Getting Started
Applicants must submit an application online at apply.fgcu.edu. Please contact Graduate Admissions at 239-745-GRAD or graduate@fgcu.edu for additional information about the application process. Satisfaction of minimum University and program requirements does not guarantee admission to a graduate program. Applicants should check with the program for the most up to date admission requirements prior to commencing the application process.
See program website listed above.
Admission Requirements
All applications to the MSN to DNP Nurse Anesthesiology major must be submitted through
the FGCU Office of Research and Graduate Studies. A supplemental School of Nursing application must also be submitted through NursingCAS
Updated NursingCAS Instructions: Effective 8-13-2020
When you access the NursingCAS link, you will be taken to the landing page where you
will see links to two admission cycle options. To ensure that you find existing applications
that are in progress and/or apply for the desired admission cohort, please access
the NursingCAS admission cycle links as follows:
May 2021 admission – access NursingCAS 2019-20 cycle (find applications that are in progress and submit new applications for May 2021
admission)
May 2021 admission – access NursingCAS 2020-21 cycle (submit new applications for May 2022 admission – application will open in January
2021)
The School of Nursing conducts a competitive admissions process. The following are
the minimum requirements for admission. Satisfaction of minimum University and program
requirements does not guarantee admission to a graduate program.
Students will be admitted in the Summer semester of each year. The application deadline
for receipt of all application materials is September 15 prior to the year in which
entry is sought. Admissions interviews are conducted by invitation during the months
of October and November. Application materials received after September 15 will be
considered on a space available basis.
MSN to DNP Nurse Anesthesiology Major Application Requirements:
- Submit an application through the Office of Research and Graduate Studies and meet
University requirements for admission to graduate studies.
- In NursingCAS, provide unofficial transcript(s) for all colleges and universities attended, including
a master’s degree in nursing transcript from a CCNE or Accreditation Commission for
Education in Nursing (ACEN) nursing program and a regionally accredited institution.
- Provide evidence of successful completion of an entry-level, COA-accredited nurse
anesthesia educational program.
- Provide evidence of National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse
Anesthetists (NBCRNA) certification and current recertification as a Certified Registered
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).
- Show evidence of a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- Provide copy of an unrestricted Florida APRN license and certification as a nurse
anesthetist, or eligibility for APRN license and certification as a nurse anesthetist
in Florida.
- Provide a current resume or curriculum vitae.
- Provide personal statement of professional goals in 350 to 500 words.
- Show completion of the following prerequisite courses:
- Graduate level nursing courses with a grade of "B" or better: Pathophysiology, Pharmacology,
Physical Assessment, and Research
- Undergraduate level course with a grade of “C” or better: Statistics
- If applicable, applicants who have attended but not completed another DNP or doctoral
nursing program must provide an official transcript from that program and a letter
of good standing from the dean of the school of nursing (or designee) that also addresses
potential for success in a DNP program.
- Provide a signed copy of the FGCU School of Nursing Core Performance Standards Receipt
and Acknowledgment form.
- Admissions interview, by invitation, with the Nurse Anesthesia Admissions Committee.
- Three professional references that indicate your potential for doctoral study, clinical
proficiency, and academic competence: one from the applicant's supervisor, one from
the applicant's academic faculty, and one from a registered nurse, CRNA, or physician
familiar with the applicant's professional expertise.
Additional Requirements:
ACLS, BLS, and PALS are not required for application to the program but are required
to have been completed before the student begins the program. All students must maintain
current APRN licensure, CRNA certification, and ACLS, BLS, and PALS certification
while in the program. All students must provide evidence of current immunizations
and tuberculosis screening throughout the program. All students must complete level
one and two background checks and drug and alcohol screening prior to formal admission
to the program. Additionally, further immunizations, background checks, and drug screening
may be required during the program. Details on these procedures will be given after
applicants are interviewed and conditionally accepted.
Criminal Background Check:
All students admitted to the DNP-Nurse Anesthesiology major must complete criminal
background and drug screen checks after admission to and during the program of study.
A student may encounter potential problems with completing clinical practice placements
and/or obtaining licensure and certification if he or she has a criminal record. For
specific information, contact the Board of Nursing through its website. If a student
has a criminal record, it is the student’s responsibility to inquire with the Board
of Nursing and certification/credentialing body as to whether a criminal record may
limit the student's ability to obtain licensure and/or certification or to practice
in certain settings.
Admissions Decisions Appeals:
Admission decisions may be appealed through the Marieb College of Health & Human Services
Student Appeals Committee. Contact the Office of the Dean, Marieb College of Health
&Human Services at 239-590-7451 for information. If the applicant is not satisfied
with the outcome of this process, he or she may then bring their appeal to the University Ombudsman.