Introduction
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a concentration in Nurse Anesthesia, in partnership with Erlanger Health System. This program provides a robust education for nurses aspiring to become CRNAs, combining the strengths of a major university with a large, high-acuity medical center.
About the School
The UTC School of Nursing is well-regarded for its quality programs and its commitment to meeting the healthcare needs of the region. The CRNA program benefits from this strong academic foundation and a dedicated clinical partner in Erlanger.
Quick Facts
- Program Type: DNP (Nurse Anesthesia Concentration)
- Program Length: 36 months (full-time)
- Tuition (In-state): Approximately $85,000
- Tuition (Out-of-state): Approximately $160,000 (Contact program for details)
- Application Deadline: Typically July 1st
- GRE Requirement: Not required
Admission Requirements
- Degree: A BSN from a fully accredited university.
- GPA: A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- RN License: A current, unencumbered RN license. A Tennessee license is required upon matriculation.
- Critical Care Experience: At least one year of current, full-time adult critical care nursing experience. Two or more years are preferred.
- Certifications: BLS, ACLS, and PALS certification are required. CCRN is preferred but not required.
- Shadowing: A CRNA shadowing experience is required.
Program Highlights
The partnership with Erlanger Health System, the region's only Level I trauma center, is a cornerstone of the UTC program. Students are immersed in a complex clinical environment from the start, gaining experience in a wide variety of surgical specialties. The program is front-loaded, with the first year focused on didactic DNP and anesthesia coursework before students begin full-time clinical rotations.
FAQs
- What kind of ICU experience is best for UTC? Experience in a large, busy ICU (Surgical, Medical, Cardiac, Neuro) is ideal. Applicants should be proficient with managing ventilators, invasive monitors, and vasopressor infusions.
- Is the CCRN required to apply? No, it is not required, but it is highly recommended and will strengthen your application.
- Do I need a Tennessee RN license to apply? You can apply with any valid RN license, but you must obtain a Tennessee RN license before starting the program.
- Are there rotations outside of the main hospital? Yes, students rotate to several clinical sites in the Chattanooga area to gain experience in different settings, including rural and outpatient environments.
- How can I keep track of the application deadline? To track the University of Tennessee CRNA program's application deadline and get email reminders, head over to crnatracker.com.
Track UT's deadline at crnatracker.com