California CRNA Education

May 14, 2005 03:00 AM

by Trixie36

Hello!
Before I begin, I would like to say that I have learned so much from reading these threads. I'm glad that I literally stumbled on this website.
I've been contemplating applying for CRNA school for the past year. I've been working in a Neuro-Trauma ICU for 14 years, have my BSN (3.7 GPA), CCRN, TNCC,ACLS. Since it's been 17 years, I've repeated Physiology and plan on taking Chemistry this summer, along with a PALS course.
My major deterrent has been the GRE. I'm scared beyond belief on taking a standardized test....therefore...I'm applying to Kaiser's program through CSU-Fullerton and I have an informal interview with them this upcoming Thursday.
I'm not trying to knock Kaiser's program, but do you think I'm limiting myself by not at least attempting the GRE? Does anyone know the difference between Kaiser's and USC's program? ( or any other programs?)
I should say if I do take the GRE, I would apply to Duke's and Raleigh's programs because I have family I could live with during school.
Any replies would be appreciated.
Thanks!

TraumaNurse · May 14, 2005, 08:53 AM

Welcome to the board! Don't limit your options by not taking the GRE! Pick up a Kaplan GRE prep guide, do a bunch of practice tests and then take it. You may be surprised of how well you will do. The GRE is just a small hurdle to get over to apply to school and fear and uncertainty are the wrong reasons not to at least attempt it! You will be seriously limiting your chances of getting into a program if you can only apply to a small number of schools that do not require GRE. This, of course, is just my opinion. Best of luck in whatever you decide.

gaspassah · May 14, 2005, 11:49 AM

well i attend kaiser and have some opinions on it.
the faculty is great
total tuition about 15,000 usc >30,000
length of program 24 months, usc 32 or 36 not real sure on that one.
kaiser no gre
lots of different sites=many different ways of learning anesthesia
this also involves lots of travel
pharm taught by john nagelhout, very respected in anesthesia he broadcasts his lectures to duke, sammuel merrit, detroit and maybe one more
dukes physiology instructor teles her lecture to kaiser
for me there wasnt a better school to attend, i moved from louisiana to go here.
d

bwt02 · May 15, 2005, 10:39 AM

May want to take the GRE. It would allow you to apply to more programs should you desire. You may want to also consider the Midwestern University program in AZ. It is MSA vs MSN. Front loaded, school of health sciences only, tuition 22,500, cheap to live out here, fantastic faculty, clinicals are in very large tertiary centers and also very small rural/indian reservations, no GRE req, newer program.

Originally Posted by Trixie36

Hello!

Before I begin, I would like to say that I have learned so much from reading these threads. I'm glad that I literally stumbled on this website.
I've been contemplating applying for CRNA school for the past year. I've been working in a Neuro-Trauma ICU for 14 years, have my BSN (3.7 GPA), CCRN, TNCC,ACLS. Since it's been 17 years, I've repeated Physiology and plan on taking Chemistry this summer, along with a PALS course.
My major deterrent has been the GRE. I'm scared beyond belief on taking a standardized test....therefore...I'm applying to Kaiser's program through CSU-Fullerton and I have an informal interview with them this upcoming Thursday.
I'm not trying to knock Kaiser's program, but do you think I'm limiting myself by not at least attempting the GRE? Does anyone know the difference between Kaiser's and USC's program? ( or any other programs?)
I should say if I do take the GRE, I would apply to Duke's and Raleigh's programs because I have family I could live with during school.
Any replies would be appreciated.
Thanks!

catcolalex · May 15, 2005, 05:45 PM

I also attend Kaiser and would not even consider going anywhere else. excellent instructors and various clinical sites. The GRE is necessary to apply to most places but has nothing to do with health care knowledge at all. In my opinion it is useless in determining the success of a CRNA student. Kaiser students are well respected all over the country upon graduation. And, the cheapest tuition in the country to my knowledge.

Trixie36 · May 15, 2005, 10:39 PM

Thank you all for responding!
I am looking forward to the informal couseling session this Thursday.
I will keep this board informed during the application period... I'm sure I'll have alot more questions once I get the ball rolling!!
Thanks again!
Allison

LNsrna · May 16, 2005, 12:46 AM

Take the GRE

I, like you, dreaded the GRE. Because of this, I only applied to Kaiser last year. Unfortunately, I wasn't accepted into their program. I can tell that I was pretty devastated. Because of my dread of the GRE, I was not to be in the class of 2006. After some soul searching, I decided that limiting myself in this way was not productive. I have been listening in on this forum for some time and if I've learned anything, it's that becoming a CRNA is very challenging. The GRE is but a small challenge when compared to getting through CRNA school. My advice to everyone out there is to not limit yourself in anyway. Getting into CRNA school is extremely competitive. If you're passionate about becoming a CRNA, you need to do everything you can in order to improve your odds. If you feel you're weak at GRE, do what ever it takes to improve it. In the end, it's about improving your odds. By not taking the GRE, I believe you’re decreasing your odds of getting accepted dramatically.

As for me, I'm proud to say that I'm a member of TCU's class of 2007 and it wouldn’t be possible without the GRE. Do the work necessary to accomplish your dreams.

Good luck.

gaslinq · May 16, 2005, 04:19 AM

Don't be afraid of the GRE

I took the GRE last year 21 years out of college and scored 1200. There's nothing to be afraid of. Unfortunately, I couldn't get into CRNA school due to some technicalities despite my extensive experience and high GPA/ GRE but I'll keep trying. Don't give up.

kabarnes · May 16, 2005, 11:43 AM

LNsrna well put statement about the GRE. I have been "listening in" on this board for awhile and I too am very scared by the GRE. I have never been very good at standardized tests. However, like you said, this is a small hurdle and it is best not to limit your options of CRNA programs. Your words were very inspiring to me. I hope to start anesthesia school in 2007. Congrats on being accepted to TCU.

LNsrna · May 16, 2005, 12:18 PM

By the way, I used Kaplin private tutoring. Very expensive but a good investment. Kaplin has many options for prep. I recommend you look into these options. Also, don't wait to the last moment to prepare. Need to start preparation NOW! September applications are just around the corner and you have alot of work before you.

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California CRNA Education

California CRNA Education

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