Nurse Anesthesia Program FAQs

What is your admission class size?

Our admission class size is 34 students.

How long has FSU had a CRNA program?

FSU has offered a CRNA program since 2015.

How is FSU’s Nurse Anesthesia Program Accredited?

Visit the University’s Accreditation page for complete details. The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) accreditation is required for all CRNA programs. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) is an additional accreditor for FSU.

Is it possible to take the CRNA curriculum prior to formal admission to FSU or at another regionally accredited institution?

No, FSU’s DNAP Program is a full-time program that requires all cohorts to take all their courses together. We do not allow students to transfer in any curriculum courses or allow non-cohort students to take any of our courses.

How do I complete the graduate and DNAP application?

Click on "Apply Now" on the FSU Nurse Anesthesia Website. Under the Graduate Application Portal:

  • Select Application Summer 20xx
  • Create an account or log in
  • Complete the required information
  • Under Degree Program Information, enter the following fields:
  • Application Term: Summer 20xx
  • Application Type/Academic Level: Graduate Regular
  • Campus/Location: Panama City, FL Campus
  • Degree: Doctoral Degree
  • Major: Nurse Anesthesia Practice-DNAP

I have a few questions for a recent graduate or current student. Is it possible to contact one?

Yes, current students attend interviews to allow applicants to ask questions during the tour. If you accept admission, you will be matched with a junior or senior student who can answer any questions you may have. If you want to speak to someone before that, reach out and we will attempt to match you. 

Is orientation required?

Yes, orientation is required and currently conducted online as part of the first semester.

What is the National Certification Exam pass rate for recent graduates?

The 2024 first-time pass rate was 93%, and 100% of students passed within the first 60 days following graduation.

How successful are your graduates in obtaining employment?

Our graduates have a 100% post-graduation employment rate.

How long is the program?

The program is 36 months long.

What are the best living arrangements for future students?

FSU Panama City offers waterfront student apartments at Seminole Landing. There are several rental options in Panama City and Panama City Beach. Leases should not exceed July of Semester 4, as most students will rotate to clinical sites outside of Panama City.

When will I start clinical rotations?

Clinical rotations begin in Semester 5. The DNAP is a 9-semester program.

Will my didactic learning be face-to-face or distance learning?

Semester 1 is web-based.
Semesters 2, 3, and 4 have face-to-face didactic courses.
Semesters 5-9 courses are delivered synchronously via web-based learning systems.

Is there a Simulation Lab at FSU PC?

Yes, FSU DNAP has a full simulation lab with anesthesia machines, patient monitors, and Laerdal SimMan 3G high-fidelity patient simulators. The task trainer lab includes modalities for Ultrasound Guided Regional Anesthesia, Point of Care Ultrasound, Fiber Optic Intubation, Transesophageal Echocardiogram, A-lines, Central Lines, and Video Laryngoscopy.

Will I be able to work during the Nurse Anesthesia Program?

Employment is allowed during the 1st Semester. From Semester 2 until graduation, outside employment is prohibited due to the program's demanding hours

Will I have to move and/or travel during the program?

Semesters 2, 3, and 4: Students must live within proximity to campus for face-to-face classes and simulation labs.

Semesters 5-9: Most students will move to assigned geographical clinical locations. All students will rotate to more than one facility, with some rotations requiring travel outside the local area for up to 4 months.

Students are encouraged to attend their hooding and FSU Commencement ceremonies at graduation.

How are clinical sites determined for each student?

Students are asked to think about preferred clinical locations in Semester 2. By Semester 3, the Associate Director utilizes preference data to determine clinical location assignments. While preferences are not guaranteed, efforts are made to ensure student satisfaction.