Nurse Anesthesia Admission

Application Dates

• Open: June 1st
• Close: August 1st
• Supporting document deadline: August 1st
• Minimum Science GPA - 3.2 on a 4.0 scale

Holistic Admissions

Duke School of Nursing is committed to holistic admissions.

A holistic review is a university admissions strategy that assesses an applicant’s unique experiences alongside traditional measures of academic achievement such as grades and test scores. It is designed to help universities consider a broad range of factors reflecting the applicant’s academic readiness, contribution to the incoming class, and potential for success while in school and post-graduation. When used in combination with a variety of other mission-based practices, holistic review constitutes a holistic admission process.

Many colleges and universities have employed a holistic admission process to assemble a diverse class of students with the background, qualities, and skills needed for success in the profession.

Admission Requirements

Visit the Apply Now page for details, and read on for the Nurse Anesthesia Program specifics.

The following requirements must be met before consideration for admission into the Nurse Anesthesia program:

• Bachelor's degree with an upper-division nursing major from a program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

• Completion of an application for admission, including copies of all post-secondary educational transcripts.

• Basic Life Support; Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification & Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification.

• Cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher (4.0 scale) or evidence of outstanding graduate academic achievement.

• The minimum science GPA is 3.2 on a 4.0 scale.

• Bachelor's or post-bachelor's coursework must include satisfactory completion of a course in descriptive and inferential statistics.

• As part of our holistic admissions process and review, the Duke University Nurse Anesthesia Program no longer requires the GRE.

• Personal interviews (by invitation) with members of the Nurse Anesthesia Admission Committee will be offered to qualified applicants. Applicants selected for interviews are usually notified on a rolling basis.

• At the time of application submission, the applicant must have a minimum of one year (two years preferred) of current, continuous full-time acute care experience as a registered nurse in a critical care setting which offers the applicant an opportunity to develop as an independent decision-maker capable of using and interpreting advanced monitoring techniques based on their knowledge of physiological and pharmacological principles. Adult acute care experience offering on interpretation and use of advanced monitoring, care of ventilated patients, pharmacologic hemodynamic management, and independent decision-making is preferred. CCRN certification is strongly encouraged. Experience areas preferred include:

  • Surgical Intensive Care

  • Medical Intensive Care

  • Cardiac Intensive Care

  • Neuro Intensive Care

  • Pediatric or Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

  • Trauma Intensive Care

• Applicants hold an unencumbered license as a registered professional nurse and/or an APRN in the United States or its territories or protectorates.

• Applicants must possess the physical and mental skills necessary to complete the School of Nursing curriculum. (Submission of a personal statement describing the applicant's personal career goals and interest in graduate study.

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores from applicants whose native language is not English or who have not completed their high school and college education in the U.S. (Refer to the Duke University School of Nursing Application Admissions Procedures: Additional Requirements for International Applicants)

• Submit the completed application and all supporting documents no later than August 1, preceding the August matriculation date. Incomplete applications will not be considered after the August 1 deadline.

Successful completion of the nurse anesthesia program (83-course credits) requires a substantial time commitment averaging 54-64 hours per week (including class time, clinical, and study time) during the 36-month program.

The curriculum is designed for 36 months of full-time study (Program completion July/August). Historically, given the rigorous nature of the program, students find it challenging to subsidize their educational expenses through part-time employment.

Application Procedure

Due to strong demand and limited class size, early application is encouraged. The Office of Admissions and Student Services must receive the completed application with all supporting documents (evaluation forms, transcripts, licenses, proof of certifications, current CV, etc.) before August 1st of the year of desired admission (August matriculation). Incomplete applications will not be considered after the August 1st deadline.

Application Review

Once the application is complete, admissions officers will review it to ensure application criteria are met then the file will be forwarded to the Nurse Anesthesia faculty. Candidates will be notified of the interview decision via e-mail through the Office of Admissions and Student Services. If an applicant is selected for an interview, they will receive an e-mail inviting them to participate in an on-campus interview day. After interviews, each student will be notified whether they are admitted, waitlisted, or declined. Official decision notifications are typically released within 1-2 weeks of interviews. If admitted, complete an online enrollment form and submit a $1,000 deposit to confirm acceptance into the program.

Supporting Documents Required by the Office of Admissions and Student Services

• Official transcripts from all previous colleges, universities, and graduate schools attended. Transcripts must be submitted regardless of when you attended, how many hours you earned, or whether you earned a degree.

  • Transcripts must be received in a sealed envelope from the issuing institution to be considered official. You may also collect sealed transcripts and send them together in one large envelope.

  • Duke University School of Nursing will accept electronic transcripts sent directly from the issuing institution(s). These documents can be emailed to SON-Documents@dm.duke.edu.

• Photocopy of current, unencumbered nursing (RN) license.

• Proof of current certifications as stated on the application (Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Life Support, CCRN, etc.).

• Three professional references attesting to academic ability, professional competency, and professional qualifications are required. One reference must be from an immediate supervisor and include a contact phone number.

• Application fee of $50.