretical knowledge to practice to provide safe anesthetic care.

  • Demonstrate personal and professional self-control as well as tactfulness, sensitivity, compassion, honesty, integrity, empathy and respect.
  • Demonstrate cultural competency and situational awareness.
  • Demonstrate the ability to adapt and work effectively in stressful and rapidly changing situations.
  • Cooperate with other members of the health care team to provide a therapeutic environment and safe patient care.

Tuition and fees remain stable over the duration of enrollment (assuming continuous full-time enrollment is maintained) and are divided evenly throughout the program.

Tuition and fees listed reflect the class of 2026:

  • Application Fee $125
  • Tuition of $101,700 plus fees of $13,500 comes to $115,200 for the entire program.

Fees of $13,500 for the entire program include but are not limited to the following items:

  • Housing for out-of-town clinical rotations.
  • Course laboratory and research supplies.
  • Simulation equipment and supplies.
  • Professional liability insurance (except for increases if uninsurable through the standard policy).
  • American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology associate membership dues.
  • One annual recertification session for BLS, ACLS and PALS.
  • One Self-Evaluation Exam (SEE).
  • One National Certification Examination (NCE).
  • Thesis binding and copying expenses with one copy provided to each student.
  • Stipend to attend the AANA Annual Congress as a third-year student.

Items not included within the tuition and fees structure include but are not limited to:

  • Health insurance (students are required to have coverage).
  • Parking (optional but recommended).
  • Textbooks (required).
  • Board Exam review course(s) and materials.
  • Attendance at Missouri Association of Nurse Anesthetist events (required).
  • University graduation fee.

Items covered or not covered by student fees are subject to change.

Further information about tuition assistance can be obtained from the University's Office of Financial Aid.

Explore the Program

DNAP with an Emphasis in Health Administration

This program offers many exciting possibilities for working professionals to earn their degree and make a larger impact on their hospital, organization and community.

Discover the Department of Advanced Clinical Sciences

Program Details

Explore our graduate catalog for more details about courses and admission requirements for the DNAP program at Webster.

Locations

This program is offered in person in Webster Groves, Missouri, with clinical rotations offered in Missouri, Illinois and Kentucky.

What Can You Do with a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice?

As you progress through your DNAP, you will take courses designed to provide you with the expertise and skill sets to stand out on the job market and on the job as a nurse anesthetist and health administrator. Our focus on preparing you to become an advocate for your patients helps set us apart from many other DNAP programs around the nation.

Webster has invested in a state-of-the-art operating room outfitted with a modern anesthesia machine and a high-fidelity human patient simulation mannequin. Our DNAP students experience the challenges and intensity of a real operating room setting, so you’ll know you’re fully prepared for real-world operations.

When you graduate with your Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice from Webster University, you’ll be qualified to work as a clinical practitioner integrated at any level and ready for leadership roles. Here are just a few of the rewarding careers you can explore with a DNAP degree:

  • Nurse Anesthetist
  • Health Care Consultant
  • Practice/Hospital Administrator
  • Educator/Advocate
One female student in class with simulated patient

Other Degrees Related to the DNAP Degree with an Emphasis in Health Administration

One female student in class with simulated patient

Get Started on Your Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Degree

Take the next step toward joining our Nurse Anesthesia Practice with an Emphasis in Health Administration entry to practice program and becoming a caring leader in health care. We’re here to help you get started.

Explore

Learn more about our academic programs and our main campus and locations.

Engage

Connect with our admissions counselors and academic advisors.

Apply

Apply to Webster through NusingCAS and take the next steps for financial aid and scholarships.

Nurse Anesthesia All-Class Conference

Many students are interested in learning more about our Nurse Anesthesia program and the field in general. To that end, we offer prospective students the opportunity to attend our All-Class Conference (ACC). This conference is held regularly during the spring and fall from 2-4 p.m. on Thursdays in the Browning Hall, Interdisciplinary Science Building auditorium (ISB 160) located on our Webster Groves main campus. A pre-conference session is offered prior to the ACC for potential candidates to meet with program faculty. Please RSVP to your admissions counselor or directly to the Department of Advanced Clinical Sciences at 314-246-5927.

Location

Webster University Main Campus
Browning Hall, ISB 160
(Location may vary)
8274 Big Bend Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63119

Time

  • 1–2 p.m. Pre All-Class Conference (Q&A session for prospective students)
  • 2–4 p.m. All-Class Conference

Dates (subject to change)

  • Feb. 20, 2025
  • April 10, 2025

For more information about the All-Class Conference, please contact the Department of Advanced Clinical Sciences at 314-246-5927.

Frequently Asked Questions for Applicants

Approximately 60-80 applicants complete the admissions process per year. The Admissions Committee invites 45-50 of the most qualified applicants for an on-campus interview. We admit up to 24 students each year. A few select applicants are placed on a waitlist should a candidate have to withdraw prior to the start of the program for any reason.

