Graduate Program in Nurse Anesthesia

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How many applications are received each year?
   We receive anywhere from 55 to 130 applications, depending on the year.
2. How many students do you accept each year?
   The Graduate Program of Nurse Anesthesia admits 15 BSN-prepared students each year who will complete the DNP degree and all requirements necessary to take the National Certification Examination in order to become a CRNA. We also admit up to 30 masters-prepared CRNAs each year who are returning to complete their DNP degree.
3. Is a baccalaureate degree required for admission?
   A baccalaureate degree is required for all applicants. The baccalaureate degree must be in nursing for all BSN-DNP applicants. For CRNAs returning to complete the DNP, the masters degree must be in nursing or a related field. All degrees must have been granted from a fully accredited college or university in the United States.
4. How many years of R.N. experience are required? And in what areas?
   A minimum of one-year (two years preferred) experience as a registered nurse in an area of intensive care nursing is required for BSN-DNP applicants. These include any ICU setting (e.g. CVICU, SICU, Neuro ICU, MICU, etc.). We do accept pediatric and neonatal ICU (level III) experience. We typically do not consider experience in the following areas as meeting our ICU requirement: step down or transition care areas, post-coronary care, intermediate care units, progressive care units, recovery room/PACU, operating room, or emergency room. Experience in an open-heart recovery unit does meet our ICU requirement. CCRN certification is strongly encouraged.
5. Do I have to have a Texas RN license to apply for the program?
1. All applicants must possess a valid, unencumbered RN license from at least one of the 50 United States.
2. Applicants are required to submit, at the time of application, a copy of their valid, unencumbered RN license from the state in which they currently practice.
3. A Texas nursing license is not required for the application process.
4. Students entering with a BSN are required to possess a valid, unencumbered Texas RN license at all times during the program.
5. All post-masters CRNA students must possess
1. RN license in the state of residence
2. APRN license or recognition as required by the state of residence
3. CRNA certification and recertification, when indicated.
6. What happens if I do not have a Texas license and I am accepted to the program?
   Once accepted to the Graduate Program of Nurse Anesthesia, all BSN-DNP students must possess a current RN license that allows nursing practice in the state of Texas. The RN license must either be issued by the Texas Board of Nursing, or from a Board of Nursing participating in the multistate compact (the license must have multistate privilege attached). The RN license is required prior to starting school and must be maintained throughout the program. Further information on Texas RN licensure may be obtained from the Texas Board of Nursing web site www.bon.state.tx.us.
7. When is the application deadline?
1. Early application is strongly encouraged. All applications must be submitted on or before July 1 of the prior year to which admission is being sought.
2. The GPNA Office must receive all supporting documents (e.g. evaluation forms, transcripts, GRE scores, etc.) no later than July 15 of the prior year to which admission is being sought. This includes a photocopy of the applicant's valid, unencumbered R.N. license, proof of current certifications stated in the application (BLS, ACLS, PALS, CCRN, etc), and current Curriculum Vitae.
8. Can I submit a paper application?
1. We do not accept paper applications. On-line application is required. The on-line application can be completed by clicking on Online Application Form.
2. This application is only accessible Feb. 15 through July 1 each year.
9. How old can the GRE scores be?
1. The GRE exam must have been taken within the past four years.
2. The GRE exam scores must be officially reported to Baylor College of Medicine directly from GRE.
10. What are the GRE requirements?
1. All BSN-DNP applicants, regardless of degrees held, are required to take the GRE. No exceptions are made
2. In order for an applicant's GRE scores to be competitive, we recommend the following:
1. A score of 300 (or higher) when combining the verbal and quantitative scores on the 130-170 score scale. A score of 1000 (or higher) when combining the verbal and quantitative scores on the 200-800 score scale.
2. An Analytical Writing Score of 4.0 (or higher).
3. Only the most recent GRE scores will be considered, even if they are lower than more remote scores.
4. Post-masters applicants (MS-DNP) who currently hold CRNA certification are not required to submit GRE scores.
11. The GRE General Test was revised in August 2011. Will my scores from the old test be accepted or do I have to take the new test?

We will continue to accept GRE scores from the old test version as long as scores are not more than four years old. In general, competitive applicants will be at or above the 50th percentile on all sections of the exam.
12. Who should I speak with at the College regarding the application process?
1. If you have already submitted an application, you may check the completion status of your application file online. A link to the Application Status login is available on the Application Forms page.
2. Questions regarding the application or completeness of your application file (e.g. did we receive your evaluation letters, etc.) should be directed to the GPNA Office via email at CRNA@bcm.edu (preferred) or by telephone at 713-798-8650.
3. If you have questions regarding the ICU experience requirement, or would like further information concerning the program, please contact Dr. Walker (Director) via email at jrwalker@bcm.edu (preferred) or by telephone at 713-798-8650.
13. When will I be notified if I am granted an interview?

Those selected for interviews will be notified via e-mail in early August. If you have not heard from us by Aug. 20, please contact the GPNA Office via email (CRNA@bcm.edu) or telephone 713-798-8650 for further information.
14. What are the requirements for admission?

