The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Nurse Anesthesia program, with a dual focus in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care (AGACNP), is an intensive, full-time program designed for registered nurses who seek advanced preparation in both nurse anesthesia and acute care management of adult and older adult populations. This integrated program prepares graduates to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care in complex clinical environments such as operating rooms, intensive care units, emergency departments, and specialty surgical services.

The 103-credit curriculum includes over 2,000 clinical hours, ensuring graduates are clinically competent across a full scope of anesthesia practice and acute care delivery. Coursework emphasizes advanced pharmacology, pathophysiology, diagnostic reasoning, leadership, quality improvement, and interprofessional collaboration. In addition to comprehensive nurse anesthesia training, students complete targeted clinical experiences in the acute care management of pediatrics, adolescents, adults, older adults, and patients with complex and unstable conditions.

Successful program completion awards students with the Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from the University of Rochester School of Nursing. Graduates will be prepared to sit for the nurse anesthesia National Certification Exam through the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists, which is mandatory for practice as a nurse anesthetist. Graduates who pass the NCE are designated as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).