Nurse Anesthesia Practice
The DNAP prepares professional RNs for nurse anesthesia practice by providing the academic education, specialized knowledge and skill building experiences needed to meet the health needs of different populations.
Be a Health Care Leader
Nurse anesthetists work in a variety of settings where they administer anesthesia and provide care before, during and after surgical, therapeutic, diagnostic and obstetrical procedures. They also provide pain management and some emergency services.
USD's nursing anesthesia practice program is a three year program designed for registered nurses who are ready to advance their career and become Certified Registered Nursing Anesthetists (CRNAs). You'll learn in state-of-the-art facilities and gain invaluable practice using advanced technologies to improve patient outcomes. A unique part of your education is the collaborative learning you will experience; as a student in the USD School of Health Sciences, you'll study and practice alongside students from a variety of disciplines preparing you to be an effective and collaborative member of your future patients' care teams. Paired with our program's emphasis on compassion and humanity, you'll graduate prepared to be an expert, thoughtful leader in the health care setting.
Gain the educational background and skills you need to provide anesthesia care in innovative, evidence-based practice through the DNAP program at USD.
On August 11, 2021, the South Dakota Board of Nursing approved the University of South Dakota request for prerequisite status of the program. The program is currently under review for interim status.
The University of South Dakota Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA), 10275 W. Higgins Road, Suite 906, Rosemont, IL 60018; 224-275-9130. The program's next review by the COA is scheduled for May 2028.
Degrees & Offerings
Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP)
DoctorateThe nurse anesthesia practice program develops registered nurses into Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) who can work in a variety of settings to administer anesthesia, provide pain management services and offer support in emergency settings. This program is offered in South Dakota's leading city for health care.
Program Details
Graduate
College
Department
Contact
Start Your Application Today
This graduate program utilizes a specialized CAS online application to complete the admissions process. To learn more about this program's unique application process, requirements and program deadlines, visit Specialty Graduate Program Applications.
Additional requirements exist for international applicants. For more information, visit International Admission Requirements.
Known for Excellence
USD is the only public university in the state to offer a Doctor of Nursing Anesthesia Practice.
Job growth for nurse anesthetists is projected to increase 14% by 2029.
*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
USD's DNAP program has been awarded initial accreditation by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA).
Nurse Anesthetists are the sole provider of anesthesia care in 83% of South Dakota counties.
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
As a student at USD, the opportunities available to you extend beyond the classroom. Explore your interests, find your community and experience your education to the fullest extent through the following opportunities.
Students will be assigned to a primary location and will rotate to other locations as needed to gain all experiences as required by the Council on Accreditation (COA).
Clinical Site Locations
- Iowa
- Minnesota
- Nebraska
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
Frequently Asked Questions
Departments & Facilities
Nursing
Our department offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing, supporting today's health care workforce and delivery of quality patient care.
Parry Center
The Parry Center for Clinical Skills & Simulation is a state-of-the-art learning environment that allows collaboration among students and safely simulates real-patient experiences.
Human Anatomy Lab
The University of South Dakota’s human anatomy lab offers a cadaver-based experience to undergraduate, graduate, medical and health sciences students. Our lab enables future health care professionals to assist their patients through the mastery of human anatomy.
News
USD Interprofessional Health Education Center to Host Third Annual Regional Summit
The University of South Dakota School of Health Sciences is one of six locations nationwide that will host a summit with the Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions (ASAHP) to bring together health industry and academic partners to identify emerging interprofessional trends and create alliances.
USD Nursing to Host Rural Career Fair March 4
The University of South Dakota Department of Nursing is hosting a Rural Career Fair event for pre-nursing and nursing students on March 4 from noon - 2 p.m. in the Lee Medical Building atrium.
Relevant Programs, Foundation in Liberal Arts Prepare USD Students to Succeed in High-Demand Careers
As the state's flagship university, the University of South Dakota is committed to providing relevant academic programs and a strong foundation in the liberal arts to equip students with the skills they need to succeed in an evolving workforce.
