Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the program?
Answer: 36 months or 9 semesters.
How often do you start a new class?
Answer: Annually in May.
How many applicants are given the opportunity to interview?
Answer: 35-45.
How many students do you accept?
Answer: Up to 20 students are accepted, we also have 5 alternates.
Can I work during the program?
Answer: We do not recommend working during the program, although, the first year of the program is heavily didactic. The average weekly time commitment may be 60 hours or greater per week.
What type of ICU experience is best?
Answer: Critical care experience provides applicants with experience in interpretation of invasive monitors, titration of vasoactive infusions, management of ventilated patients, and care of acutely ill patients.
What is the average years of critical care experience of those accepted into the program?
Answer: 3-5 years.
How much RN work experience is required?
Answer: We require 1 full year of adult critical care experience in a US or Federal hospital in the last 3 years.
Is there a part time study option?
Answer: No.
Can I apply if I am an associate degree nurse and still completing my BSN?
Answer: Yes, as long as you will finish your BSN by the end of the summer term in the year of your application deadline. You should include an additional note in your application regarding your expected BSN completion date. You must also update your transcript demonstrating completion of the BSN degree by the application deadline.
Where will students do clinicals?
Answer: Clinical rotations take place at St Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown, Ohio; St Elizabeth Health Center Boardman in Boardman, Ohio; St Joseph Health Center in Warren, Ohio; The Howland Surgical Center in Howland, Ohio; Akron Children’s Hospital of Mahoning Valley in Boardman, Ohio; and Edgewood Surgical Hospital, Transfer, PA.
Is there financial aid available?
Answer: Yes. Financial Aid is administered through Youngstown State University. There are also graduate school loans through private lenders and various scholarship and grant opportunities.
Do you have any estimate on cost for the program?
Answer: Please click here for an estimate on costs for the program. Please understand that this is just an estimate and costs may vary.
When do you usually conduct interviews?
Answer: In the summer of the year prior to the start date (example, interviews in the summer of 2022 are for the class starting in May of 2023).
Do you accept any graduate transfer credit?
Answer: Graduate transfer credits are determined by Youngstown State University College of Graduate Studies (our academic affiliate), in most cases, you can transfer a maximum of 9 credit hours.
Does the program offer an in-program review for the certification exam?
Answer: Yes, there is an in-program review course in the final semester of the DNP program, with a practice certification exam and practice tests in the final year of the program. Students are now required to pass the Self Evaluation Exam during the program with a minimum score to help identify areas of weakness and assist in preperation for the NCE. The class of 2022 was the final MSN cohort and did not receive the new in-program review. First time test takers pass rates for the final MSN cohort in 2022 were 45%. Attrition rate for the program is 0%. Graduate employment rate within 6 months after graduation is 100%.
Where should I apply first: SEHC School for Nurse Anesthetists, Inc. or Youngstown State University?
Answer: For the YSU Nurse Anesthetist option, you should apply, interview and be accepted at SEHC School for Nurse Anesthetists, Inc. first before you apply to Youngstown State University. Only students who are applying for other graduate nursing options should apply to YSU as well.