The University of Kansas Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia accepts applications from all registered nurses who meet the admission requirements set forth by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists' Councils on Accreditation and Certification, the Department of Nurse Anesthesia and the University of Kansas Graduate School. In full support of university policies, the nurse anesthesiology program seeks a culturally diverse student body and does not discriminate against any group protected by law.

Requirements  |   When do I apply?  |   Application Materials  |   Application Packet

What our graduates say: “KU students are definitely ready to practice anesthesia when they graduate, especially compared to the students who rotate through our facility ... ” – more

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Nurse Anesthesia Program Brochure: PDF

Requirements
To be accepted into the Nurse Anesthesia Program, the applicant must meet the requirements of the Graduate School and the departmental admission requirements as listed below. These requirements are subject to change based on the recommendations of the admission/ curriculum committee.

1. License as a professional Registered Nurse (RN) in the states of Kansas and Missouri, or be eligible for licensure in those states.
   
2. Bachelor's degree in an appropriate discipline.
   
3. Two years experience as a registered nurse with a minimum 1 year of recent, full-time experience in ICU. The one year of ICU experience must be completed prior to the official enrollment date.
   
4. The following six courses are prerequisites to the program. These courses must be eligible for transfer to the University of Kansas as college/university credit courses and must have been completed with a minimum grade of C and cannot be credit by examination. A Pass grade will not be accepted unless the applicant provides written verification that the Pass designation is equivalent to a grade of C or higher.
   
   • Statistics (1 course containing both parametric and nonparametric content).
     
   • Basic Sciences - the following five science classes are required.
     An overall grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required in these five courses:
     
     • Chemistry (2 courses which have covered the topics of inorganic, organic and biochemistry)
     • Microbiology (1 course)
     • Anatomy* (1 Course)
     • Physiology * (1 course completed within 10 years of program start date with a minimum grade of 3.0 or B) * NOTE: In lieu of separate anatomy and physiology courses, two semesters of a combined Anatomy/Physiology course are acceptable (a grade of 3.0 or B must be attained in both courses and both courses must be taken within the last ten years).
5. A grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all accumulative college work. Applicants with less than an overall 3.0 will be considered case-by-case. All college course work must be documented by two official transcripts sent directly from each previous undergraduate/graduate school to the Nurse Anesthesia Department.
   
6. Writing skills appropriate to graduate level education.
   
7. Three references are required: one from your nurse manager/supervisor, one from an advanced practice nurse/MD (anesthesia provider preferred), and one from a peer/co-worker.
   
8. The applicant must submit a one-page typed statement outlining his or her educational and professional goals. Include any pertinent information regarding participation in professional and/or voluntary organizations.
   
9. Qualified applicants will be invited to attend a personal interview. Only applicants who attend the personal interview are considered for admission to the program.
   
10. Before matriculation, all students admitted to the program must:
     • complete ACLS and PALS and maintain them current throughout the program at the student's expense
     • submit to a background check at the student's expense

Priority is given to applicants who have completed all prerequisites by the July 15 application deadline. All prerequisites must be completed before the program start date. The Prerequisite Review Worksheet can help applicants determine if they have met all program requirements [PDF].

Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification is strongly encouraged. If qualified, applicants should provide a copy of certification.

Participation in professional and/or voluntary organizations or committees (e.g., hospital, alumni, nonprofits) is considered an advantage.

Applicants are encouraged to shadow with a CRNA in order to both observe and discuss the practice of anesthesia care. Arrangements can be made to shadow at KU Medical Center by calling 913-588-3253.

Because of the unique design and content of the curriculum, the School does not accept transfer students.

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When do I Apply?

The application process may begin at any time of the year. The application deadline is July 15 each year. Interviews are usually conducted November through January for the class that begins in June of the following year. All application materials must be received in the program office no later than July 15 of the year prior to the anticipated start date.

It is recommended that applicants submit the application form and transcripts as early as possible. Application forms and transcripts will be previewed for deficiencies to allow the applicant sufficient time to make corrections or obtain missing course work if necessary. However, we would recommend submitting references, CV’s, and goal statements in May or June so that all materials are up-to-date when the admission committee reviews the file.



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Application Materials
Application materials include (see application packet or individual forms in following section):

1. Graduate Student Application Form
   
2. Application Addendum
   
3. Prerequisite Review Worksheet
   
4. $60 application fee
   
5. One-page typed statement of educational and professional goals, and any pertinent information regarding participation in professional and/or voluntary organizations.
   
   
6. Resume (with dates and details of ICU experience)
   
7. Two official transcripts sent directly from each nursing program/college/university attended.
   
8. Three references using the Nurse Anesthesia department form.
   
   (The GRE is not required.)