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Frequently Asked Questions

• What makes an applicant competitive?

  We take a holistic approach to admissions and evaluate each application in its entirety. Rather than relying on a single factor, we consider an applicant's academic metrics, professional experiences, and personal attributes to assess their potential for success in our Nurse Anesthesia Program and future practice as a CRNA and healthcare leader.

  Academic metrics help us evaluate an applicant's academic readiness for the rigor of doctoral-level study. These include factors such as GPA in the last 60 hours of coursework, science GPA, prerequisite course performance, and GRE scores. Strong academic performance can enhance an applicant's competitiveness, but it is only one component of our review process. Previous academic success can assist us evaluate future academic potential.

  We also place significant value on an applicant's clinical experience, achievements, leadership, and professional development. Through the resume, personal statements, and letters of recommendation, we learn about an applicant's critical care background, professional accomplishments, commitment to excellence, and potential to contribute to the nurse anesthesia profession.

  For the applicants invited to interview, we have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of their clinical knowledge, motivation for pursuing nurse anesthesia, communication skills, professionalism, leadership skills, and ability to succeed in a collaborative learning environment.

  While not required, professional certifications such as the CCRN can strengthen an application. These certifications demonstrate a commitment to ongoing learning and professional growth beyond the minimum requirements of the role.

  Ultimately, there is no single formula for admission. The most competitive applicants are those who demonstrate a strong combination of academic preparation, critical care experience, leadership potential, professional maturity, and a clear commitment to becoming a nurse anesthetist and healthcare leader.

• How can I strengthen my application and present myself as a strong candidate?

  Because we take a holistic approach to admissions, there is no single factor that will make an applicant stand out. The strongest candidates are those who demonstrate excellence across multiple areas of their application and show a clear commitment to becoming a nurse anesthetist.

  To strengthen your application, consider focusing on the following:

  • Excel academically. Strong performance in prerequisite courses, science coursework, and overall academic metrics can help demonstrate your readiness for the rigor of doctoral-level education.
  • Gain meaningful critical care experience. Seek opportunities to care for high-acuity patients, develop advanced clinical judgment, and take on increasing levels of responsibility within your unit.
  • Pursue professional certifications. Certifications such as the CCRN are not required but can enhance your application by demonstrating initiative, clinical expertise, and commitment to professional development.
  • Demonstrate leadership and engagement. Serving as a charge nurse, preceptor, committee member, educator, or participating in professional organizations can highlight your leadership potential and dedication to the profession.
  • Tell your story effectively. Your resume, personal statement, and interview (if selected) provide opportunities to showcase your experiences, motivations, resilience, and unique qualities. Competitive applicants are able to clearly articulate why they want to become a CRNA and how their experiences have prepared them for the profession.
  • Develop professionally and personally. We value applicants who demonstrate maturity, professionalism, strong communication skills, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

  Ultimately, standing out is not about checking a single box. It is about presenting a compelling application that reflects strong academic preparation, meaningful clinical experience, leadership, professional growth, and a genuine passion for nurse anesthesia.

• What types of critical care are accepted?

  Critical care experience must meet the definition requirements as per the Council on Accreditation for Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs:

  Critical care experience must be obtained in a critical care area within the United States, its territories, or a US military hospital outside of the United States. During this experience, the registered professional nurse has developed critical decision making and psychomotor skills, competency in patient assessment, and the ability to use and interpret advanced monitoring techniques. A critical care area is defined as one where, on a routine basis, the registered professional nurse manages one or more of the following: invasive hemodynamic monitors (e.g., pulmonary artery, central venous pressure, and arterial catheters), cardiac assist devices, mechanical ventilation, and vasoactive infusions. Examples of critical care units may include but are not limited to: surgical intensive care, cardiothoracic intensive care, coronary intensive care, medical intensive care, pediatric intensive care, and neonatal intensive care. Those who have experiences in other areas may be considered provided they can demonstrate competence with managing unstable patients, invasive monitoring, ventilators, and critical care pharmacology; however, programs are responsible for determining whether the applicants’ experiences are equivalent to those specified in the above examples. ( 

• Does the level of hospital where I work impact my competitiveness for admission?

  No. We place greater emphasis on the quality and depth of your critical care experience than on the designation of the facility where you work. Applicants from all hospital levels can be competitive candidates, provided they have developed a strong foundation in caring for critically ill patients.

  Our primary concern is whether you are regularly managing high-acuity patients, applying critical thinking skills, and participating in complex clinical decision-making. As long as you have at least one year of critical care experience as a registered nurse, you will meet the minimum admission requirement.

• Does critical care experience need to be recent?

  While recent critical care experience is not required for admission, it is highly recommended. Current experience caring for high-acuity patients can help strengthen your clinical foundation and better prepare you for the rigor of a nurse anesthesia program.

  To meet our admission requirements, applicants must have at least one year of RN critical care experience. Applicants whose critical care experience is not recent will still be considered for admission and are encouraged to apply. However, maintaining recent exposure to critically ill patients, hemodynamic monitoring, and complex patient management may help applicants remain clinically prepared and position them for success in the program.