Faculty & Staff
Anne Pithan
Anne Kleinhesselink
Amanda Bainbridge
Yanina Leitheiser
Valarie Hower
Beth Melstad
Michele Seaton-Bertsch
Leanne Siverhus
Tamara Keefner
Cheryl Fischbach
Lisa Feller
Jessica Warren
Learn in Sioux Falls
The DNAP program is conveniently located in Sioux Falls, giving registered nurses the opportunity to continue living and working in the state's leading city for health care.
This location also offers unique benefits for your education.
The USD School of Health Sciences has strong partnerships with leaders in South Dakota's health care industry, including the state's largest hospitals in Sioux Falls. Our connections are your opportunities.
Become the Leader Your Patients Need
Patients have needs that extend beyond a single area of expertise, they should have an expert care team that works together to help them live healthy, fulfilling lives.
At USD, we prepare you not only to thrive in your career path, but also to collaborate effectively with health care professionals from a variety of fields. Our learning environment mirrors the health care industry–bringing you and your peers together to learn, study and practice as coordinated teams.
Surprisingly Affordable
Whether you’ve recently completed your undergraduate degree, or you want to kick your career up a notch, graduate school is the next logical step. The good news is there is funding for both online and on-campus students to get you through your program.
CRNA Courses
| Resident | MN Reciprocity |
Non-Resident |
|
| Tuition - State Support | $340.15 |
$534.16 |
$654.05 |
| Delivery Fee | $46.05 |
$46.05 |
$46.05 |
| General Activity Fee adj for 4CH |
$0.69 |
$0.69 | $0.69 |
| Program Fee - SHS |
$103.50 |
$103.50 | $103.50 |
| Total CRNA Credit Hours |
54 |
54 |
54 |
| Total CRNA Cost Per Credit |
$490.39 | $684.40 |
$804.29 |
NURS Courses
| Resident | MN Reciprocity |
Non-Resident |
|
| Tuition - State Support | $340.15 |
$534.16 |
$654.05 |
| Delivery Fee | $46.05 |
$46.05 |
$46.05 |
| Program Fee - SHS |
$103.50 |
$103.50 | $103.50 |
| Total CRNA Credit Hours |
27 |
27 |
27 |
| Total CRNA Cost Per Credit | $489.70 | $683.71 |
$803.60 |
BADM Courses
| Resident | MN Reciprocity |
Non-Resident |
|
| Tuition - Self Support |
$470.45 |
$470.45 |
$470.45 |
| Total BADM Credit Hours |
3 |
3 |
3 |
| Cost BADM Courses | $1,411 |
$1,411 |
$1,411 |
Program Fees
| Resident | MN Reciprocity |
Non-Resident |
|
| Program Fee - DNAP per semester |
$3500.00 |
$3500.00 |
$3500.00 |
| Program Fee - Liability Insurance |
$5.25 |
$5.25 |
$5.25 |
| Total Fees |
$3505.25 |
$3505.25 |
$3505.25 |
Totals
| Resident | MN Reciprocity |
Non-Resident |
|
| Total Semester per plan |
9 | 9 | 9 |
| Cost NURS/CRNA Courses |
$71,250 |
$86,965 |
$96,676 |
| TOTAL CREDIT HOURS |
84 | 84 | 84 |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED COST* | $72,661 |
$88,376 |
$98,087 |
| AVG COST PER CREDIT HOUR |
$865 |
$1.052 |
$1168 |
*Based on traditional period of enrollment and no repeat courses taken
More About Tuition & Fees
Tuition rates are subject to change and may vary depending on the program or department. Visit the Graduate Tuition & Costs page for more information.
* Graduate Assistant (GA) rates are available for resident, non-resident and online students.
** Resident rates may be available to you through the SD Advantage, Child of Alumni or Western Regional Graduate Program. To see if you quality, visit usd.edu/grad-tuition.
