Located in the heart of Baltimore, the University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) offers a highly respected Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with a specialty in Nurse Anesthesia. This program is designed for experienced and dedicated ICU nurses who are ready to take the next step in their careers. With a strong emphasis on clinical experience and a direct BSN-to-DNP pathway, UMSON is a top choice for applicants seeking a comprehensive education in a major academic medical environment.
Getting into this competitive program requires a clear understanding of their specific, and quite strict, admission requirements. This guide will provide you with all the details you need to prepare a successful application for the 2026 cycle.
University of Maryland CRNA Program: Quick Facts for 2026
Here are the key facts for the UMSON DNP-NA program.
- Location: Baltimore, Maryland
- Program: BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Nurse Anesthesia
- Program Length: 36 months, full-time
- Application Deadline: July 1st
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Minimum Experience: Two years of continuous ICU experience at time of application.
- Class Size: Approximately 30 students
University of Maryland CRNA Admission Requirements
The UMSON admissions committee has high expectations, particularly when it comes to the depth and quality of your clinical experience.
- Degree: A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited university is required.
- ICU Experience: This is a critical component of your application.
- A minimum of two years of continuous, full-time acute care nursing experience is required at the time of application.
- The average work experience of accepted applicants is five years. This indicates a strong preference for deeply experienced candidates.
- Preferred Units: Experience in large, busy surgical or cardiothoracic intensive care units is highly preferred.
- Excluded Units: The program is very clear that nursing experience in the ER, OR, PACU, step-down, or telemetry units does not meet this requirement.
- GPA: A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required.
- Certifications: While not explicitly listed on the main page, BLS, ACLS, and PALS are standard requirements for all CRNA programs. CCRN certification is highly recommended to be competitive.
- GRE: The GRE is not required for admission.
- Shadowing: The program highly recommends that you spend several hours shadowing a CRNA in your current workplace to gain a better understanding of the role.
- Essay: Applicants must submit a concise essay (max 350 words) that details their motivation for becoming a CRNA and their future career plans.
Program Highlights at the University of Maryland
UMSON's program leverages its position within the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) to provide a rich learning experience.
- Tier-1 Research University: Students learn in an environment of cutting-edge research and innovation.
- Shock Trauma Center: UMMC is home to the world-renowned R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, giving students unparalleled experience in trauma and critical care anesthesia.
- Comprehensive Clinical Training: The clinical phase of the program begins in the second year and is a full-time commitment, requiring 40-50 hours per week at UMMC and other affiliated sites.
- Supportive Interview Process: The on-campus interview day is designed to be comprehensive, allowing applicants to interact with faculty and current students and tour the high-fidelity simulation labs.
Application Timeline for a Summer/Fall Start
UMSON has a clear application window for its cohort.
- Application Opens: Typically in the Spring.
- June 1: Recommended submission date. Submitting your online application by this date is strongly encouraged.
- July 1: Firm application deadline. All application materials must be submitted and received by this date.
- Summer/Fall: The admissions committee invites selected applicants for on-campus interviews.
- Fall: Admission decisions are released.
- Summer (Following Year): The program begins.
University of Maryland CRNA Program: Frequently Asked Questions
1. How firm is the 2-year ICU experience requirement? It is a firm, non-negotiable requirement. You must have two full years of continuous, full-time experience at the time you submit your application.
2. The average experience is 5 years. Am I competitive with only 2 years? You meet the minimum requirement, but to be truly competitive, you will need to be exceptional in other areas of your application, such as having a very high GPA, outstanding letters of recommendation, and a compelling essay.
3. Is it worth taking extra graduate-level courses to strengthen my application? The program suggests that taking graduate-level courses in physiology, pharmacology, or research can be helpful. While not required, it can demonstrate your ability to handle graduate-level coursework, especially if your undergraduate GPA is on the lower end of the competitive range.
4. Can I work during the program? No. UMSON describes the program as rigorous and demanding. The first year involves a full-time course load of graduate credits, and the final two years require 40-50 hours per week in clinicals.
Chart Your Course for Maryland
The University of Maryland School of Nursing offers a premier DNP-NA program for the experienced and dedicated ICU nurse. The high standards for clinical experience mean that applicants must be well-prepared and plan their careers accordingly to be competitive.
With a firm July 1st deadline, it's crucial to stay organized. Use CRNA Tracker to manage your application for the University of Maryland and ensure you present your strongest self to the admissions committee. Sign up for your free account at crnatracker.com today!