Applications must be received and completed by July 31st for a January cohort start
National University landing page/application for the program found HERE
National Board Exam Pass Rates are found HERE
Supplemental Application downloaded and fill out HERE

July 31st: The fully completed application is due 
Mid-End of September: Interviews will commence either by zoom or in person at the Fresno Campus.
End of September to Early October: Successful applicants will be notified for a January cohort start.

National is approved to accept up to 30 residents per year. After deficient applications are reviewed, we have more than 15 qualified applicants per seat and interview 100+ applicants. It is highly competitive.

The personal statement is a chance for you to sell yourself and your experience. You should highlight your career achievements and explain any deficiencies (low grades from the past). You should address why you chose Nurse Anesthesiology and National University and what you have done to prepare for it (shadow CRNAs, read Watchful Care book, go to meetings etc.)

Do not send us a generic letter where you replace one program name with ours. We expect a paragraph about WHY you want to go to National. We have had a number of generic letters with OTHER program names in them.

Applicants must be currently working full time as a licensed registered nurse in an area of critical care nursing. A minimum of 1 year is required but 2 is preferred at time of application deadline (July 31). Applicants must have experience in continuous ECG monitoring, invasive monitoring, vasoactive infusion management, and ventilator management.

Emergency Room: High acuity emergency room experience particularly where there is critical care area within the ER.

Flight Nursing: We accept flight nursing experience particularly with a high volume of scene calls.

ICU (preferred): High acuity adult ICU (ICU, CCU, CVICU, SICU, Neurosurgical ICU, MICU, etc.) 

PICU: Pediatric ICU (PICU) experience is acceptable if the applicant can demonstrate excellent experience or knowledge in caring for children and young adults who are on ventilators, have invasive lines, and have a variety of experience with medicated infusion, as well as with medical conditions common to adults. 

NICU:  Neonatal ICU experience, while highly specialized and critical, due to its limitation of caring for only newborns is not acceptable for our program. We recommend getting additional adult ICU experience to apply (6 months min with 6+ months NICU).

Areas that do not meet the requirement are: PACU, OB, OR Surgery, step-down units and cath lab. 

The average nationally is ~3 years of RN experience

The short answer on international experience is yes but all applicants to this program must be licensed as an RN in one of the 50 states in the United States.

When it comes to international RN experience, we will evaluate your experience individually (Canadian RN Experience is accepted) as it must be similar to US critical care experience.

Just as all RN experience does not count and we require critical care experience (ER, ICU, Flight Nursing), not all NP experience will count. While any NP role will be helpful in anesthesia training we only accept critical care roles for such as ER and ICU. ER/ICU experience.

An NP will be individually evaluated based on the nature of their role.

The preferred terminology utilized in the program is “resident registered nurse anesthesiologist (RRNA) or Nurse Anesthesiology Resident (NAR)", which are synonymous with student registered nurse anesthetist (SRNA). This terminology has been used by programs for over 20 years.

National uses RRNA/NAR as RNs are licensed professionals before nurse anesthesiology training with years of critical care experience taking care of the sickest of the sick therefore they are not "students". The term "student" adds additional fear and confusion for patients assuming this is the first time an RRNA/NAR has ever seen a patient which is far from the truth.

The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology replaced the term "student" with "Nurse Anesthesia Resident" officially in 2023. 

Words matter for patients and using appropriate, accurate and transparent terminology eases patients fears.

We require all pre reqs to be less than 10 years old but 7 years is preferred. They also must be completed at an accredited institution. We WILL accept graduate level science courses in place of these. For example, your pharm is >10 years or is a "c" take a grad level pharm class. Makes your app stand out. 
These MUST be completed by the interview and an A is preferred with documentation.

Anatomy and Physiology I (or its equivalent)
Anatomy and Physiology II (or its equivalent)
Microbiology
Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Organic Chemistry (at least one course in a Chemistry is required for admission).

These science courses are within most undergraduate bachelor’s degrees. If any of these courses have not been taken or included as part of an applicant’s undergraduate degree, the course(s) must be taken prior to consideration for admission.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from a NLNAC/ACEN or CCNE accredited College or University or Bachelor of Science in a related physical science with licensure as a registered nurse.

A bachelor’s degree in a natural science may be accepted. Examples are chemistry, biology, microbiology, etc. If you have another degree, your past academic background is individually considered for admission to the School. Items considered include a strong science background and good performance history 

Taking graduate-level science courses with high grades (As) such as:

- Pathophysiology/Physiology
- Anatomy
- Pharmacology
- Biology
- Microbiology
- Chemistry Etc. 

Taking 2 of these CONCURRENTLY and attaining "As" will additionally make your application stand out.

We have clinical sites for our residents in CA, AZ, TX, NV and OH. We place residents based on the needs of the program, resident case requirements and the needs of the clinical site.

You may let us know a preference but we cannot guarantee a specific placement.

