Program Overview
The Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia at Medical University of South Carolina is a rigorous postgraduate programme delivered on-campus at Medical University of South Carolina. Designed for graduates and professionals seeking advanced expertise in interdisciplinary studies, the programme develops both theoretical foundations and applied skills essential for today's competitive environment.
Spanning 24 months, students engage with cutting-edge research, industry-relevant case studies, and practical projects. Instruction is delivered in English by research-active faculty with professional expertise.
The programme culminates in a dissertation or capstone project. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles, research careers, and doctoral study in interdisciplinary studies.
Key Program Features
- Immersive On-Campus Experience: In-person seminars, laboratory sessions, and professional networking at Medical University of South Carolina.
- Expert Faculty: Taught by research-active academics and practitioners with deep expertise in Interdisciplinary Studies.
- Diverse International Cohort: Study alongside students from around the world, broadening your global professional network.
- Research-Informed Curriculum: Content grounded in the latest academic research and real-world industry practice.
- Dissertation / Capstone Project: Culminating independent project applying your expertise to an original research question or industry challenge.
- Dedicated Career Support: Access to career coaching, employer networking events, and job placement assistance.
- 24 months Duration: Part-time and accelerated options may be available — enquire with the admissions office.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Nurse Anesthesia programme at Medical University of South Carolina develop the advanced knowledge, analytical skills, and professional networks that leading employers in interdisciplinary studies value. Common career destinations include:
- Leadership / Management Role: Apply advanced knowledge in leadership positions across industries.
- Research & Academia: Pursue doctoral studies or an independent research career.
- Consulting: Provide specialist expert advice to organisations in the field.
- Policy & Government: Shape public policy and sectoral regulation.
- Entrepreneurship: Launch innovative ventures leveraging deep specialist expertise.
Graduates have secured roles at multinational corporations, government agencies, research institutions, NGOs, and high-growth startups. Many also progress to doctoral (PhD) programmes.
Program Curriculum
Curriculum
The Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice - Post-Baccalaureate curriculum consists of 118 credits and is designed to be completed in nine semesters. Below is the standard plan of study outlining the structured progression of coursework as you advance through the program.
Year 1, Summer
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
| AFN820 | Information Systems | 3 |
| AFN823 | Research Methods for Nurse Anest | 3 |
| AFN815 | Prof Issues Seminar | 1 |
| AFN817 | Chemistry and Physics of Anest | 2 |
| AFN811 | Principles of Evidence-based Practice | 3 |
| Semester Total | 12 |
Year 1, Fall
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
| AFN819 | Human Anatomy for Nurse Anes | 5 |
| AFN821 | Adv Health and Phys Assessment | 3 |
| AFN800 | DNAP Seminar I | 2 |
| AFN825 | Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology | 5 |
| Semester Total | 15 |
Year 1, Spring
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
| AFN871 | Managing Change in Healthcare | 3 |
| AFN826 | Anesthesia Principles I | 3 |
| AFN831 | Clinical Simulation I | 2 |
| AFN802 | DNAP Seminar II | 2 |
| AFN861 | Foundations in Leadership | 3 |
| AFN835 | Advanced Pharmacology I | 3 |
| Semester Total | 16 |
Year 2, Summer
Admission Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Possess a nursing degree of the baccalaureate-level or higher from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S. by the time of enrollment.
- Possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale. The cumulative GPA includes all college coursework taken at any degree level, including BSN and non-BSN coursework.
- Have taken the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) within the last five (5) years. A GRE is required for all applicants who have a cumulative GPA below 3.6. The GRE is waived for individuals who hold a master's or higher-level degree in any subject from a regionally accredited institution.
- Hold an unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license in the U.S.
- Have nursing experience in the critical care setting.
- Possess effective communication skills.
- Provide leadership and function as part of a health care team.
- Hold active certifications in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) at the time of application. Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) is preferred if working in an appropriate setting. All matriculated students will take ACLS, BLS and PALS as a cohort during their first and third years.
- Have a minimum of one year of nursing experience in a critical care setting (e.g., CCU, ICU, MICU, NICU, PICU, SICU) at the time of application.
- Have shadowed a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) at the time of application. If assistance is needed, applicants may use the MUSC AFN Program CRNA Shadowing Resource .
The required prerequisite coursework at a regionally accredited institution does not have to be completed to apply but must be completed prior to matriculation. In-person and online courses are accepted.
Clinical & Cognitive Skills
Applicants must be able to perform the essential functions or tasks of an anesthetist using the following abilities:
Sensory
- Discriminate variations in human responses to disease using visual, auditory, tactile and other sensory clues.
- Discriminate changes in monitoring devices and alarms using visual and auditory senses.
