Frequently Asked Questions

Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Program FAQs

DNAP student intubating

APPLICATION & ADMISSIONS

October 15 for the next summer (e.g. October 15, 2024, for Summer 2025 admission).

The 2025 admission cycle is now closed — check back in Spring 2025 for 2026 information

Please see the Admissions Guidelines for detailed application requirements and procedures. Non-application requirements to be eligible to apply. – Baccalaureate degree or Master’s degree in nursing – Current unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license in the United States
– Minimum undergraduate cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
– An undergraduate-level chemistry course is required (three or more credits)– at a four-year institution completed with a B of better within the last five years (highly preferable) ** this may be waived for applicants with a strong academic background – the chemistry course can be pending a final grade at the time of application/interview but must be completed with a B or better at the time of matriculation. **This chemistry course can be general, organic, or biochemistry the lab portion is not required – Satisfactory completion (B or better) of a 3-credit course in statistical methods – U.S. Registered Nurse (RN) license – GRE scores required for a undergraduate cumulative GPA of less than 3.5

PROGRAM & CURRICULUM

The Nurse Anesthesia program is a full-time only program, lasting 3 years.

The program is structured into 2 phases. The first phase is front-loaded, classroom, didactic learning, supplemented by work in clinical simulation, and the anatomy/cadaver lab. The second phase is the clinical and research project phase, consisting of 50-60 hours + on-call per week of clinical work.

A minimum of 2 years of full-time ICU experience as an RN to the time of matriculation is preferred. The adult Surgical ICU (SICU) is preferred, but other ICUs are acceptable.

A minimum of 1 year of full-time critical care experience is a national requirement for admission to any Nurse Anesthesia program. However, Georgetown’s program requires 2 years of ICU experience.

The minimum experience required, while a national requirement, is also to ensure clinical success of students. To be a competitive candidate, applicants generally have 3-4 years of ICU experience.

The average cumulative undergraduate GPA of enrolled students is 3.7. The average cumulative science GPA of enrolled students is 3.5.

Around 200 students apply, with 35 enrolled for the summer semester. The admit rate is generally about 25% of applicants.

No, working is not possible during the program due to the rigorous, demanding academic coursework during the first phase, and the intensive clinical schedule during the second phase.

Any coursework completed towards another degree is not eligible to be transferred. It is challenging to transfer coursework into the Nurse Anesthesia program due to the highly specific curriculum and course components.

There are no courses available at Georgetown University over the spring session prior to the program beginning in the summer.

The national minimum requirement is 2,000 hours, however, students normally exceed this number.

Clinical sites span the Washington, D.C.-MD-VA region, and are comprised of a variety of specialties. Students within the program will have a variety of clinical sites to gain exposure in working with an assortment of types of anesthesia and clinical settings. Clinical locations range from Richmond, VA to Baltimore, MD.

Once passing boards, graduates are eligible to practice in a variety of settings, including ambulatory surgical centers, pain clinics, physicians’ offices, and traditional hospital operating rooms. Some CRNAs even have independent contracts arranged with hospitals or physicians.

INTERNATIONAL & NON-US EDUCATED APPLICANTS

All foreign transcripts need to be evaluated by World Education Services (WES). Applicants will need to request the WES ICAP evaluation, and have the official copy sent to Georgetown.

Applicants are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if their native language is not English. A minimum score of 600 (paper-­‐based test) or 250 (computer-­‐based tests) or 100 (iBT test) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required.

The first step is to have CGFNS verify your foreign credentials. A U.S. RN License must be provided at the time of application. An applicant is not reviewed without the NCLEX passed and the U.S. nursing license provided to Georgetown University NHS.

*Please note: Georgetown University does not issue Social Security Numbers (SSN). Please contact the Social Security Administration regarding SSN information and needs.

Yes. Our programs require a minimum of 2 years US nursing experience as an RN to be eligible to apply. This requirement is to ensure that applicants have a foundational understanding of the clinical structure and health system within the U.S. prior to entering any clinical placements within the program.

HOUSING & TRANSPORTATION

Is there campus housing available for Graduate Students?

Yes, beginning with Fall 2022, there is limited graduate student housing available at the 55 H Street, N.W. apartment residences.  Learn more about this exciting new graduate housing option.

Students will live within a reasonable commuting distance during the first phase of the program, and generally closer to their clinical sites during the second phase of the program (or they may choose to remain in the same location). Many students will rent a town house or share apartments in the Georgetown vicinity, or nearby in Virginia (Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria) or Maryland.

For off campus housing information and resources, please visit the Office of Off Campus Housing website.

Depending upon where students live, it is often not necessary to have a car during the didactic portion of the program if within commuting distance to campus.

Students will need to have a car to access clinical sites during the second half of the program. There is no student parking on campus for undergraduate or graduate students.

The Metro does not run directly to campus, however, Georgetown has free campus shuttles that circulate from campus to each of the Dupont Circle and Rosslyn metro stops, as well as along Wisconsin Ave. Additionally, campus is served by MetroBus lines. Please visit the Office of Transportation Management website.

FINANCIAL AID

Please see the Office of Student Financial Services for the current rates.

Complete information on need-based financial aid and supplemental loan programs is available from the Georgetown University Office of Student Financial Services. The Office of Student Financial Services can help you apply for need-based financial aid, download applications, and obtain detailed information about the many options available for meeting graduate school costs. The Office of Student Financial Services can also be reached by phone at (202) 687-4547.

**Please contact The OSFS for information about funding, tuition, aid, and other financing questions.

Students who are financing their education generally take advantage of their federal loan eligibility. Students who apply for federal financial aid may be eligible for a combination of subsidized and unsubsidized loans. Before considering a private educational loan it is advised that students speak to their financial aid counselor to learn more about these federal loan options. Detailed information on federal loans can be found on the Office of Student Financial Services website.