POST-BACCALAUREATE NURSE ANESTHESIA DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE

 

The Nurse Anesthesia Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing combines a rich foundation of scientific and theoretical knowledge with extensive clinical experience in the practice of nurse anesthesia and professional leadership.

Core and leadership courses are taught by doctorally prepared Fitzpatrick College of Nursing faculty. Doctorally prepared and expert certified registered nurse anesthetist faculty provide specialty didactic courses and supervise student hands-on experiences in a variety of clinical settings. Didactic courses and clinical simulation experiences are taught at Villanova University. Specialty didactic courses are offered on Villanova's campus and specialty clinical experiences are provided in the greater Philadelphia and tri-state area.

The Nurse Anesthesia DNP is an integral part of the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing and has embraced the College's philosophy as its own.

Outcomes:

The following competencies were developed to conform to the mission and philosophy of the University and the Fitzpatrick College of Nursing. At the completion of this track, the graduate will be able to:

  • Integrate scholarship and clinical experience based upon evidence to support best practices of nurse anesthesia.
  • Manage the complexities of anesthesia care from preoperative assessment through the post anesthesia period using all available technologies.
  • Analyze issues and trends in healthcare for their impact on the practice of nurse anesthesia.
  • Implement the role of a nurse anesthetist to ensure continuity of care and safe, effective practice.
  • Implement quality improvement initiatives that conform to AANA’s Professional Practice Standards.
  • Analyze the broad context or system within which nurse anesthesia is practiced.

It is the purpose of the nurse anesthesia track to provide the local community and beyond with competent nurse anesthetists. The faculty also believe that the doctorally prepared nurse anesthetists will lead activities that support and enhance the profession of nurse anesthesia. Historically, our students have won various awards at state and national conventions, and participated in local service events to both support the community and to raise awareness of nurse anesthetists.

VILLANOVA NURSING

DNP-NA Inquiries 
Recruitment and Enrollment Department
nursing.recruitment@villanova.edu

Associate Dean, Graduate Program
Mary Terhaar, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN
mary.terhaar@villanova.edu 
610-519-4907

Assistant Director, Graduate Program
Jan Campbell

Program Director, DNP Nurse Anesthesia
Jodie Szlachta, PhD, CRNA, FAANA
Jodie.szlachta@villanova.edu
610-519-6852

Associate Program Director, DNP Nurse Anesthesia
Kristen Simmons, DNP, CRNA, CHSE
kristen.simmons@villanova.edu
610-519-6605

Assistant Director, DNP Nurse Anesthesia
Talonza "Tee" Nole
talonza.nole@villanova.edu
610-519-6310

IMPORTANT INFO

The DNP Nurse Anesthesia application portal has closed.

Completed applications that were received by the close date of February 29, 2024 will be reviewed by the admission committee for the January 2026 Cohort. 

*There are instances when a seat becomes available in an earlier cohort.

*We do not accept applications for a future cohort from applicants who have been denied admission to a cohort.