I am currently RN (ADN) working in the OR interested in becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. I've slightly researched this topic but I was wondering will I have to go back to get my BSN or are there any programs where I can go straight through? Excited to hear the responses! Thanks.

I honestly do not know. I know programs in my area require bachelor's degree prior to entry. Have you talked to any of the CRNA's you work with to see the paths they took to their degree?

No. There are currently 115 accredited CRNA programs in the United States. They all have a required BSN entry plus 1-3 years of Crit Care experience (depending on the program) and various requirements for GRE scores. There used to be a couple of bridge programs but as far as I know they've all since ceased to exist. You can look at all the programs here and do comparisons:

CRNA School Search

Moved to SRNA forum

Westminster College, Utah- RN to Nurse Anesthetist Track, starting as an ADN. Google it.

I looked at the Westminster website- the Anesthesia admission requirements include BS/BSN or other baccalaureate degree. I did not see a RN-Nurse Anesthetist Track.

I looked at the Westminster website- the Anesthesia admission requirements include BS/BSN or other baccalaureate degree. I did not see a RN-Nurse Anesthetist Track.

Please see the following:

RN to BS degree at Westminster College, Nursing degree program in Utah, RN to BS degree at Westminster College

Without ICU experience the OP would not be eligible. The RN-CRNA track includes finishing a BS degree- how is that different from doing an RN-BSN online while getting ICU experience and then the OP would be eligible to apply to any CRNA program (increasing the odds of acceptance)?

Ok thank you all for the answers!

Westminster seems like the type of program you're looking for. Since there aren't many (if any) other programs like this, you needn't limit yourself to that one program as it doesn't necessarily save you any time- though it would be nice to not have to worry about getting accepted to a CRNA program.

Having an ADN already you're path simply requires that you get into an ICU, apply to and complete an online ADN to BSN program, and apply to and gain entry to a CRNA program. You can apply to CRNA schools while you're finishing your BSN so long as you're also already working in an ICU (to meet the minimum 1 year requirement). Good luck!

They may all require a four year degree but not all schools require a BSN, in fact it's roughly 2/3 require a BSN. I am an ADN without a BSN and I just started CRNA school one month ago. However I will say that I am the only person in my class who is a BS/ADN and having a BSN will make it easier for you. So you will need to get a four year degree, probably easiest to do a RN-BSN program and you need to work in the ICU.