Minimum Qualifications of Applicants

Eligibility

To be eligible for admission to the DNP Nurse Anesthesia Program, potential candidates must submit evidence of:

• Baccalaureate degree in nursing from an ACEN or CCNE accredited program or its equivalent.
• GPA of 3.0 or above.
• Minimum of one year (full-time) of recent (within 5 years) critical care experience. Get more information about eligible critical care experience here.
• All non-native English speaking applicants are required to submit either official TOEFL or IELTS results.
  • TOEFL: Applicants must score a minimum of 83 (with 25 in the speaking section) on the iBT (internet-based test) in order to be considered for admission.
  • IELTS: Applicants must score at least 6.5 overall (7 in the speaking section) in order to be considered for admission.

When you register for the TOEFL or IELTS, please request that your results be sent directly to Villanova University. The institutional code is 2959.

• Satisfactory academic record.
• ACLS Certification.
• CCRN Preferred.
• Licensure as a Registered Nurse (USA.)

Application Packet

The complete DNP-NA application packet includes the following:

• Completed Online Application for Admission. You can complete your application HERE.
• Personal Goal Statement: An essay identifying career goals and conceptualization of the nurse anesthetist role that is congruent with the objectives of the program and demonstrates professional communication and writing skills.
• Application fee.
• Satisfactory performance on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or MAT is required for the Nurse Anesthesia Program for applicants who earned a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of less than 3.4on a 4.0 scale in the BSN and any other undergraduate degree. The GRE or MAT requirement is waived for applicants who earned a cumulative (GPA) of 3.4 or greater on a 4.0 scale in the BSN and any other undergraduate degree.
• TOEFL or IELTS* (non-native English speaking applicants).
• Transcripts from all schools attended.
• Three (3) letters of recommendation from clinical or academic professionals who are in a position to judge your performance/professional skills. One of these letters MUST be from a direct supervisor.
• Copy of current RN license.
• Admission interview.
• Upon acceptance, a comprehensive criminal background check through Complio (Villanova University’s online compliance tracking service) is required.

International Students Admission

Get International Students Admission details here.

Contact Information

Crozer-Chester Medical Center / Villanova University Nurse Anesthesia Program 
100 West Sproul Road, Suite 222
Springfield, PA 19064
Fax: 610-938-6767

Jodie Szlachta Ph.D., CRNA, Program Director
Phone: 610-938-6764

Matt McCoy DNP, CRNA, Associate Program Director
Phone: 610-938-6763

Carlene McLaughlin, PhD, CRNA, CHSE, Director of DNP Projects & Simulation
Phone: 610-938-6761

Alice Jurski, EdD, APN-A, CRNA, Faculty
Phone: 610-938-6766

Denise Lamb, Program Manager
Phone: 610-938-6765

Villanova University Nurse Anesthesia Doctor of Nursing Practice

Get additional information on the Crozer-Chester Medical Center / Villanova University Nurse Anesthesia Doctor of Nursing Practice Program.