College of Health, Education and Social Transformation
Nursing Practice (Ph.D.)
College of Health, Education and Social Transformation
Nursing Practice (Ph.D.)
Lead Life-Saving Care — Earn Your DNP in Nurse Anesthesiology at NMSU
Step into a critical leadership role in healthcare with the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) concentration in Nurse Anesthesiology at New Mexico State University. Designed to address the nationwide shortage of anesthesia providers — especially in rural and underserved regions—this fully accredited, intensive program combines advanced didactic coursework with over 2,000 hours of supervised clinical training, preparing you to sit for the national certification exam to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).
With a strong commitment to rural health and health disparities, the program offers a pathway to high-impact practice where your expertise will enable procedures, surgeries, and interventions to reach patients in critical need.
Admission Deadlines
There are no fixed deadlines.
- Total credits: 102
Delivery Format
In person and 100% online
Career Pathways
Graduates of NMSU’s DNP Nurse Anesthesiology concentration are ready to step into demanding and rewarding anesthesia leadership roles. Possible career pathways include:
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) in rural, community, or tertiary hospitals
- Lead CRNA or Anesthesia Team Director, guiding care delivery and protocols
- Anesthesia Education Specialist, mentoring next-generation anesthesia providers
- Consultant or Clinical Director focusing on perioperative systems in underserved settings
- Rural Health Advocate & Program Director, shaping access to surgical and anesthetic services in remote areas
Degree questions, answered
Have questions about the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Practice? Fill out our inquiry form.
Why choose this program?
NMSU’s DNP Nurse Anesthesiology concentration stands out for its focus on real-world impact, rural health leadership, and rigorous clinical preparation. As the only accredited nurse anesthesiology doctoral program in New Mexico, students gain direct experience with high-need populations and healthcare settings where anesthesia providers are vital.
The curriculum blends advanced science (anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, chemistry/physics for anesthesia), leadership development, and extensive clinical hours—all under faculty who are experienced CRNAs and educators. With this program, you’ll not only earn your doctoral credential, you’ll become a profession-ready leader who delivers life-saving care in the places that need it most.
High Demand Career Path
CRNAs are in high demand nationwide, with competitive salaries and opportunities for leadership roles in anesthesia care.
Accreditation
The NMSU Nurse Anesthesiology program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA).
Graduates will be qualified to take the national certification exam administered by the National Boards of Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists to become certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs). CRNAs complete a three-year doctoral program with rigorous didactic courses and a minimum of 2400 hours of supervised clinical training.
Take classes like:
- NURS 5120 - Nursing Informatics
- NURS 6110 - Introduction to Population Health
- NURS 6215 - Professional Aspects of Nurse Anesthesiology Practice
- NURS 6265 - Strategic and Financial Planning for Population Health Programs
- NURS 6771 - Anesthesiology Integration/Clinical Correlation I
This program is only available online. The Post-Master’s Graduate Certificate in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner at NMSU Global Campus is a flexible, affordable way to build on your professional knowledge and move into other clinical specialties. We understand how broad the nursing profession can be, so our curriculum was designed to help you find a new specialization and pivot your career.
With 100% online coursework, this program teaches you how to provide high-quality care for a wider range of patients, boosting your value in the nursing field.
View more courses and degree road mapIntegrated Behavioral Health Care
The minor in Integrated Behavioral Health Care, offered through the Counseling and Educational Psychology (CEP) department, is open to graduate students enrolled in CEP programs Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Psychology, Counseling Psychology and to graduate students who are enrolled in Social Work, Public Health, Nursing and Marriage and Family Therapy programs. It was established in the interest of meeting the needs of graduate students in the health professions who are receiving or seeking training in interdisciplinary or interprofessional collaborations with other healthcare disciplines. Students will complete 9 credits of coursework specific to this program of study in order to obtain a Minor in Integrated Behavioral Health Care.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesiology (DNP-NA) is a limited-enrollment program with a rigorous admissions process.
Admission requirements include:
- A baccalaureate or graduate degree in nursing or an appropriate major from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. The accrediting agency must be recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation AND a nursing program that is accredited by either the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in prior degree coursework.
- Minimum calculated science GPA of 3.0. We require a grade of B or higher in the following required science classes:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Chemistry
- Statistics
- Pharmacology
- Pathophysiology
- An unencumbered license as a registered professional nurse in the United States or its territories or protectorates
- Minimum of 1-year full-time work experience, or its part-time equivalent, as a registered nurse in a critical care setting by the application deadline (see FAQ about critical care nursing experience)
- Minimum of 2 years experience as an RN in a U.S. hospital at the time of application deadline.
- Valid CCRN (adult or pediatric) certification
- ACLS, PALS and BLS certification prior to application closure
Ready to take the next step?
Request Information
Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.