The Delaware Nurse Anesthesiology Program (DNAP), a ChristianaCare and Wilmington University collaboration supported by Anesthesia Services, P.A., has earned initial accreditation from the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, paving the way for Delaware’s first Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Nurse Anesthesiology.  

This first-in-state DNP in Nurse Anesthesiology will advance practice-ready clinicians and strengthen the anesthesia workforce across Delaware, with the inaugural cohort beginning in January 2026.  

Accredited Nurse Anesthesiology Program 

The program is a 36-month, full-time, immersive doctoral curriculum that prepares experienced critical care nurses to become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs).   

Combining online and in-person coursework, cutting-edge high-fidelity simulation, virtual simulation, and more than 2,000 hours of clinical experience in high-acuity settings, the DNAP equips graduates to apply evidence-based practices, drive innovation and improve patient outcomes across operating rooms, procedural suites and all care environments where anesthesia services are needed. Graduates will be eligible upon completion to take the National Certification Exam to become CRNAs.   

Meeting a Critical Workforce Need 

Delaware, like much of the nation, faces a pressing growing shortage of anesthesia professionals. According to the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, the demand for CRNAs is expected to rise significantly over the next decade as surgical and procedural volumes continue to increase and the population ages.   

“The DNAP strengthens our regional health care workforce by training highly skilled anesthesia professionals right here in Delaware,” says Nurse Anesthesiology Program Director and Associate Professor Dr. Jacqueline Mainwaring. “Our graduates will play a vital role in expanding access to safe, high-quality anesthesia care across diverse communities.”   

Collaboration for Delaware’s Future 

The program reflects a strong partnership among higher education and health care organizations united to improve patient outcomes and advance professional education. Clinical partners for the DNAP include ChristianaCare, Nemours, Bayhealth, Beebe and TidalHealth Peninsula Regional, underscoring substantive, real-world clinical collaboration.  

“This collaboration exemplifies how academic institutions and clinical partners can come together to meet community and workforce needs,” says Dr. Mainwaring. “Our shared mission is to provide exceptional, practice-ready CRNAs who are equipped to lead, innovate and advocate for quality anesthesia care.”     

Accreditation Statement    
The Delaware Nurse Anesthesiology Program, a collaboration between ChristianaCare and Wilmington University, is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA), 10275 W. Higgins Rd. Suite 906, Rosemont, IL 60018-5603; (224) 275-9130.