DNP vs DNAP: What's the Difference?
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are one of the fastest-growing fields for nurses and one of the most in-demand careers. But in order to become one, you need either a DNP or DNAP doctorate degree. To help you choose between the two options, we're breaking down the differences.
DNP vs DNAP for CRNA
There are two common types of doctoral degrees for aspiring CRNAs: the Doctorate of Nurse Practice (DNP) and the Doctorate of Nursing Anesthesia Practice (DNAP).
What is a DNP Degree?
The DNP is a doctor of nursing practice that is rooted in clinical practice and can be earned by any individual who holds an MSN degree. The DNP is obtained through a school of nursing, and its curriculum is set by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). Individuals who do not have a degree as a nurse anesthetist but a Master’s degree in another nursing-related field can obtain a DNP.
What is a DNAP Degree?
The DNAP degree is a professional practice degree in nurse anesthesia, which focuses on the utilization of research findings for evidence-based clinical practice, education, and/or administration/business management related to nursing anesthesia.
It is approved through the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA), which focuses on using research findings for evidence-based clinical practice, education, and/or administration/business management related to nurse anesthesia.
Differences Between a DNP vs DNAP
| DNP | DNAP | |
| Accreditation | The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) | Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) |
| Admission Requirements | Nurses with other kinds of master's degrees can earn a DNP | DNAP programs are only available for nurses looking to become CRNAs |
| Program Length | 1-4 years | 1-4 years |
Accreditation
The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) accredits DNP programs, while the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) approves DNAP programs, which are specially designed for nurse anesthetist students.
Admission Requirements
Nurses with other Master’s degrees can earn a DNP, while ONLY CRNAs can earn a DNAP. To apply for a DNAP program, individuals must have an active CRNA license.
To pursue a DNP or DNAP, individuals already have an MSN and would have completed a traditional or accelerated BSN program. Some programs allow students to go from BSN to DNP. These programs are longer than a traditional DNP program because they combine an MSN degree program with a DNP program.
Requirements for DNP and DNAP programs will vary, but most will require the following:
- MSN degree from a regionally accredited higher education institution and a nationally accredited school of nursing
- Valid CRNA certification
- GPA of at least 3.0 or higher in the Master's program
- Current, unencumbered nursing license
- RN experience
- Letters of Recommendation (both academic and professional references)
- Official Transcripts (from all previous colleges/universities)
- Current Resume/CV
- Goal statement
- Personal essay
- Advanced Practice Registered Nursing license at the state level
- Interview with faculty
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) if applicable
- Application fee
Program Length
A DNP or DNAP program completion can take roughly one to four years. This will depend on the program and whether it is being completed on a full-time or part-time basis. Programs are typically between 30-40 credit hours and 1,000 clinical hours. A percentage of clinical hours earned during an MSN program can transfer to some programs.
Nurses who have earned their CRNA with an MSN can go back to earn their DNP or DNAP.
Terminal Degree
The main difference between these two degrees is that some institutions do not recognize the DNAP as a terminal degree — meaning they don’t consider it the highest degree in the field. A DNP is considered a terminal degree for any advanced practice nursing field.
This primarily affects those who wish to obtain a university faculty position, as this may have a bearing on tenure eligibility. If you’re seeking to use your doctorate for practice, however, this shouldn’t hinder your career prospects.
Online Availability
DNP and DNAP programs both can have hybrid options.
DNP & DNAP Classes
Individuals should expect to take the following classes in both DNP and DNAP programs:
- Advance Leadership
- Advance Healthcare Policy
- Clinical Information Systems
- Research
- Evidence Appraisal
- Project Development
- Clinical Information Systems
- Statistics
- Clinical Reasoning
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Advanced Health Assessment and Measurement
- Health Promotion and Risk Reduction Across the Lifespan
- Epidemiology
-
Ethics for advanced nursing practice
>> See Accredited CRNA Programs in Every State
Additional Resources
- RN to CRNA Guide
- RN to DNP Guide
- DNP Career Guide
- Difference Between a CRNA and an Anesthesiologist
- American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- National Board of Certification & Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists
- American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
- American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses
- International Student Journal of Nurse Anesthesia
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing
