What is a DNP? What is a DNAP? Is there a difference between DNP vs DNAP?

What is a DNP? Many nurses are curious about this degree as they look for ways to advance their career.

If you’re considering a career in Nurse Anesthesia, you may also be wondering what a DNAP (Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice) is.

Most importantly, you may be asking– well, what’s the difference between a DNP vs a DNAP?

You are not alone! 

Today we cover what each degree means, how they impact your clinical practice as a nurse anesthetist, and whether or not your future employment – or salary – will be affected by which degree you choose. 

Read to learn about the DNP and DNAP similarities and differences, and whether your choice will affect your practice, CRNA salary or even future teaching opportunities. 

By the end, you’ll walk away with a better understanding of which degree aligns with your nursing career goals. 

Plus, don’t miss out on our free 8 Steps to CRNA Planning Guide at the end of this post! 

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What is a DNP? What is a DNAP?

Hey future CRNA! If you’ve been researching the path to becoming a Nurse Anesthetist, chances are you’ve come across the terms DNP and DNAP. 

…And if you’re scratching your head wondering what the difference is—or which one is “better”— then this post is for you! 

The world of advanced nursing degrees can feel like alphabet soup, but don’t worry—I’ve got you covered.

The DNP Degree: A Quick Overview

Before we dive into the specifics of nurse anesthesia, let’s take a step back and look at the DNP in general. DNP stands for Doctor of Nursing Practice, and it’s a terminal degree for nurses who want to advance their expertise in clinical practice, leadership, and evidence-based care.

There are actually several types of DNP programs, including:

• DNP in Nurse Practitioner (NP) Specialties – for those pursuing advanced practice as an NP.

• DNP in Nursing Leadership or Administration – for nurses interested in high-level management roles.

• DNP in Public Health or Policy – for those looking to influence healthcare systems at a broader level.

• DNP in Nurse Anesthesia (DNP-NA) – and this is where our focus is today!

Why the Shift to DNP for CRNAs?

A number of years ago, the Council on Accreditation (COA) for Nurse Anesthesia Programs decided to transition the terminal degree for CRNAs from a master’s to a doctoral level. This decision aligned with trends seen in other healthcare professions, such as physical therapy and nurse practitioners, who also moved to doctoral-level education.

By 2022, all CRNA programs were required to award a doctoral degree (DNP or DNAP) to new students. 

Programs that had not transitioned by this deadline could not admit new students but were allowed to continue educating those already enrolled in master’s programs. 

DNP vs. DNAP: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to CRNA education, you’ll see programs offering either a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP). 

Both are doctoral degrees designed to prepare you for independent anesthesia practice—but there are a few key differences.

DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) for CRNAs

• A DNP-NA program falls under the broader Doctor of Nursing Practice umbrella.

• These programs may also include a nursing-theory focus such as leadership, quality improvement, and systems-based practice courses in addition to rigorous anesthesia training.

• If you ever decide to pivot into a different nursing specialty (like administration, education, or leadership), a DNP may offer a slightly broader scope.

DNAP (Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice)

• A DNAP is exclusively focused on nurse anesthesia practice.

• These programs prioritize clinical expertise, anesthesia science, and advanced pharmacology—tailored specifically for CRNAs.

• While still considered a doctoral degree, the DNAP may not fall under the DNP title but still offers opportunities in leadership & education.

What Does This Mean for Clinical Practice?

ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! Clinical practice will be determined by the CRNA behind your name and not the degree letters.

When you graduate, your clinical practice will depend on the facility where you work. Whether you graduate with a DNP or DNAP, your scope of practice and pay will be the same as your colleagues at your facility.

Teaching and Faculty Roles: Does the Degree Matter?

If you’re considering a future in teaching, your degree choice may come into play depending on the institution:

• If you want to provide guest lectures, assist in simulation labs, or mentor students in clinicals, you can do this with any degree (Master’s, DNP, or DNAP).

• If you want to be a full-time faculty member in a CRNA program, the requirements vary by university. Schools housed within a college of nursing may require a DNP, while those in a school of medicine or allied health may accept both DNP and DNAP degrees.

• The trend is evolving, and as more CRNA programs shift to DNAP degrees, the demand for faculty members with DNAP credentials is increasing.

Which One Is Right for You?

At the end of the day, DNP vs. DNAP really comes down to personal preference and career goals. Both degrees fully prepare you to practice as a CRNA, and neither will limit your ability to sit for the National Certification Exam (NCE). Here are a few things to consider:

• If you love leadership and broad healthcare systems, a DNP might be a great fit.

• If you’re laser-focused on becoming the best anesthesia provider possible, a DNAP is just as solid.

• Check with your prospective schools—some offer only one option, while others provide both!

• Some schools now even offer a dual Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) – Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), DNP degree!

Whether you graduate with a DNP or DNAP, your scope of practice and pay will be the same as your colleagues at your facility.

Do Employers Prefer One Over the Other?

Nope! When it comes to job opportunities, employers care more about your skills, clinical experience, and board certification than whether you have a DNP or DNAP behind your name. 

Both degrees meet the doctoral requirement set by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA), which means you’re covered either way.

Final Thoughts

If you’re pursuing your dream of becoming a CRNA, the most important thing is choosing a program that aligns with your goals and learning style. 

Whether you go the DNP or DNAP route, you’ll graduate as a highly skilled anesthesia provider ready to make a real impact in healthcare.

So don’t stress too much over the letters—focus on finding the right program for YOU!

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Want to learn more about navigating CRNA school applications, interviews, and career opportunities? Join CRNA School Prep Academy for expert guidance every step of the way!

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PS- If you want more insights & motivation for your journey, be sure to keep in touch with us on social- you can find us @crnaschoolprepacademy on your favorite platforms. 

And if you haven’t yet joined us inside ICU Dreaming of Anesthesia, our FREE community for nurses considering CRNA, what are you waiting for?

Create your FREE account so you can connect with fellow nurses pursuing CRNA for support & encouragement as well as our team + CRNA Program Faculty mentors for answers and insights.

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We’ll see you inside. Cheers to your future, CRNA!

-Jenny Finnell, MSN, CRNA
Founder and CEO of CRNA School Prep Academy

Important Links

Join the Free CSPA Community! Connect with a network of Aspiring CRNAs, Nurse Anesthesia Residents, practicing CRNAs and CRNA Program Faculty Mentors here: https://www.cspaedu.com/community

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