Does it matter if I have an AA, BS, etc to get accepted into CRNA schools?

TXCRNA · Sep 11, 2009

Most programs require a BSN, very few just BS/BA. Do an accelerated BSN. You can do in one year if you bust your hump. While getting BSN get your ICU exp...then apply. I would recommend CRNA vs AA. More job opportunity as CRNA. Just look on gaswork.com and compare the opening for CRNA vs AA-huge difference. I started out as a LVN. Went through a couple accelerated programs (LVN to RN & then ADN to BSN). Im now a happy CRNA. You wont be sorry.

kanzi monkey · Sep 12, 2009

There are some direct entry MSN programs that offer a CRNA track. The one I know of requires at least one year of critical care RN experience between the time you obtain your license and the time you begin your graduate work. You need a bachelors (BA, BS, BFA, etc) to get into the direct entry program.

paindoc · Sep 12, 2009

At this point in time, most require a BSN, but there are thousands of CRNAs practicing that have only an associate degree RN (2 years after high school) with a one year certificate program in nurse anesthesia. At one time, CRNAs were actually granted the MS degree in nurse anesthesia without having a bachelors degree and some of those are practicing today also. So becoming a "CRNA" can mean anything from 3 years total training after high school, to an associates to masters degree skipping the BS degree, or the current standard BSN (usually 4 years after high school) plus the 24-33 month CRNA training depending on the program. CRNAs with the least amount of training make just as much money as those with more than double the number of years of their training....it matters not.

markuskristian · Sep 12, 2009

Mercer requires a BSN... check their requirements again.

"Applicants are required to have a bachelor's degree in nursing"

meandragonbrett · Sep 12, 2009

Becoming a CRNA

Straight from the AANA website. A BSN is NOT required at many programs. Some programs do not offer MSNs. Many offer MSNA or a Masters of Science in Anesthesia. Some programs will accept a BS provided you've met the appropriate science courses that would be normally required for a BSN.

Moogie · Sep 12, 2009

KM is right, but I think those programs are currently few and far between. Depending on your geographical location and financial resources (or ability to get financial aid) you might want to look at an accelerated BSN program (which is also designed for applicants who have baccalaureate or higher degrees in fields other than nursing). The advantage of an accelerated BSN program is that they are much more common and you can get through in about the same time or less than an AD program. Then you could work in an intensive care setting and apply for a traditional CRNA program, which also is more common around the country.

And yet another option is to get your ADN, work in intensive care for a while, then apply to an RN to MSN program that would allow you to become a CRNA. This option can be the least expensive route to go BUT be aware that some institutions prefer to hire BSNs over ADNs. The grads sit for the same boards and yet, the BSN is starting to be seen as more desirable to management and administration, particularly in magnet hospitals.

Check out the different options in your area. But do keep in mind, if you go for an ADN, you will probably spend as much time in school as you would if you go the accelerated BSN route. An ADN is supposed to take only two academic years but some programs take much longer because of difficulty getting prerequisites, often the sciences, and enduring wait lists to get admitted. An accelerated BSN usually takes 16 to 18 calendar months---you will still need science prerequisites if you haven't had them already. The entry level master's programs last for three years (I think) but they can be very costly. A traditional MSN can be completed in two academic years full-time though some CRNA programs may take three years. RN to BSN often takes at least three years after the ADN or diploma as it includes baccalaureate-level courses you didn't get in your initial preparatory program and, again, the CRNA option MAY be longer, but I'm not sure on that.

stanman1968 · Sep 13, 2009

try again you need to be either

1. BSN for masters nurse anesthesia degree

2. A CRNA and can apply for the MHS

so if you are not already a CRNA then for texwes yes you need a BSN

Jbrock718 · Sep 14, 2009

Mercer requires a BSN... check their requirements again.
"Applicants are required to have a bachelor's degree in nursing"

:no:

I am assuming that you were responding to my post that included a link to MCCG's CRNA site.

That quote is the first sentence, however you left out the next sentence in the admissions requirements paragraph. Feel free to go back and read it again, but I am including it here, underlined for emphasis:

http://www.mccg.org/crna/admissions.asp

"Admissions Information

Degree, Licensure, and Work Experience

Applicants are required to have a bachelor's degree in nursing. Registered nurses with a bachelor's degree in another appropriate major will be considered individually."

Jbrock718 · Sep 15, 2009

try again you need to be either
1. BSN for masters nurse anesthesia degree
2. A CRNA and can apply for the MHS
so if you are not already a CRNA then for texwes yes you need a BSN

Crxtech included the link to Texas Weslyan's admission. Where do you see that it says you need a BSN for admission? I didn't see that on their website. This is what I see:

http://web3.txwes.edu/nurseanesthesia/admission.htm

"Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia (MSNA)

Applicants meeting the following criteria will be evaluated for admission to the program:

A baccalaureate degree from a fully accredited college or university"

Jdog19s · Oct 23, 2009

Since no one commented I believe on the AA part of your question, you could do that and get there much faster, as long as you don't mind that currently they always have to work under medical supervision and I believe there are only 5 or 6 states that allow them to practice..mostly at the southern end of the united states.

Jbrock718 · Oct 23, 2009

Since no one commented I believe on the AA part of your question, you could do that and get there much faster, as long as you don't mind that currently they always have to work under medical supervision and I believe there are only 5 or 6 states that allow them to practice..mostly at the southern end of the united states.

Jdog---

Taken in context from the OP: "most crna programs want their future students to work in micu for 2 years or one year. does it matter if i have an AA or BS in nursing?"

I for one read that as asking about whether or not a BSN or Associates degree IN NURSING was preferred for working in the ICU setting. But you do bring up a good point about the Anth. Assistant programs. According to their site they are in 18 states. OP Here is the link:

http://www.anesthesiaassistant.com/

Probably start a flame war by saying this but...CRNA isn't the best path to being an Anth. provider for all people. If one has a BSN then the CRNA has more flexibility and school options. Without a BSN the Anth. Assistant programs add to the options of where you can apply. Granted the difference in scope of practice needs to be investigated and determined individually to see if that is what you want versus a CRNA.

Good luck OP

loveanesthesia · Oct 28, 2009

Jdog---
Granted the difference in scope of practice needs to be investigated and determined individually to see if that is what you want versus a CRNA.
Good luck OP

Many AAs (anesthesia assistants) want to know if they can get a short cut to become a CRNA, never heard of a CRNA wanting to become an AA. As for the 18 states, many of those states are very limited, as in AAs can only practice in a single hospital in the state.

The OP was asking about a ADN vs a BSN, associate degree in nursing. An ADN is not a bad way to go, once you are an RN then you can start getting your experience while working on the BS degree. Not all programs require a BS in nursing, but all require a BS.