Post-Master's DNP and DNAP Programs for CRNAs

A post-master's DNP or DNAP is a doctoral "completion" degree for CRNAs who already hold a master's and are certified. Most are designed for working CRNAs, with mainly online study over about one to two and a half years.

New CRNAs now graduate with a doctorate, so many master's-prepared CRNAs are weighing whether to earn one. This guide covers what these programs are, how they work and how to decide.

What a completion degree is

Every entry-level nurse anesthesia program now awards a DNP or DNAP. The COA requires students accepted on or after January 1, 2022 to graduate with a doctorate. A completion degree gives CRNAs who trained at the master's level a route to the same doctoral title, without repeating anesthesia training.

There are two main types:

• DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice): a nursing practice doctorate. Some are anesthesia-focused, and others are general DNPs for advanced practice nurses.
• DNAP (Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice): a practice doctorate focused on nurse anesthesia.

Both are practice doctorates. They are different from research doctorates such as the PhD.

Do you need one?

The COA's doctoral requirement applies to students entering nurse anesthesia programs. Certified CRNAs maintain their credential through NBCRNA's continued certification programs, so check NBCRNA and your state board for what applies to you.

Some roles do require a doctorate. Under COA standards, a nurse anesthesia program's administrator and assistant administrator must be doctorally prepared CRNAs. Clinical site coordinators need at least a master's, with a doctorate preferred.

Check job postings in the roles you want before you decide.

Programs on the COA list

COA standards for post-master's doctorates for CRNAs say anesthesia must be in the degree title, or a significant part of the curriculum must be anesthesia-related. The COA approves these completion degrees, and they appear on its list of accredited programs.

On the COA's July 2026 list, 19 programs also offer a completion degree for CRNAs:

Lengths are as listed by the COA and may change, so confirm on each program's site. Many general post-master's DNP programs are not anesthesia-specific and so are outside the COA's scope. For those, check the school's institutional and nursing accreditation.

Typical format

• Mostly online. Many completion programs have COA distance-education approval. Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia, for example, says its DNAP completion degree is fully online and takes two years.
• Built for working CRNAs. MTSA describes its program as "specifically designed for working CRNAs."
• Some campus time. Some programs include short on-campus sessions. Ask before you apply.
• A scholarly project. Expect a doctoral project. Ask whether you can base it at your workplace.

Typical admission requirements include a master's from an accredited nurse anesthesia program and current CRNA certification. Some programs add more; MTSA, for example, also requires current AANA membership.

Reasons to do one

• Academic roles. Program administrators must hold a doctorate under COA standards, and doctoral preparation is preferred for clinical coordinators.
• Leadership. Practice doctorates usually include leadership and health policy coursework, which can help in chief CRNA or administrative roles.
• Parity with new graduates. New CRNAs now hold doctorates, and some CRNAs want the same credential.
• A project you care about. The scholarly project can tackle a real problem in your department.

Reasons to wait or skip it

• Cost. Tuition varies widely, and you may not see a direct pay increase. Check your employer's tuition support.
• Time. Expect to balance coursework with full-time clinical work, sometimes for two years or more.
• Clinical focus. The degree adds no anesthesia clinical skills. If you plan to stay purely clinical, the benefit may be small.

How to choose a program

1. Check accreditation. Find the program on the COA list if it is anesthesia-focused, and confirm the school's institutional accreditation.
2. Compare total cost. Include fees, any travel for campus sessions and the project.
3. Look at the format. Confirm how much is online, whether sessions are live or self-paced, and any campus visits.
4. Ask about the project. Can you do it at your workplace? Who supervises it?
5. Check length and pace. Lengths on the COA list run from 12 to 30 months.
6. Talk to graduates. Ask about workload alongside a full-time job and how much support faculty gave.

This is general information, not financial or career advice. Check your state board and employer about any role-specific requirements.

FAQ

Is a DNAP or a DNP better?

Neither is better overall. A DNAP focuses on nurse anesthesia. A DNP is a nursing degree and may suit you if you want a broader nursing leadership or academic path.

Can I keep working full time?

Many completion programs are designed for that. Confirm the expected weekly workload with the program before you enroll.

Will a doctorate raise my pay?

It depends on your employer and role. Ask your employer whether a doctorate changes your pay scale. See our CRNA salary data.

Can I do a post-master's DNP if my master's is not in anesthesia?

Requirements vary. Anesthesia-focused completion programs usually expect a nurse anesthesia master's and current CRNA certification.

Sources

• COA Standards for Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Programs, Practice Doctorate (effective January 2026)
• COA: List of accredited educational programs (July 8, 2026)
• COA Accreditation Policies and Procedures Manual (revised June 2026): Doctoral degree approval for CRNA completion degree programs
• AANA: CRNA fact sheet
• NBCRNA
• Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia DNAP completion degree