The requirements for BSN-DNP admission are as follows:
1. Baccalaureate degree in nursing from a fully accredited college or university in the United States.
2. Cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or better (where A = 4.0)
3. Completion of the Graduate Record Examination (verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing sections) within the past four years.
4. A minimum of one year (two years preferred) of experience in an area of intensive care nursing after successful completion of National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses.
5. Completion of the following undergraduate courses achieving a grade of B or better: organic chemistry and statistics.
6. Current eligibility for licensure to practice professional nursing in Texas.*
7. Completion of the official application materials.
8. Personal interview with Admissions Committee (if invited).

* Students must maintain current Texas R.N. Licensure at all times during the program.

The requirements for masters-prepared CRNAs (MS-DNP) admission are as follows:

1. Current unencumbered license as a registered nurse in state of residence.
2. Current unencumbered APRN licensure, or other authorization to practice as a nurse anesthetist, in state of residence.
3. Master's degree in nursing, nurse anesthesia, or a related field from a fully accredited college or university in the United States.
4. Completion of a nurse anesthesia educational program holding accreditation from the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.
5. Current certification or recertification by the National Board on Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists.
6. Cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
7. Completion of the following courses at either the undergraduate or graduate level achieving a grade of B or better: statistics and research.
8. Two page essay describing career goals as they relate to the DNP program objectives. Include an overview of the proposed area of interest for the final capstone project.
9. Completion of the official application materials.
10. Personal or telephone interview with faculty representative of the Admissions Committee (if invited).
15. The application requirements state that applicants must have a degree from a fully accredited college or university in the United States. How do I determine whether a school is fully accredited?

All BSN-DNP applicants are required to have a bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited college or university in the United States. The institution granting the degree must be accredited by a regional accreditor and the nursing program must be accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

All MS-DNP applicants are required to have a master's degree in nursing, nurse anesthesia, or a related field from a fully accredited college or university in the United States. The institution granting the degree must be accredited by a regional accreditor and the nurse anesthesia program must be accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.

A list of regional accrediting agencies is available on the U.S. Department of Education website at http://www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation/Agencies.aspx or on the Council for Higher Education Accreditation website at http://www.chea.org/Directories/regional.asp.

16. May I apply to, or receive advanced standing in, the Baylor GPNA if I have previously attended another nurse anesthesia program?

We do not grant BSN-DNP students advanced standing, even if they have attended other nurse anesthesia programs. Our curriculum is unique in its emphasis of basic science concepts and the integration of those concepts with the clinical curricular content. All graduates must complete the curriculum in its entirety.


BSN-DNP applicants that have previously attended another nurse anesthesia program must meet all admission requirements. Applicants will be considered within the usual admissions cycle. We do not offer off-cycle admissions. Applicants that have been dismissed or withdrawn from another nurse anesthesia program will not be considered for admission without a letter of evaluation from the program director at the institution previously attended.

MS-DNP students may request advanced standing for the nurse anesthesia core courses. To be considered for advanced standing, the student must verify current certification and/or recertification by the NBCRNA, possess a current RN license, and where required, an APRN license, and provide evidence of clinical competency as outlined in the AANA Scope and Standards for Nurse Anesthesia Practice document.

17. Are pre-requisite classes required for admission?

Yes, BSN-DNP applicants must have completed undergraduate courses in organic chemistry and statistics achieving a grade of B or better. Post-masters applicants, who are already CRNAs, must have completed undergraduate or graduate courses in research and statistics achieving a grade of B or better. All coursework must have been completed at fully accredited institutions in the United States.
18. What is the college tuition?

This link provides current tuition and fees for the Graduate Program in Nurse Anesthesia http://www.bcm.edu/financialaid/index.cfm?PMID=19606.
19. Is there a difference between in-state versus out-of-state tuition?

There is no difference in tuition rates for in-state vs. out-of-state students.
20. Is financial aid available?

Yes, Baylor College of Medicine offers a variety of financial aid opportunities through the Office of Student Financial Aid. Further information is available at http://www.bcm.edu/financialaid.
21. Do I need to have CCRN certification before applying?

CCRN certification is not required for admission, however it is strongly encouraged for all BSN-to-DNP applicants.
22. Will I be able to work part-time during the program?
1. We strongly discourage BSN-DNP students from seeking outside employment during the program. Students may choose to seek outside employment only if they are maintaining satisfactory academic progress.
1. During the first year, it may be possible to work 1-2 weekend shifts per month.
2. It is nearly impossible to work during the clinical phase of the program.
3. Students are strictly prohibited from working in any capacity that involves the administration of anesthesia.
2. MS-DNP students who are already CRNAs are permitted to work as their academic schedule allows.
23. If I am accepted for admission to the program, will I be required to make a deposit to hold my position?

BSN-DNP applicants that are offered a position in the program will be required to make a non-refundable $1,000 deposit to hold their position. The deposit must be received within three weeks of our offer, or the position is offered to an applicant on the alternate list. The deposit will be credited toward the student's tuition account at the time of matriculation. All deposits are non-refundable.
24. The first six months of the curriculum is offered partially online for BSN-DNP students. Are students required to reside in the Houston area during this period?

All BSN-DNP students are required to reside in the Houston area for the entire length of the program. While some coursework is offered in an online format during the first six months of the program, students are required to attend regular on-campus activities as well. MS-DNP students are not required to reside in the Houston area during the program.
25. I applied to the program last year and was not accepted. I would like to apply again this year. Can any of my application materials from the previous year be used for my new application?
    It may be possible to carry over certain documents from the previous year. Please contact the GPNA office at crna@bcm.edu or 713-798-8650 to discuss your application.