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Admissions

The Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia (DNP-NA) at FIU is a limited-enrollment program with a highly rigorous admissions process where the number of applicants generally well exceeds the positions available.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) programs tend to be highly competitive. Applicant profiles across the nation exhibit similar characteristics, including:

  • Being highly motivated
  • Having several years of critical care experience (must meet at least one (1) year of ICU experience)
  • Having a strong GPA
  • Taking additional courses in advanced sciences such as physiology, organic chemistry or biochemistry
  • CCRN Certification

Traditionally, most nurse anesthetists come from intensive care units (ICU), particularly surgical intensive care. Acute care nursing skills and experience gained in ICU nursing are not re-taught as part of our curriculum.

Only applicants who are licensed Registered Nurses (RNs) qualify as candidates for the FIU Nurse Anesthetist program.  Nurse anesthetists are educated and licensed based on their initial preparation as an RN.

Admission Requirements

  • FIU Graduate School Requirements

    All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for FIU Graduate School, which includes:

    • Baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) from a nationally accredited institution of higher education. Accrediting agency must be recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation AND a nursing program that is accredited by either the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE);
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 credits of undergraduate course work; and
    • Scores are evaluated among the pool of applicants.
  • Program-Specific Requirements
    • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from a nationally accredited institution of higher education. Accrediting agency must be recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation AND a nursing program that is accredited by either the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE);
    • Current unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in Florida (not required for applying; only after admitted in the program);
    • Minimum of one (1) year current experience as an RN in a critical care setting (ICU or Pediatric ICU units only) in a U.S. hospital at the time of application deadline;
    • Admission to FIU Graduate School and the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences Graduate Nursing program; and
    • ACLS, PALS and BLS certification prior to enrollment and that will remain current through the first semester
  • Technological Proficiencies Requirements

    The curriculum features an intensive use of information technology for educational purposes. The student's laptop computer will be utilized for all anesthesiology nursing course examinations administered in class, for instructional activities and for administrative functions.

    All clinical case records are also maintained on specialty data management software in a web-based system. Students also utilize computer-based case simulations and mock exams.

    It is expected that prior to enrolling, the student will have:

    • PC laptop computer with wireless internet connectivity. Windows PC is recommended and supported by the program.
    • High-speed internet service (DSL or cable modem)
    • The MS Office Suite - WORD, Powerpoint, Excel - is the only software requirement and it is available to registered students free of charge through University Technology Services.


    Prior to matriculation, the student must have mastered basic computer literacy skills and will need to have a functional knowledge of word processing (i.e., MS WORD), presentation software (i.e., MS PowerPoint) and internet utilization.

For Transfer Students

The FIU Nurse Anesthetist program does not formally recognize the status of transfer students, either from another nurse anesthesia program or from an advanced nursing practice program. All applicants must apply to be considered for admission, irrespective of prior status.

Applicants who were previously enrolled in another nurse anesthetist program must submit a letter from their previous Program Director confirming that they were in good standing at the time of withdrawal.

The program does not accept transfer of nurse anesthesia course work. Applicants with prior graduate work should note the university limits the number of transfer credits to six (6) semester hour credits. Only credits earned at an accredited institution can be considered for transfer.

Criminal Background Checks & Drug Screenings

A state and federal criminal history background check is required of all applicants prior to participation in clinical practicums. Clinical facilities may limit or prohibit students with criminal histories from participating in clinical experiences. Individuals with potential criminal background issues should consult the Florida Board of Nursing for advisement prior to applying to the program.

Additionally, drug screening is required prior to participation in clinical practicums. Drug screening may also be conducted at random, or with cause during participation in clinical practicums. Failures to comply with requests for drug screening or the occurrence of a positive screen are grounds for dismissal.

Other options may not exist for the student to complete the required clinical hours to obtain their degree or to meet eligibility criteria for certification as a CRNA; thus, such a student may not be eligible for licensure in Florida.

About our Admissions and Program Policies

Florida International University and Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences policies, procedures, requirements and regulations are continually reviewed to serve the needs of the university/college’s publics and to respond to the mandates of the Florida Department of Education, Board of Governors, the Legislature, and other regulatory and accrediting agencies. Changes in programs, policies, procedures, requirements, and regulations may be made without notice.

 

Calendar Events

Virtual Information Session: Fourth Tuesday of each month at 12:30 am
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Contact Us

For assistance or questions regarding our admission and/or application requirements, please contact the FIU Nurse Anesthetist Practice unit office:

Nataly Amaya,
Sr. Coordinator of Academic Support Services
Tel: 305-348-8062
Email: namaya@fiu.edu