We Look At 4 Metrics. 
1) Cumulative total GPA for all courses taken (no time limit)
2) Last 60 credits Cumulative total GPA
3) Cumulative total Science GPA (no time limit)
4) Last 60 credits Cumulative total GPA

What are the Minimums for an Interview?
A MINIMUM cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on all undergraduate courses and/or 3.25 on the last 60 hours of undergraduate courses on a 4.0 scale.

What Makes Me Competitive?
The average science GPA in a recent cohort was 3.6 with an average cumulative GPA of 3.8.

High science GPA (3.6+) has been shown to be predictive of success in our program.

Here is the tool we use to calculate GPAs

We will replace all your old classes with ones you have retaken and we will not calculate the old ones in your science or overall GPA. (get an A on a retake).

We highly suggest this for science courses with a "C"

Some of our specialty rotations may have physician anesthesiologist residents but it does not impact training. The vast majority of our clinical sites however, are either CRNA independent practice or CRNA autonomous practice where CRNAs perform to the full scope of practice and therefore the CRNA residents do as well. We have an amazing group of both CRNAs and Physicians who train our residents to be the best they can be.

Yes, greater than 80% of our clinical sites are either CRNA only or CRNA Autonomous sites where CRNAs perform every portion of the anesthetic from pre-op to PACU management, responding to the ER/ICU and everything in between.

It is three years or 36 months long hybrid model with the 1st year being entirely didactic. We use a front loaded structure with in class, synchronous and asynchronous methods. The 1st year is located at the Fresno campus. Residents will be required to come to campus for exams, sim lab as well as sim testing and special lectures. Year 2 and 3 will be clinical with doctorate courses online. 

Our residents range between 1500-2000 cases by graduation, 2-3.5X the requirement by our accrediting body the Council on accreditation (COA).

Yes. On average our residents perform:

~200+ ultrasound guided blocks
~50-100 central lines,
~100+ epidurals
~100+ spinals.

Residents graduate competent in each of these skills.

Becoming a CRNA is very demanding. Residents should expect to devote 60+ hours per week to program requirements including clinical experiences, class time and study time. In addition, we require the Self Evaluation Exam (SEE) at the end of the didactic year before entering clinical which will require significant preparation. Therefore, resident employment is strongly discouraged throughout the program.

The program director or assistant director reserves the right to disallow any employment if there is evidence of clinical or academic deficiencies which jeopardize the resident's progress. We have seen a direct correlation between working and risk of failure.

At no time will a resident be employed as an anesthesia provider while in the program.

We require either the CCRN, CEN, TNC or CFRN/CTRN (or similar national exam certification). We would like to see this by the time of interview as it impacts your "interview score"

Advanced standing is not granted to students even if they have attended another nurse anesthesiology program. We will consider those who wish to apply in the usual fashion to Nationals program after consultation with their previous program and the applicant.

Three favorable evaluations/recommendations are acceptable from at least two of these categories:

a. Current clinical supervisor
b. Fellow critical care nursing peer or anesthesia provider
c. Academic faculty or clinical educator familiar with your academic performance

** There is no form for them to fill out, this should be a typed and signed letter. **

Yes. You must shadow a CRNA (preferred) or physician anesthesiologist so you get a sense of what the profession entails. There are no "minimum" hours but more hours gives additional insight into the profession.
(Shadowing an Anesthesiologist Assistant will not count as it is a dependent 'assistant' role)
Use THIS FORM

Here are some steps to help strengthen your application:

- Take graduate-level physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, biochemistry, etc.

- Read Watchful Care Volume 1 & Volume 2 : The History of Nurse Anesthesia

- Review the AANA website documents found here: https://www.aana.com/about-us

- Listen to CRNA anesthesia podcasts such as: Anesthesia Deconstructed & Beyond the Mask

- Read CRNAs: A short history of nurse anesthesia and the future of anesthesia care.

- Choose more complex assignments when working

- Be an instructor of ACLS, PALS, BLS, NRP, 12 Lead EKG, Hemodynamic monitoring etc.

- Have a publication in a recognized journal or healthcare-related magazine

- Be involved in research in your unit/facility.

- Attend your state CRNA association meeting or a National AANA meeting

- Retake any science courses with a "C"

- Consider attending a "Diversity in Nurse Anesthesiology Mentorship" workshop. You can find them HERE

Please see the website for the tuition and fee schedule for the nurse anesthesiology program. There will be additional costs other than tuition and fees, which may include textbooks, Handheld ultrasound (Butterfly IQ+), online review software approved by the program, attendance at meetings, AANA student membership fees, fees for a background check and drug screening, graduation fees, the national certification exam fee and the self-evaluation exam fee. The approximate tuition is 117K.

Please note that health insurance is required while in the program and the cost can vary from person to person. Please research what your cost for health insurance will be while you are enrolled in the program. Costs are subject to change.

The short answer is no.
The program is designed to be done as it was created and every course is tailored to Nurse Anesthesiology. So they are not generic courses.

No, however, we may require applicants who are invited to interview to take a critical thinking online exam prior to the interview which we will provide a link for along with your interview invite.

