Introduction

The Entry Level Program at the Nurse Anesthesia Program of Hartford (NAPH) is a full-time, 36-month-long practice doctoral program that enables critical care registered nurses to become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). 

The Conducting Organization is Integrated Anesthesia Associates, a large, private corporation of anesthesiologists. IAA provides the clinical faculty, which is composed of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and Board-Certified Anesthesiologists. We have an Academic Affiliation Agreement with Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) to grant the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) degree. 

CCSU is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The Nurse Anesthesia Program of Hartford is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) to offer the DNAP degree. Our first DNAP entry-to-practice cohort graduated in May 2020.

Initial applications for the Entry Level Program are submitted to the Director of the Nurse Anesthesia Program of Hartford. All official transcripts are reviewed internally and forwarded to the Graduate Office at CCSU for final approval.

NOTE: Early Decision is available to CT residents who have a cumulative GPA > 3.5, meet all program eligibility requirements program requirements for Entry Level, and submit a completed application by June 1st. Early Decision candidates granted an interview will be notified prior to September 1. Completed applications received by September 1st of each year will be considered for an interview. 

Interviews are conducted in the fall and granted to individuals who meet all program requirements for Entry Level by the application deadline. Acceptance decisions are usually made in November. A class of 20 will be accepted to begin at the university the following May.

The Entry Level Program is partially front-loaded with a full year of didactic foundational sciences courses at the University, followed by the 2-year clinical phase offered at Hartford Hospital, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center Surgery Center, St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Midstate Medical Center, and the Hospital of Central Connecticut. We anticipate that the average student will perform 800 cases and 3000 clinical hours. Anesthesia-related courses and doctoral coursework are taught throughout the clinical phase (see DNAP Course Sequence — Entry Level). There are scheduled clinical conferences and meetings throughout the program, including various Saturdays.

Due to the sequential nature of the program, transfer credit or advanced standing is not permitted.