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Gain Real-World Clinical Experience

The Nurse Anesthesia DNAP program fosters expertise in the art and science of anesthesia, and prepares students for practice as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Clinical experience is an essential component of the program and is fulfilled through partnerships with private-practice and university-based clinical facilities. By the time students graduate, they have obtained real-world clinical experiences at these institutions in a broad range of general, regional and monitored anesthesia care to adults and children. With so many advances in the medical arena, from cell biology, biochemistry and biotechnology, to genetics, forensics and surgery technology, the St. Louis region is in the heart of the rapidly developing BioBelt corridor and provides top career options for Nurse Anesthesia graduates.

Application Deadline

Applicants for the 2023 program must submit their application by Sept. 1, 2022. Program interviews will be scheduled for late October/early November 2022.

The application deadline to join the program in 2024 is June 1, 2023 with subsequent interviews to be scheduled for August 2023.

Nurse anesthesia students in class using monitoring equipment

Clinical Rotations

The program offers more than 20 clinical sites with clinical rotations, including dedicated rotations in cardiovascular, pediatrics, and obstetrics.

Highly-Trained Faculty

Full-time faculty hold doctoral degrees and are specialists in their content areas. They share a passion for education and a commitment to learning.

Hands-On Expertise

Nurse Anesthetist faculty members maintain active clinical practices, reinforcing their hands-on expertise with cutting-edge advancements in the field of anesthesia.

Three students studying together in classroom

Collaborative Study & Resources

Three students studying together in classroom

Small class sizes create an ideal learning environment of collaboration and discovery. Webster also offers exceptional on-campus library services with a reference librarian assigned to the nurse anesthesia program.

To read about specific program requirements, learning outcomes and how to apply, view program details from the graduate catalog:

Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP)

Nurse Anesthesia Program

  • Webster’s Nurse Anesthesia students consistently hold a 91% pass rate for first-time CRNA board exams and a 100% overall pass rate.
  • Program fees cover out-of-town clinical housing, the SEE and NCE exams, annual liability insurance, attendance at one annual AANA Congress and many other supplies and requirements throughout the program.
  • The DNAP program is fully accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA).
  • Students gain valuable scholarly experience by completing, defending, and publishing a research project.

Nursing anesthesia students looking at interactive digital display table

Education

  • Bachelor's degree in nursing or a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing program from a fully accredited college plus a nursing degree. The Webster University Nurse Anesthesia program does not accept any transfer credits.
  • A cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for undergraduate studies or evidence of outstanding post-graduation academic achievement.
  • Prerequisite Courses: Organic chemistry, 3 credit hrs. OR Biochemistry, 3 credit hrs. and Physics, 3 credit hrs., taken within the last 5 years. Labs are not required with these courses. All prerequisite courses should be completed, with grades received, prior to the application deadline.

Professional/Experience

  • Current unencumbered United States (or territories, or protectorates) RN and/or APRN license. Out-of-state applicants must obtain a Missouri and Illinois Nursing license once admitted into the program. If your current licensure is from a compact state a Missouri license is not required.
  • A minimum of one year of experience in an acute care setting as a professional registered nurse (two years preferred in an adult ICU setting).
  • Proof of Current ACLS, BLS & PALS certifications and CCRN score sheet.

Personal

  • A personal interview
  • Applicants offered an interview must submit a criminal background check prior to the interview.
  • Accepted applicants must provide a clean drug screen prior to starting the program.

