The Nurse Anesthesia D.N.P. program at OHSU is designed for experienced critical care RNs with a bachelor’s degree who want to become certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs). You’ll learn from expert faculty and gain hands-on experience in clinical settings to develop the skills needed for this specialized role. 

Earn your nurse anesthesia degree from OHSU

• Learn from top faculty. You’ll learn from leaders in the field dedicated to helping you succeed and grow.  
• Quality clinical experiences. Gain 2,000 hours of supervised clinical practice at a variety of sites, building experience in both general and specialty surgery. 
• Clinicals set up for you. OHSU handles your clinical placements, so you can focus on learning. 
• State-of-the-art simulation training. Practice procedures and build confidence in our advanced nursing simulation labs. 
• Proven success. Most students pass their board exam on their first try and secure jobs within six months of graduation. 

Classes and degree requirements

You need 129 credits to earn your nurse anesthesia degree. This includes 42 credits from clinical practicum courses (2,000 clinical hours) and 7 credits from D.N.P. project courses.

Learn more about classes and requirements.

Why earn your Nurse Anesthesia D.N.P. degree at OHSU?

During OHSU’s Nurse Anesthesia D.N.P. program, you’ll learn from leading nurse anesthesia experts and graduate with a degree from Oregon’s only academic health center. 

• Diverse clinical settings. Gain hands-on experience in both general and specialty surgical cases. 
• Pursue a high-quality education. Build the knowledge and skills you need to thrive in this role. 
• Small class sizes. Learn in a cohort of fourteen students. 

Still have questions? Contact an admission counselor to schedule a call.    

What does a nurse anesthetist do?

Nurse anesthetists provide general anesthesia (putting patients to sleep for surgery) and regional anesthesia (numbing specific areas of the body) for surgeries and childbirth. They ensure a patient’s safety, monitor vital signs and manage pain during and after procedures.

How long are nurse anesthetist programs?

You can earn your Nurse Anesthesia D.N.P. at OHSU in three years.

What kind of clinical experience will I get in the Nurse Anesthesia D.N.P. program?

In the Nurse Anesthesia D.N.P. program, you'll rotate through a variety of clinical sites, where you'll gain hands-on experience in both general and specialty surgical cases. These rotations include: 

• Obstetrics 
• Trauma care 
• ENT procedures 
• Radiology 
• Pulmonology and endoscopy 
• Pediatrics 
• Regional anesthesia 
• Cardiac 

See a full list of clinical sites.

Does the Nurse Anesthesia D.N.P. program offer simulation-based education?

Yes, the Nurse Anesthesia D.N.P. program offers simulation-based education in a state-of-the-art center. You’ll practice hands-on skills in a controlled clinical setting and apply them directly to patient care.

Will I need to arrange my own clinicals and preceptors?

No. OHSU arranges clinicals and preceptors for you.

Are scholarships available to become a nurse anesthetist?

OHSU offers a variety of scholarships to help fund your degree. Loan repayment options are available for D.N.P. students. 

Explore scholarships.
View loan repayment options.

Still have questions? Contact an admissions counselor.