See information about the admissions process and requirements for the Ohio University-OhioHealth Grant Medical Center Nurse Anesthesia BSN to DNP program.
How often do you admit?
Once per year.
How many applicants apply to the program each year?
We anticipate over 100 applicants will apply.
How many applicants are interviewed each year?
We anticipate 50-60 applicants.
What is the average GPA of those accepted into the program?
We anticipate 3.4 to 4.0 GPA.
How many students do you admit (once per year)?
Our Nurse Anesthesia program admits up to 25 students once per year.
Can I work during the program?
The Nurse Anesthesia program track is a full-time program. Students cannot work during this program due to the curricular and clinical demands.
What type of ICU experience is best?
Working in an Intensive Care Unit provides applicants experience with invasive monitor interpretation, titration of vasoactive infusions, management of ventilated patients, and care of acutely ill patients. Operating Room, Emergency Department, Cath Lab, and Telemetry Unit experience do not count as Intensive Care Unit experiences. Flight nursing experience is accepted only if the applicant has one year of full-time experience (or its part-time equivalent) working in an Intensive Care Unit within the last three years and actively manages patients on ventilators and vasoactive drips during transports. Please see “Admission Criteria” for further information related to critical care experience and the COA standards.
How much RN work experience is required?
Evidence of the equivalent of two years full-time experience working as an RN within the past 5 years; including a minimum of one (1) year full-time experience (or its part-time equivalent) as a registered nurse in an Intensive Care Unit within the last three years by the application deadline.
Is there a part-time study option?
No, only a full-time program is offered.
Is there a program track for persons who are not RNs (including allied health professionals, MDs, etc.)?
No.
Can I apply if I am an associate degree nurse and still completing my BSN?
Yes, as long as you will finish your BSN by the application deadline. You must also update your transcript demonstrating completion of the BSN degree by the application deadline.
Do you offer a program for CRNAs who earned their certificate prior to the master’s being required?
We do not offer a CRNA master’s completion program.
What should I be prepared to discuss in the admission interview?
As you prepare, please keep the following things in mind:
- Our goal is for students to be successful.
- Do not worry about saying the "right" thing or using specific jargon or buzzwords. Be concerned with being your authentic self. Take a deep breath and tell your story; we are excited to learn about you!
- We want to hear about your specific goals and aspirations. Why this program and why now? What is your ultimate goal with this degree and certification? Consider your answers to these questions as you prepare.
- Technology can fail us all at times. We use Microsoft Teams for our interviews, which can take some time to become familiar with.
- Applicants should anticipate that interviewers will ask a broad range of questions that attempt to elicit the applicant’s understanding of the nurse anesthetist’s role, motivation, goals and leadership potential as well as clinical knowledge.
- Clinical knowledge includes (but is not limited to):
- Ventilator management
- ABGs
- Vasoactive pharmacology
- Lab values
- Hemodynamic, cardiac, respiratory and neurophysiology alterations
- We will ask if you have questions for us at the end of your interview. We are glad to answer any questions you have; but we have a short amount of time with each candidate. Many questions can be answered in our documents and on our website.
- Don’t feel obligated to ask questions to prove that you are interested. We knew that you were interested when you came to the interview. After reading our materials, if you find that you don’t have questions, don’t worry. Consider articulating for the Selection Committee the 2-3 things you want them to remember about you.
- Graduate Interviews can be stressful but also very informative and fun. We want to make sure that you have the information you need to make the right decision for yourself and your family. Ultimately, we want to do what is right for our profession, our university, our program, our students, and you.
Do you accept any graduate transfer credit?
Ohio University considers accepting graduate transfer credit on an individualized basis, subject to specific criteria. For detailed information about the criteria and process for transferring graduate credits, please refer to the University Catalog.
Are there any classes I can take as a non- degree student status while waiting to hear if I am accepted to the program?
No.
Can I enter Ohio as a graduate student in another major and transfer to the NA program?
Due to space availability and the selective nature of this program, current Ohio University graduate nursing students may not change their program to the Nurse Anesthesia program. Current Ohio University graduate nursing students must apply to the Nurse Anesthesia program to be evaluated alongside other applicants. Admission and selection into the Nurse Anesthesia program is not automatic or guaranteed.
Do you accept transfer students from other Nurse Anesthesia programs?
Transfer requests are evaluated on an individual basis.
Do you have an on-call list for applicants who are denied?
Some students may be notified that they have been placed on an "on-call" list, which means that they may be selected to join the Fall cohort if a space becomes available.
There is no guarantee that space will become available.
On-call lists are used for the next admitting cohort only, on-call students not offered admission are still required to reapply to the next cohort.
If denied, can I reapply?
Yes, we review your file and make recommendations for strengthening your application. We have had several first-time denial applicants complete faculty suggestion activities, apply again and successfully obtain admission to the program.
I already have MSN, can I participate in a BSN-DNP Program?
No. We are not offering a Post-Masters option at this time.
Would I need to live in Columbus. OH to complete this program?
Yes, students living outside of Ohio will need to relocate to participate in coursework and clinical hours.
What is the average years of critical care experience of those accepted into the program?
We anticipate 2 to 6 years.