If you're an ambitious critical care nurse in the Midwest looking to advance your career, the Oakland University CRNA program, in partnership with Corewell Health (formerly Beaumont), is likely at the top of your list. This highly-ranked Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is known for its rigorous training, extensive clinical network, and innovative use of technology, making it a premier choice for aspiring nurse anesthetists.
But gaining admission is no small feat. The Oakland University-Beaumont Graduate Program of Nurse Anesthesia (OUBGPNA) attracts a large pool of highly qualified applicants. Understanding the specific requirements, program structure, and what makes a candidate stand out is the first step toward a successful application. This guide will break down everything you need to know about the admissions process, program costs, and unique highlights of this top-tier program.
Quick Facts about the Oakland University CRNA Program (2026)
Here’s a snapshot of the key details for the Fall 2027 admission cycle:
- Location: Royal Oak, Michigan (primary site), with distance cohorts in Kalamazoo, Marquette, Petoskey, and Toledo, OH.
- Program: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Program Length: 36 months, full-time
- Tuition: Approximately $11,362 per semester. Note: This does not include significant additional costs for fees, books, insurance, and travel/lodging for clinicals. Contact the program for a full cost breakdown.
- Application Deadlines:
- Early: June 15, 2026
- Standard: December 15, 2026
- Class Size: Approximately 25-32 students
- Program Start: Fall Semester (September)
Oakland University CRNA Admission Requirements
The admissions committee at Oakland University looks for well-rounded candidates with strong academic foundations and high-quality critical care experience. Here’s what you’ll need to be considered for an interview.
- Degree: A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from a CCNE or ACEN accredited institution.
- RN Licensure: You must have a current, unrestricted RN license. While you can apply with a license from any state, a Michigan RN license is required by the time the program starts.
- GPA: Applicants must have a minimum cumulative Nursing GPA of 3.0 and a minimum science prerequisite GPA of 3.0. The average GPA for admitted students is much higher, around 3.69.
- Science Prerequisites: You must have a grade of B (3.0) or better in each of the following courses:
- Anatomy and Physiology (3 credits each, or a combined 5+ credit course)
- Pharmacology (must be a standalone 3-credit course, not embedded in another course)
- Biochemistry OR Organic Chemistry (3 credits)
- ICU Experience: A minimum of one year of full-time Intensive Care experience is required at the time of application, and you must be currently working in an ICU. The average accepted student has nearly three years of experience.
- Accepted Units: The program values experience where you routinely manage invasive hemodynamic monitors (e.g., PA catheters, arterial lines), mechanical ventilation, and vasoactive infusions. This includes SICU, CVICU, MICU, PICU, and NICU.
- Units Not Accepted: Experience from the Emergency Department, PACU, and step-down units typically does not satisfy the ICU requirement.
- Certifications: All of the following certifications are required at the time of application:
- BLS (Basic Life Support)
- ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
- PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)
- CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse)
- GRE: The GRE is not required for admission.
- Recommendations: Two satisfactory letters of recommendation are required, one of which must be from a current nurse manager or another healthcare professional in a direct supervisory role.
Program Highlights: What Sets Oakland University Apart?
Ranked 26th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for 2025, the OUBGPNA program has several key features that make it a leader in nurse anesthesia education.
- Extensive Clinical Network: The primary clinical site is Corewell Health's Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, a 1,131-bed Level I trauma center. However, the program partners with over 30 affiliate sites across Michigan and Ohio. This vast network ensures students get a wide variety of clinical experiences, from complex cardiovascular cases to rural and community-based anesthesia. Graduates average over 1,000 cases, far exceeding the minimum requirement of 650.
- Pioneering Distance Education: Oakland University was one of the first CRNA programs in the nation to offer a distance learning option. Students in cohorts based in Kalamazoo, Marquette, Petoskey, and Toledo can attend lectures via live video conferencing, reducing the need to relocate to the Royal Oak area for the didactic portion of the program.
- State-of-the-Art Simulation: Students train in the Marcia & Eugene Applebaum Simulation Learning Institute, a $4.5 million facility with mock operating rooms and high-fidelity patient simulators. This allows students to practice everything from basic skills to complex crisis management scenarios in a safe and controlled environment.
- Stellar Outcomes: The program boasts excellent outcomes, with a 96% first-time pass rate on the National Certification Exam (NCE) for the 2024 & 2025 classes and a 100% employment rate within six months of graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How competitive is the Oakland University CRNA program?
Admission is very competitive. The program receives a high volume of applications for its limited seats. Successful applicants typically have a high GPA (well above the 3.0 minimum), 2-3 years of high-acuity ICU experience, and strong recommendation letters.
What is the time commitment like? Can I work during the program?
Working as an RN is not feasible. The program is a rigorous, 36-month full-time commitment. Students can expect to spend an average of 64 hours per week in class, clinical rotations, and studying. The schedule includes off-shifts, weekends, and on-call hours, making outside employment impossible.
What kind of ICU experience is most valued?
The admissions committee looks for experience in a fast-paced, high-acuity ICU. Experience managing complex patients in a CVICU, SICU, or a large trauma/surgical ICU is highly desirable. You need to be comfortable and proficient with invasive lines, ventilators, and titrating multiple vasoactive drips.
Do I have to travel for clinicals?
Yes, all students are expected to travel. Even if you are based at a primary site like Royal Oak, you will rotate to various affiliate sites to ensure a well-rounded clinical education. The program estimates students may spend 4-6 months away from their "home base" throughout the 36 months.
The Oakland University-Beaumont CRNA program is an exceptional choice for nurses dedicated to reaching the pinnacle of their profession. Its combination of strong clinical partnerships, advanced simulation, and flexible learning options provides a powerful pathway to becoming a highly skilled and confident CRNA.
Ready to organize your application? Keep all your deadlines in one place. Track the Oakland University CRNA program deadline and more at crnatracker.com.