A pass standard at these schools is commonly a 3.0. Therefore a "P" will be calculated into their overall GPA as a 3.0. Prospective applicants have the option to reaching out to each course instructor to get a letter certifying their work was >3.0. Otherwise, all of their P classes = 3.0 for calculation purposes.
A 3.0 would NOT make you a competitive applicant.

While we can accept the BSN as pass fail (calculated at a 3.0) it would be wise for applicants to retake the science courses we calculate into the science GPA again. The science courses and the associated GPA are predictive in how well residents perform in their first year which is science heavy so the higher grade the more competitive. 

We use a scoring system (max 35 pts) which takes into account these attributes:

Personality/Preparedness,  Professional Knowledge & Attended a State or National CRNA meeting (4 points): How you come across in the interview, what you know about the profession and its history/politics and what you know about Nationals Program.

Clinical Questions (3 points): How well you answer any clinical questions.

Overall GPA (4 points): We calculate into the scoring system what your GPA is, We look at cumulative and last 60 credits.

Science GPA (10 points): We calculate into the scoring system what your Science GPA is, science GPA is weighed the highest. We look at cumulative and last 60 credits.

Years of Experience (3 points): We assign points to years of experience in the approved units/Departments.

National Certification Achievement (2 points & required): We add points if you have the CCRN, CEN, CFRN (or equivalent) as well as NP, PA, MD, DO, DDS.

Retaken Science Courses (2 points): We add points (and replace the grade in GPA) if you have retaken science courses you did poorly on.

Taken Graduate Level Science Courses (5 points): We add points if you have taken graduate level science courses. (1 /w an A = 1 pt, 2 /w As = 2 pts, 3 /w As = 3 pts, 2+ concurrently /w As = 5pts)

Clinical-related questions (3 points): We add points for your answers to clinical questions we ask in the interview. 

Attended Diversity CRNA (1 points): We add points for you attending diversity CRNA. 

YES!

We send residents for 2 week trips every year to Kenya with Kenya Relief which was founded By Steve James CRNA. You can learn more about Kenya Relief HERE 

We are also in the process of finalizing longer mission trips as well including an optional 3-month rotation to Saipan, More info to come!

Mission trip participants are in their clinical residency of the program, in good academic and clinical standing without concern.

Yes, National University was founded in 1971 by retired U.S. Navy Capt. David Chigos. Today, we proudly serve active-duty and veteran students from all branches of the military who are earning their college degrees at home, on base, and abroad. National covered up to 100% of tuition not covered by the GI bill. Most recent info can be found HERE

More info from National can be found HERE

Yes. You must live within 45 minute commute from the campus as you will be expected to come to campus for some courses, sim lab and exams.

This is non-negotiable

The focus on Independent full scope of practice education:
The entire faculty for the DNAP are independently practicing CRNAs many of which own anesthesia groups. These CRNAs do not just teach it, they DO it. A first in the nation.

The Holoanatomy Program:
As of 2024 our DNAP has transitioned to the use of holoanatomy. The first program in the nation to do so. You can learn about Holoatomy HERE with a video HERE.

Ultrasound integrated into courses Week 1 of the Program:
All DNAP NARs get a hand-held ultrasound (Butterfly IQ+) and start using it immediately in anatomy and physiology making the transition to POCUS (point of care ultrasound) and USGRA (Ultrasound-guided blocks) much easier. Another first in the nation. You can see our video HERE.

Intelligent Ultrasounds Bodyworks Eve
All DNAP NARs get hands on education with POCUS and nerve block simulation with our new Bodyworks EVE mannikin! Learn more about it HERE
Additionally We have also have the Heartworks module for the mannikin where you will learn TTE and TEE evaluations as if on a REAL patient! Learn more HERE
We also have the Needle Trainer which allows you to learn Ultrasound guided blocks with a simulated needle on either the mannikin OR real people! Learn more HERE
This advancement allows us to not just teach you "normals" and abnormals with still images, but actually program the mannikin to HAVE abnormals AS you scan! AMAZING!

Fully licensed ultrasonographer as Adjunct Faculty:
Mrs. Kramer is a fully licensed Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer who has helped shape and create out ultrasound program. Another first in the nation.

Giving Back via Mission Trips
National NARs have the opportunity to goto a 1-2 week mission trip to Kenya to provide anesthesia in a 3rd world country 

Full 3 Month Rotation to Saipan
National NARs have the opportunity to rotate during their clinical phase to Saipan as a full 3 month clinical rotation. Saipan is a U.S. commonwealth in the Western Pacific

An entire course devoted to the Business of Anesthesia:
ANE 871 Health Care Economics teaches our NARs the economics of anesthesia, how to negotiate and evaluate an anesthesia contract, and gives you the tools to become a business owner in anesthesiology. This is taught by faculty who ACTUALLY have anesthesia businesses and negotiate these contracts every day. Another first in the nation.

Email Dr. Mike MacKinnon DNP FNP CRNA FAANA