Barry University’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences will offer a new entry level Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with a Specialization in Anesthesiology beginning in May 2018.
The new degree, known as the Post-Baccalaureate DNP in Anesthesiology, received accreditation from the Council on Accreditation for Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) — the accrediting body of all national nurse anesthesia programs — in November. It replaces the Master of Science as Barry University’s entry-level nurse anesthesia program.
“The Barry University BSN to DNP curriculum for nurse anesthetists supports the movement to educate nurses at the highest level so they are well prepared to meet the complex health care needs of our society,” says Dr. John McFadden, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences and a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). “Our master’s program has enjoyed a respected reputation throughout Florida and beyond for more than 20 years. I have every confidence that this new program will enjoy a similar reputation and support the delivery of quality health care for all of our citizens.”
The first two semesters of the full-time, 36-month program will be offered via distance learning. Semesters three through nine will be offered at five locations across Florida: Hollywood, West Palm Beach, Tampa, Orlando and Ocala/Gainesville. The Post-Baccalaureate DNP in Anesthesiology degree consists of didactic coursework and clinical practica experiences through a residency designed to train registered nurses to become highly-competent nurse anesthetists. The curriculum is science-based and integrates doctorate-level scholarly inquiry.
“The curriculum prepares critical care nurses for advanced practice in anesthesiology focus a the doctoral level. The curriculum integrates all of the essentials of the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree,” says Dr. Rebecca Lee, program administrator for Barry University’s anesthesiology programs. “The DNP degree is widely recognized as one of the discipline’s two terminal degrees, and the preferred pathway for those seeking preparation at the highest level of nursing practice.”
The move from the Master of Science program to the new Post-Baccalaureate DNP in Anesthesiology degree is required by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists and COA. All nurse anesthesia education programs must move to a Doctor of Nursing Practice by the year 2025, but Barry University is making the change well before the deadline.
For more information, call 305-899-3230 or email ane@barry.edu.