Submit the following required documents:

  • A completed application may be submitted at webster.edu/apply.
  • A non-refundable application fee.
  • Official transcripts from all universities, colleges, and professional schools. The Webster University Nurse Anesthesia program does not accept any transfer credits.
  • A one-page cover letter explaining why you have chosen to pursue the nurse anesthesia field, including any relevant information you would like the Admissions Committee to consider regarding your qualifications as an applicant.
  • A syllabus and/or course description for prerequisite coursework taken through an online program.
  • Prerequisite Review Worksheet
  • A current résumé, with detailed ICU experience, i.e. years, location, specific ICU title.
  • Proof of nursing license from NURSYS.com, report should include all licenses and expirations.
  • Proof of Current certifications: ACLS, BLS & PALS certifications and CCRN score sheet.
  • Two letters of reference that provide an assessment of professional performance, continuing education, and character traits.
  • Request one assessment from an immediate supervisor and one from a professional
  • A CRNA shadow verification form
  • Any additional supporting information you wish to include, such as copies of certifications, awards, honors, and/or publications within the past 2 years.
  • A copy of your green card if you are a U.S. permanent resident.

Browning Hall, ISB 101, 8274 Big Bend Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63119

Department Chair and Coordinator

Jill Stulce

Jill Stulce, PhD, CRNA

Department Chair and Associate Professor

Browning Hall, ISB 105
Phone 314-246-7846
Email jillstulce02@webster.edu

Jamie Breuer

Jamie Breuer

Department Coordinator

Browning Hall, ISB 101
Phone 314-246-5927
Email jamiebreuer@webster.edu

Program Admissions Contact*:

Your admissions counselor is assigned based on your last name. Please refer to the information below to connect and ask questions.

Emily Winslow
Graduate Admission Counselor (A-K)
Admissions
Webster Hall 140
Phone 314-246-7836
Email emilyhorn63@webster.edu
Meghan Higdon
Graduate Admission Counselor (L-Z)
Admissions
Loretto Hall 164
Phone 314-246-7931
Email higdomeg@webster.edu

*Prospective students should direct all initial program inquiries to the Program Admissions Contact

Students in the nurse anesthesia program benefit from highly knowledgeable science and anesthesia faculty who are specialists in their content areas. They share a passion for education and a commitment to learning and teaching in smaller class sizes. Basic science courses are taught by doctoral-educated full-time and adjunct faculty who are specialists in that content area.

Academic Resources

Webster University is fortunate to have more than 15 clinical facilities and access to a state-of-the-art simulation center. These facilities afford us the opportunity to offer our students comprehensive exposure to a variety of settings, which include cardiothoracic, pediatrics, obstetrics, as well as opportunities in rural settings. Our clinical facilities are overseen by highly qualified nurse anesthetists and physician anesthesiologists. Clinical rotations begin in the 2nd term of the first year.

SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital
1465 South Grand Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63104
St. Luke's Des Peres Hospital
2190 S. Mason Road
St. Louis, MO 63131
Lake Regional Hospital
54 Hospital Drive
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Missouri Baptist Medical Center
3015 North Ballas Road
St. Louis, MO 63131
Phelps Health
1000 West Tenth Street
Rolla, MO 65401
SSM St. Clare Health Center
1015 Bowles Avenue
Fenton, MO 63026
St. Francis Medical Center
211 Saint Francis Drive
Cape Girardeau, MO 63703
Southeast Health Center
1701 Lacey Street
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Veterans Affairs Medical Center
915 North Grand Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 63106
Alton Memorial Hospital
1 Memorial Dr
Alton, IL 62002
Boone Hospital Center
1600 E Broadway
Columbia, Missouri 65201
Christian NE
11122 Dunn Road
St. Louis, MO 63136
Heartland Regional
3333 West DeYoung Street
Marion, IL 62959
Mercy Hospital Jefferson
P.O. Box 350
Crystal City, MO 63019
Missouri Delta Medical Center
1008 North Main Street
Sikeston, MO 63801
SSM DePaul Hospital
12303 DePaul Drive
Bridgeton, MO 63044
SSM SLU-Anheuser-Busch Institute
1755 South Grand at Shaw Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63104
Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital
802 Ste. Genevieve Drive
Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670
University of Missouri Heath Center
1 Hospital Drive
Columbia, MO 65212
Hedrick Medical Center
2799 Washington St
Chillicothe, MO 64601
Mercy Hospital South
10010 Kennerly Rd
St. Louis, MO 63128
Mercy Hospital St. Louis
615 S. New Ballas Road
St. Louis, MO 63141

