Nurse Anesthesia FAQs
Qualification
No. A Michigan license is not needed to apply. Applicants will submit a current RN license from the state in which they work. If accepted into the program, a Michigan license is required.
The GRE is not required for admission.
The applicant must have completed a minimum of 1 year of continuous, full-time experience in a high acuity ICU by the application deadline. This does not include time spent in orientation or nurse externships.
Experience as an RN in Cardiothoracic, Surgical, Transplant, Burn, Neuro-Trauma, Medical, Coronary, Pediatric and Neonatal is preferred.
While we respect the rigors of these units, anesthesia practice most closely resembles the skills and knowledge used in an intensive care unit. Applicants who believe they meet these requirements while working in units other than critical care are encouraged to speak with the admissions advisor and attend an informational session with the Program Director or Assistant Program Director.
No. Anesthesia training is across the lifespan. Choosing to transfer is a personal decision.
Yes. However, you will need to demonstrate that you care for critically ill patients with consecutive assignments in ICUs or have had previous ICU experience as an employee of a hospital.
The admit class of 2023 had an average GPA of 3.67 (4.0-3.4) and 3.2 years of experience (1.5 – 13 years).
Application
CCRN (or the specialty equivalent) is required. Test scores must be uploaded as an attachment as part of the application materials.
We currently do not offer early admission options. All applicants are reviewed following the application closure deadline.
All BSN-DNP applicants must submit proof of current BLS, ACLS and PALS certification. This is an application requirement.
• 3 references (1 from your nurse manager or supervisor, 2 from peers)
• Personal statement
• ICU Experience Form completed by your supervisor
• Personal statement
• ICU Experience Form completed by your supervisor
We highly recommend shadowing a CRNA and taking or refreshing science courses if your grades are old or low. Shadow experiences should be documented and uploaded as part of your application.
Additionally, anesthesia practice is foundationally built on the sciences. Many applicants have found it helpful to repeat or take graduate level science courses (pathophysiology, chemistry, physiology, pharmacology) before applying to the program. This is especially true if science courses are more than 5 years old or science grades in undergraduate studies were lower.
We admit 20 students per cohort.
No. The admissions subcommittee holistically reviews all application materials. Interviews are extended to applicants the committee feels will be most successful in completing the program of study and aligns with the program’s mission.
The times may vary slightly. The interviews are typically conducted at the end of the summer semester (July).
Letters are sent in September or October prior to the admit year.
As a general rule, the MSU Nurse Anesthesia Program does not permit deferrals. Students who decline their seat must re-apply.
Curriculum and Student Life
The BSN-DNP nurse anesthesia program is 36 months.
The program starts each summer semester (May).
No. The program transitioned to the doctorate degree.
No. The BSN-DNP nurse anesthesia program is full time.
The program is structured into two phases. The first phase is front-loaded with foundational coursework. Students prepare for clinical immersion during the 3rd semester (simulation) followed by full clinical immersion during the 4th semester.
Students who are accepted into the program may request transfer credit review. The university and college have limitations on what credits can transfer.
Students are typically on campus 1-2 days per week depending on the semester. Several core classes are online.
On average, students report a 60+ hour weekly commitment including class, clinical, prep, and study time.
Some students work part-time or per diem during the first two or three semesters of the program.
Students rotate through a variety of clinical sites to gain exposure to different anesthetics, populations, and procedures. Currently there are 18 affiliate clinical sites.
Financial
No. Unless relocating from out of state, relocation is not necessary. Students are on campus 1 day per week and most clinical sites are in metropolitan areas.
The MSU NA students are admitted under a block tuition model. This means that the cost of your 3 years is set and not subject to tuition increases. The admissions coordinator can direct you to current tuition costs.
Students are encouraged to apply for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) even if they do not plan to use the funds. Students are also eligible for multiple scholarships from the national and state professional organizations and College of Nursing. The MSU nurse anesthesia program has had a history of success in obtaining federal Nurse Anesthesia Traineeship grants. These grants are subject to federal government priority funding.
Students are encouraged to apply for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) even if they do not plan to use the funds. Students are also eligible for multiple scholarships from the national and state professional organizations and College of Nursing. The MSU nurse anesthesia program has had a history of success in obtaining federal Nurse Anesthesia Traineeship grants. These grants are subject to federal government priority funding.
In addition to tuition, students may experience out of pocket costs that include:
• Professional meeting expenses (conference fee, housing and travel)
• Parking
• Textbooks and supplies
• Self Evaluation Exam and National Certification Exam Fees
• NCE Preparation Materials
On average, these expenses total approximately $3,300 per year (minus personal expenses and travel expenses to clinical sites). Nearly all textbooks are available online through the MSU Library.
• Professional meeting expenses (conference fee, housing and travel)
• Parking
• Textbooks and supplies
• Self Evaluation Exam and National Certification Exam Fees
• NCE Preparation Materials
On average, these expenses total approximately $3,300 per year (minus personal expenses and travel expenses to clinical sites). Nearly all textbooks are available online through the MSU Library.
Insurance
Yes. Michigan State University pays for your malpractice insurance.
No. You are required to maintain a health insurance policy. Michigan State University has student insurance plans available for purchase.
Other Resources and Student Success
As a large academic institution, MSU offers:
• Nurse Anesthesia Program Mentorship Program
• Workout facilities
• Free software (Microsoft 365, Google Suite, Zoom, Qualtrics, etc.)
• Discounted computer and software purchases
• Health clinic and mental health services
• Writing support
• Statistician services
• Discounted sporting event tickets
• Over 1000 registered student organizations
• Support groups
• Nurse Anesthesia Program Mentorship Program
• Workout facilities
• Free software (Microsoft 365, Google Suite, Zoom, Qualtrics, etc.)
• Discounted computer and software purchases
• Health clinic and mental health services
• Writing support
• Statistician services
• Discounted sporting event tickets
• Over 1000 registered student organizations
• Support groups