FSU PC DOCTORAL GRADS EARN 100% PASS RATE ON CRNA EXAM

The 2026 graduates of FSU Panama City’s first doctoral program, Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP), scored a 100-percent passing rate on the National Certification Examination to become certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs).

“This is a testament to all the hard work and commitment our students put into the program,” said Stacey VanDyke, DNP, program administrator. “Many were trailblazing new clinical sites, representing the program well, and are more than ready to enter the workforce as independent practitioners.”

VanDyke pointed out that 80 percent of the graduates were offered full-time positions at their clinical sites.

“I am thankful to all our clinical partners for allowing our students to train well at their sites and creating an environment that made them want to continue there,” VanDyke said.

Each year, DNAP accepts 32 to 36 students into the program, or about 10 percent of applicants. As part of the College of Applied Studies at FSU Panama City, the rigorous 36-month program includes clinical experience at one of more than 40 participating hospitals and surgical centers across the southeast to prepare registered nurses to become CRNAs.

Over the past three years, this cohort of DNAP students completed more than 34,000 anesthetics, accumulated 86,000 clinical hours, and managed 1,100 clinical cases each—which is nearly double the program requirements. They each undertook a scholarly inquiry project as well, all while navigating a demanding graduate curriculum.

And they did so while life went on. One graduate in this cohort became a mother and two became fathers while completing the program. One served on the board of the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Programs, and another was student president of the Florida Association of Resident Registered Nurse Anesthetists. One student even went on a voluntary mission trip during the program.

“I’m proud to call them colleagues,” VanDyke said.

For more information on the DNAP program, visit PC.FSU.edu/nap.