In order to fulfill the graduate research project requirement, students must develop and execute a research project. Webster University offers a variety of diverse and dynamic research opportunities, including bench, clinical, policy & protocol analysis and survey research. 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

3rd year Students and faculty members attend the annual meeting of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA). The five-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, not only are students afforded the opportunity to participate in activities associated with the national organization, the AANA, they are also required to attend the fall and spring state association meetings. As associate members of the Missouri Association of Nurse Anesthetists, MOANA, students are able to run for student offices within the organization and serve as the student representative on various committees. The program feels that opportunities such as these encourage a sense of responsibility to contribute to the profession and play a vital role in the professional development of a future CRNA.

Advocacy Day

Many nurse anesthetists play an active role in influencing state and federal legislation concerning patient safety, accessibility to anesthesia services, 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 key members of the Missouri congress about 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 meeting, 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 School faculty is a meeting held in February of every year that offers informational sessions for nurse anesthesia educators and program directors. 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 DC. This meeting is very similar to the advocacy day event held at the state level. CRNA's 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 & 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.

Accreditation

The Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) program is fully accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA). The COA is the accrediting agency for nurse anesthesia programs in the United States, its territories, and protectorates.

Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA)
222 S. Prospect Avenue
Park Ridge, Ill. 60068-4001
Main Number: 847-655-1160
Fax: 847-692-7137
Email: accreditation@coacrna.org 
Website: http://www.coacrna.org/Pages/default.aspx

Program Statistics

The Nurse Anesthesia Program retains a very low attrition rate:

  • The class of 2020 (18/19) had a 5.3% attrition rate
  • The class of 2019 (17/17) had a 0% attrition rate
  • The class of 2018 (16/16) had a 0% attrition rate
  • The class of 2017 (16/17) had a 5.8% attrition rate
  • The class of 2016 (18/18) had a 0% attrition rate
  • The class of 2015 (18/20) had a 10% attrition rate

Historically the first time pass rate for the CRNA exam is 94.4%:

  • The class of 2020 (18 students) had a 83% first-time pass rate and a 100% overall pass rate
  • The class of 2019 (17 students) had a 88% first-time pass rate and a 100% overall pass rate
  • The class of 2018 (16 students) had a 88% first-time pass rate and a 100% overall pass rate
  • The class of 2017 (17 students) had a 94% first-time pass rate and a 100% overall pass rate
  • The class of 2016 (18 students) had a 100% first-time pass rate and a 100% overall pass rate
  • The class of 2015 (18 students) had a 84% first-time pass rate and a 100% overall pass rate

The employment rates for graduates within 6 months of graduation remains at 100%:

  • The class of 2020 – 100%
  • The class of 2019 – 100%
  • The class of 2018 – 100%
  • The class of 2017 – 100%
  • The class of 2016 – 100%
  • The class of 2015 – 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 Nurse Anesthesia 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 2023:

  • Application Fee $125
  • Tuition of $98,775 plus fees of $12,000 comes to $110,775 for the entire program.

Fees of $12,000 for the entire program include the following items:

  • University graduation fee and regalia
  • Housing for out of town clinical rotations
  • Course lab & research fees
  • Basic clinical supplies
  • Simulation supplies
  • Professional liability insurance (except for increases if uninsurable through the standard source)
  • Annual Recertification courses including BLS, ACLS, PALS, OSHA requirements and blood-borne pathogens certification, and HIPAA requirements
  • One SEE exam
  • One Certification examination (Board exam)
  • Thesis binding and copying expenses with 1 copy provided to each student
  • Stipend to attend the AANA Annual Congress as a 3rd year student and possibly one other National meeting throughout the program.

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

  • Health Insurance (required - may be purchased from the university)
  • Parking (optional but recommended)
  • Textbooks (required)
  • AANA Associate Membership Dues
  • Board Exam Review course(s)
  • University graduation fee

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

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