Drexel University
Quick Links
Search

Admissions

Nurse Anesthesia Department

On September 15, 2012 the Nurse Anesthesia Department transitioned to an application deadline.  The deadline to submit an application for the January 2015 cohort is April 15, 2013. The Nurse Anesthesia Program receives approximately 130 complete applications per year and accepts 20 students per class.

An on-campus interview is required for admission and will be held after the application deadline.  Selection of qualified candidates for interview is based upon meeting the admissions criteria as well as the quality of the application materials. Therefore every applicant who meets the admission criteria is not offered an interview. Download the Nurse Anesthesia admissions criteria. (PDF)

Selected candidates who complete the personal interview with the program’s admissions committee will be notified of the committee's decision approximately four weeks after the interview. Candidates who accept the offer of admission will receive a part-time plan of study outlining the M.S.N. core courses to complete online prior to beginning the program full-time. 

Accepted candidates can request a deferral of admission for one year prior to their full-time start date. A request of deferral is granted only once and must be made in writing to the Chair of the Nurse Anesthesia Program.

Criteria

MSN

Post-Master's Certificate

GPA

A minimum 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in both BSN and general science coursework.

A minimum 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in both BSN and general science coursework.

GRE/MAT scores

Acceptable GRE/MAT scores required and taken within five years of application. Waived for GPA 3.5 or higher and science GPA > 3.25.

Not required.

Transcripts

Official transcripts from all previous educational institutions required.

Official transcripts from all previous educational institutions required.

References

Three references required from the following who can attest to applicant's clinical knowledge, skill, and potential aptitude for graduate study:

  • Nurse manager,
  • Physician, or clinical supervisor,
  • Clinical Educator, or professor.

References will not be accepted from colleagues or family members.

Three references required from the following who can attest to applicant's clinical knowledge, skill, and potential aptitude for graduate study:

  • Nurse manager,
  • Physician, or clinical supervisor,
  • Clinical Educator, or professor.

References will not be accepted from colleagues or family members.

Curriculum vitae

Required.

Required.

Personal statement

Describe past professional and educational accomplishments and future goals for graduate nurse anesthesia education.

Describe past professional and educational accomplishments and future goals for graduate nurse anesthesia education.

Previous work experience

A minimum of two years recent full-time critical care experience where the registered professional nurse manages invasive hemodynamic monitors (such as pulmonary artery catheter; CVP; arterial), cardiac assist devices, mechanical ventilation, and vasoactive drips (such as norepinephrine, epinephrine; dobutamine; nicardipine; nitroglycerine). Preferred areas include: SICU (Surgical Intensive Care), MICU (Medical Intensive Care), CVICU (Cardiovascular Intensive Care), Coronary Intensive Care, PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit) and a Level I Emergency/Trauma Unit are also acceptable. Other areas may be considered provided competence can be demonstrated with invasive monitoring, ventilators, and critical care pharmacology.

A minimum of two years recent full-time critical care experience where the registered professional nurse manages invasive hemodynamic monitors (such as pulmonary artery catheter; CVP; arterial), cardiac assist devices, mechanical ventilation, and vasoactive drips (such as norepinephrine, epinephrine; dobutamine; nicardipine; nitroglycerine). Preferred areas include: SICU (Surgical Intensive Care), MICU (Medical Intensive Care), CVICU (Cardiovascular Intensive Care), Coronary Intensive Care, PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit) and a Level I Emergency/Trauma Unit are also acceptable. Other areas may be considered provided competence can be demonstrated with invasive monitoring, ventilators, and critical care pharmacology.

Interview

Required.

Required.

Licensure

Unencumbered licensed or eligibility for licensure as a registered nurse in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.

Unencumbered licensed or eligibility for licensure as a registered nurse in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.

Early Assurance Program

Current Drexel University undergraduate nursing students who demonstrate an exceptional academic and clinical aptitude and are interested in pursuing a career in nurse anesthesia may apply for the Early Assurance Program.

B.S.N.-to-M.S.N. Early Acceptance Assurance Program Criteria

Criteria

NURSE ANESTHESIA

Admission

ACE: After third quarter.
Co-op: After third year, summer quarter at earliest.

GPA

ACE: GPA of 3.5 and/or top 30 percent of class. Science GPA of 3.25.
Co-op: GPA of 3.5 and/or top 30 percent of class. Science GPA of 3.25.

GRE/MAT

Waived.

Curriculum vitae

Required.

Personal statement

Describe educational accomplishments and future goals for graduate nurse anesthesia education.

Interview

Required with Nurse Anesthesia Admissions Committee.

References

ACE: Admission contingent on satisfactory review of three or four acute care clinical evaluations and two faculty references.
Co-op: Admission contingent on satisfactory review of three or four acute care clinical evaluations and two faculty references.

R.N. license

Students must graduate with B.S.N. and pass NCLEX.

Work experience

Minimum two years' full-time critical care experience. Upon completions of 18 months of experience, candidates must submit two references from individuals such as a nurse manager or a clinical supervisor who can attest to clinical and professional abilities. References from colleagues or family members are not accepted.