• Do prerequisites courses need to be completed by the application deadline?

  Yes. All prerequisite courses must be completed by the application deadline. In addition, NursingCAS must receive your official transcript reflecting the completed coursework and final grades by the application deadline.

  To help ensure your transcript is received and processed on time, we strongly encourage applicants to complete any remaining prerequisite coursework no later than the second week of December. This allows sufficient time for final grades to be posted and for official transcripts to be sent to NursingCAS before the application deadline.

  Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all prerequisite requirements and supporting documentation are received by the deadline. Incomplete applications or missing prerequisite coursework will not be eligible for review.

• Do you accept prerequisites completed online?

  Yes. We accept online prerequisite coursework completed through U.S. regionally accredited colleges and universities.

  To assist applicants, we have compiled a list of commonly accepted institutions that offer online coursework. While this list is not exhaustive, it may serve as a helpful resource when planning to complete prerequisite requirements. You can view the list below.

  Approved Online Prerequisite Coursework 

• How is the science GPA calculated, and which science courses are included?

  To be considered for admission, applicants must earn a minimum 3.0 science GPA. The science GPA is calculated using all foundational science courses commonly required for admission into a nursing program and the Nurse Anesthesia prerequisite course, including:

  • Anatomy and Physiology (with labs)
  • Chemistry (with labs)
  • Microbiology (with labs)Nutrition
  • Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry

  Science labs are included in the science GPA calculation. Additional upper-level or advanced science coursework may also be included in the science GPA calculation at the discretion of the admissions committee.

  If a science course has been repeated at the same institution, the highest grade earned will be used when calculating the science GPA, and the lower grade may not be included. However, if the course was repeated at a different institution, both grades will be included in the science GPA calculation. This distinction is important because academic rigor and grading standards may vary across institutions.

  There is no expiration date for foundational science coursework used in the science GPA calculation. However, the required Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry prerequisite must be completed within the last five years.

• What are the GRE requirements?

  GRE scores must be from an exam taken within five years of the application deadline.

  Applicants must earn a minimum score of 3.5 in the Analytical Writing section to meet the requirement for admission consideration.

  Applications that do not meet the minimum Analytical Writing score requirement will not advance in the admissions review process. While there are no minimum score requirements for the Verbal Reasoning or Quantitative Reasoning sections, all GRE scores will be considered as part of our holistic review of an applicant's academic preparation and potential for success in the program.

• Do I need to have CCRN certification?

  No. CCRN certification is not required for admission to our program. However, obtaining the CCRN can strengthen an application by demonstrating advanced critical care knowledge, clinical expertise, and a commitment to professional development.

• Who can serve as references?

  There are no specific requirements for who may serve as a reference. References should be individuals who can speak to your clinical performance, professionalism, leadership abilities, and potential for success as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). 

  Examples may include supervisors, managers, faculty, physicians, CRNAs, or other professional colleagues. Recommendations from individuals with whom you have had only limited interaction, such as brief shadowing experiences, are generally less valuable.

  ThreeRecommended References

  • ​Supervisor of Manager - Someone who can speak to your work ethic, leadership potential, and overall performance in a professional setting. 
  • Anesthesia Provider - A recommendation from a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) or a Board-Certified Anesthesiologist who can attest to your motivation and suitability for a career as a CRNA. We do not accept letters of recommendation from Anesthesiologist Assistants. This letter is often from the individual that you shadowed.
  • Professional or Leadership Reference - An individual who can provide insight into your character, including qualities such as service, leadership, motivation, and integrity.
• Am I able to work while enrolled in the program?

  Due to the rigorous and demanding nature of the Nurse Anesthesia Program, working while enrolled is strongly discouraged. The curriculum requires a significant commitment of time and energy, including didactic coursework, simulation activities, clinical training, and independent study. Students should expect to devote the majority of their time to meeting academic and clinical requirements.

  While employment is not prohibited, maintaining outside work may negatively impact academic performance, clinical preparedness, and overall well-being. Applicants are encouraged to carefully consider their financial and personal obligations and plan accordingly before beginning the program.

• What is the cost of the program?

  For current tuition, fees, and estimated expenses, please refer to our Cost of Attendance page.

• Where are the clinicals located?

  Most clinical placements are in the greater San Antonio area through partnerships with major healthcare systems, including Methodist Healthcare, University Health, and UT Health San Antonio Multispecialty & Research Hospital. A limited number of specialty clinical experiences, such as cardiac rotations, may take place in Austin.

  Our goal is to keep clinical placements local to help minimize travel costs and maximize convenience for students. As the program continues to grow, additional clinical sites outside of the greater San Antonio area may be added.

• How many days a week can I expect to be on campus?

  During the first year of the program, students can expect to be on campus at least two to three days per week. This includes DNP core courses that are taken alongside students enrolled in our Nurse Practitioner tracks.

  In years two and three, as clinical experiences begin, students can generally expect to be on campus one day per week, with the remainder of their time spent in clinical settings. Please note that schedules may vary by semester and clinical placement.