[shirleyTX]

Hello,
The moment I decided I wanted to become a nurse I knew I wanted to go all the way and get my Masters. I start the BSN program in Aug. 2003. My question is about the required work experience to get into a CRNA program. I know most schools require 1 yr ICU, I thought I would work for 2yrs at a Level I trama SICU and then apply. Is it possible to get in and be prepared with 2yrs experience? Or if I did get in, would I be lost because not enough experience. I emailed the school I want to get into once I apply to CRNA school and they emailed me back and just stated 1yr was required. I just wanted to know the real scoop on experience and have a better idea once I'm there. Thanx for any advice.

[charles-thor]

Well I certainly can't speak for every program, but I can tell you I got into 3 of the 4 schools that I interviewed with. I too had 2 years under my belt at one of the nations' leading teaching hospitals. The last school, however, said I didn't have enough experience, however everyone I interviewed with was in thier 30s with many years of experience. Provided you have steller grades, GRE, recommendations, ect, you should do fine. Best of luck!

[shirleyTX]

Thanx for the advice, it is greatly appreciated..

[szoozoo]

I heard that one girl was accepted to the Acron University program straight after graduation from BSN program! Of course, she had 4.0 gpa and is really smart...

[SCHMEGGA]

We have several in our program (~5) that had less or right at one year experience when they applied, but they are all exceptional students. It can be done.

[shirleyTX]

I've really read up on becoming a CRNA and the program I'm looking towards when I final do apply already states on there website that it is VERY rare that someone with 1 CC experience will be admitted into the program so I'm not worried about it. I don't won't to rush and be underprepared if I were to get in. My first year I plan on focusing getting all the certifications (PALS<ACL<CCRN), second year retake chem 1 &2 even though I made a C in chem1 and an A in intro to Organic & Biological. Then once I get those classes out of the way, I think I"ll feel more stronger when I apply and show I've been preparing myself for the program. I think my GPA is competitive 3.68 but could be better,sciences 3.2 which needs to be higher also so thanks for the hope and appreciate your comments.

[SCHMEGGA]

Hey shirleyTX,

Your GPA is fantastic for a program. I wouldn't worry a bit about that! We have at least one new admission coming in this next year who has a 2.8 GPA. THere is much more to being admitted than just a GPA. Experience and interview are also very important, with no true emphasis on any one department. You need to be well rounded. You look as if you are doing everything right to get in. I have no doubt that you are an optimal candidate. You already show the enthusiasm and desire needed to make it though the program. Keep on your track and maybe we will work together some day.

[Brenna's Dad]

The AANA certification requires that enrolling students have a least a year of CC experience.

[shirleyTX]

Schmegga, are you attended school now or in the Fall? I hope maybe you find time to add to the forum any interesting pointers for us wantabe's cause I'm sure I'm not the only one that would appreciate it. Thanx again for the wonderful advice and support.
Shirley

[CRNA, DNSc]

I need to clarify the previous post on AANA requirement.

1)The body that governs the accreditation of nurse anesthesia programs is the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Edcuational Programs. It is an autonomus body from the AANA.

2)The requirement actually states that a program is required to enroll only students who have at least 1 year of experience as a registered professional nurse during which they have had the opportunity to develop as independant decision makers, demonstrate pyschomotor skills, and dispaly the ability to use advanced monitoring techniques, based on knowledge of physiological and pharmacological principles.

3)Programs may indicate what types of experiences or which unit experiences they will accept or set a requirement of more than 1 year of experience. Entrance requirements beyond the 1 year experience as an RN are the perogative of the individual program.