- Communicate clearly and effectively in English through oral and written methods in order to interact with other health care providers and patients of all ages.
Motor
- Coordinate gross and fine motor movements and the senses of touch and vision required to safely provide all aspects of general, regional and monitored anesthesia care (MAC) and handle multiple patient needs.
- Perform tasks such as insertion of intravascular and intra-arterial access lines, administration of regional anesthetics, performance of airway management and timely response to in-house emergencies.
- Demonstrate sufficient physical strength to perform airway management and move or position patients and equipment.
- Possess sufficient stamina to stand or sit for prolonged periods.
- Safely maneuver the operating room and anesthetizing locations.
- Respond appropriately to alarms and changes in patient conditions requiring physical interventions.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
USD 10,955/year (international)
Tuition & Fees
Tuition and fees listed below are per semester unless otherwise noted.
| Fee Type | Fee |
| Application Fee (per application) | $100 |
| Matriculation Fee (upon applicant acceptance) | $500 |
Full-Time
| Tuition/Fee Type | Fall | Spring | Summer | Annual |
| In-State Tuition | $7,724 | $7,724 | $7,724 | - |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $13,597 | $13,597 | $13,597 | - |
| Program Fee | $1,600 | $1,600 | $1,600 | - |
Part-Time
| Tuition/Fee Type | Fall | Spring | Summer | Annual |
| In-State Tuition (per credit hour) | $888 | $888 | $888 | - |
| Out-of-State Tuition (per credit hour) | $915 | $915 | $915 | - |
| Part-Time Student Fee | $861 | $861 | $861 | - |
| Program Fee | $1,600 | $1,600 | $1,600 | - |
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Funding your path forward
Explore financial guidance, scholarship opportunities and cost transparency to support your journey in the Anesthesia for Nurses DNAP-PB program.
Tuition & Fees Cost of Attendance Scholarships & Aid
Tuition & Fees Tuition and fees listed below are per semester unless otherwise noted. Fee Type Fee Application Fee (per application) $100 Matriculation Fee (upon applicant acceptance) $500 Full-Time Tuition/Fee Type Fall Spring Summer Annual In-State Tuition $7,724 $7,724 $7,724 - Out-of-State Tuition $13,597 $13,597 $13,597 - Program Fee $1,600 $1,600 $1,600 - Part-Time Tuition/Fee Type Fall Spring Summer Annual In-State Tuition (per credit hour) $888 $888 $888 - Out-of-State Tuition (per credit hour) $915 $915 $915 - Part-Time Student Fee $861 $861 $861 - Program Fee $1,600 $1,600 $1,600 - Cost of Attendance Item Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Est. Total Direct Costs In-State Tuition $23,172 $23,172 $23,172 $69,516 Out-of-State Tuition $39,791 $39,791 $39,791 $119,373 Fees $4,800 $4,800 $4,800 $14,400 Health Insurance $4,591 $3,780 $3,780 $12,151 In-State Total Direct Costs $32,563 $31,752 $31,752 $96,067 Out-of-State Total Direct Costs $49,182 $48,371 $48,371 $145,924 Indirect Costs Housing/Food $27,144 $27,144 $27,144 $81,432 Personal $2,880 $2,880 $2,880 $8,640 Transportation $3,240 $3,240 $3,240 $9,720 Books/Required Expenses $5,010 $9,610 $9,535 $24,155 Total Indirect Costs $38,274 $42,874 $42,799 $123,947 In-State Total Costs $70,837 $74,626 $74,551 $220,014 Out-of-State Total Costs $87,456 $91,245 $91,170 $269,871 Disclaimer : The Estimated Total listed above reflects an approximation of educational costs for planning purposes only. Actual expenses may vary based on individual circumstances, program requirements and annual changes in tuition, fees and other charges. The Medical University of South Carolina reserves the right to adjust tuition, fees and other charges at any time without prior notice. Scholarships MUSC offers scholarships for which you may be eligible. Some are awarded based on academic achievement; others are awarded based on community service, for example. However, the majority of scholarships awarded at MUSC are based on financial need. This means that these scholarships are only awarded to students who need some financial assistance to cover the cost of tuition and fees. If you would like to be considered for a financial need-based scholarship, you must have an up-to-date Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. Make sure you list the Medical University of South Carolina on your FAFSA form, along with MUSC's code: 003438 . We encourage you to submit your FAFSA as early as possible. It is recommended to submit your FAFSA in January if you plan to enroll in the fall. View scholarship opportunities
About Medical University of South Carolina
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States
Medical University of South Carolina is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen...
University Profile- Start Date 2018-08-20
- Language English
- Duration 24 months
- Credits 120 ECTS / 360 credits (2-year programme)