The most competitive applicants will have a strong and recent (within the last 5-6 years) prerequisite coursework in areas such as physics, biochemistry, and organic chemistry, with grades of B or better. They also will have a strong professional background as a registered nurse in an critical care setting, obtained by working in an ICU and evidenced by their CCRN certification.

Applications must be postmarked by June 1, with interviews to be scheduled in August or September. Interviews take place on the Webster Groves, Missouri campus, and students will be notified within two weeks of interviews regarding their admission status. The admitted cohort will begin the following Summer term.

No.

No. Students must be registered nurses, whether through a two-year, four-year or accelerated BSN program. However, all graduate-level applicants must have a prior bachelor's degree in any field.

  • An updated purpose statement.
  • An updated resume.
  • Two new/updated letters of recommendation.
  • Current nursing license.
  • Current copies of your ACLS, BLS, PALS, and CCRN (with score sheet) and any other continuing education certifications.
  • Official transcripts for any course(s) taken since last applying to the program.

Re-applicants:

  • Do not submit a new application, unless personal information has changed after submission of the previous application.
  • Do not pay another application fee.
  • Do not submit a new CRNA shadow verification form.
  • Do not need to request official transcripts submitted for a previous application year (unless the transcripts are more than 3 years old).

If you have a lower cumulative GPA, it would be necessary to have evidence of strong post-graduation work. We look for a minimum cumulative GPA of a 3.0. The most competitive applicants have a higher overall GPA with higher grades in the sciences. Specifically, the admissions committee seeks a minimum overall basic science GPA of 3.0. If your science grades were below a B, we would encourage you to repeat some of your basic sciences courses before you apply.

No. Students are required to submit a shadow verification form from a CRNA whom they have shadowed. This step demonstrates an applicant's commitment to pursuing Nurse Anesthesia as a career.

No. A charge nurse would be more acceptable than a preceptor. However, a manager or supervisor is preferred.

You should contact the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. We prefer that you pass the Adult CCRN. Candidates should submit their score sheet with their application.

It is necessary to gain critical care experience in an ICU setting before applying. Competitive applicants will have extensive experience with bedside care and nursing skills based on managing unstable patients using advanced invasive monitoring, ventilators, and critical care pharmacology.

We do not encourage students to work while they are in the Nurse Anesthesia program. Between clinical hours and the academic rigor of the program, students would find it difficult to work. Weekends are usually spared for study and family time.

Nurse Anesthesia students at Webster follow a nine-week term system. There are five nine-week terms in a calendar year (Spring I, Spring II, Summer, Fall I, Fall II). The program starts in the Summer term.

In the first year, students are in class for full days, Monday–Friday, with clinical simulation held multiple times per week. Clinical rotations begin in the Spring II term (Fridays only) of the first year in the program. In the second year, students are in class two days a week with three days spent in clinicals during the Summer term. Clinical practicum increases to four days a week (Monday–Thursday) with class on Fridays the following Fall I term for the remainder of the program.

Yes. Webster has 30-plus clinical facilities, several of which are out of the St. Louis area, including out-of-state locations in Illinois and Kentucky. Each facility offers a unique set of opportunities. All students are required to participate in at least 4-5 out-of-town rotations (9-week term). Housing is provided for out-of-town clinical rotations.

Yes. There are seven online courses that comprise our doctoral core curriculum. These courses cover required content on leadership, policy, advocacy, population health, organizational management and finance.

No. This is a cohort program, meaning that admitted students each year take their courses in a set rotation that cannot be changed, even if students have completed graduate courses at a different institution.

Yes, in the form of student loans. Financial assistance from Webster University is limited to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are degree-seeking students at Webster.

We highly encourage students to seek opportunities for outside sources of funding by creating a student profile on www.fastweb.com. For additional questions or to schedule an appointment with a financial aid counselor, contact the Financial Aid Office at 314-968-6992, or 800-983-4623.

Absolutely. Prospective students and applicants who have questions about the program and the admission process may contact our Nurse Anesthesia admission counselor.

Lionel White
Associate Director of Graduate Admissions
Email lionelwhite@webster.edu
Phone 314-246-7931

The following prerequisite courses are required:

  • Organic chemistry (3 credits) OR Biochemistry (3 credits): This course should not include any general chemistry content. A good indicator of this is a general chemistry prerequisite for the course. Courses that include general chemistry content (typically found in the title or course description) will not be accepted. Courses that combine organic and bio-chemistry are acceptable, but again there should be no mention of general chemistry content in the course title or description.
  • Physics (3 credits): college-level, algebra-based (calculus-based not recommended but acceptable)

Contact the Admissions Office to Find Out More

If you have more questions about the program, your application or other enrollment-related inquiries, contact our Admissions Office.

Call 314-246-7800 or 800-753-6765 or send an email to admit@webster.edu.  

Applications to the program are submitted via NursingCAS. The portal can be found here: NursingCAS | Applicant Login Page Section