[nurse4theplanet]

The only pre-req I lack for BSN is Chem I & II. There is an RN to BSN program to which I am applying that does not require Chemistry for admission. I do not know whether you must take it during the program. If not, would I be setting myself up for a disadvantage should I apply for CRNA school post-BSN? If it is not required for the BSN program, would you suggest taking it anyway?

[BSNtobe2009]

I changed schools for this very reason. The original school that I was looking at the BSN required 2 semesters of very high-level chemistry that was designed for Chem majors.

I am going to a CC where all they require is the Chem you had in high school, and then I never have to take it again, even for the BSN at another school I am looking at.

[nurse4theplanet]

Originally Posted by BSNtobe2009

I changed schools for this very reason. The original school that I was looking at the BSN required 2 semesters of very high-level chemistry that was designed for Chem majors.

I am going to a CC where all they require is the Chem you had in high school, and then I never have to take it again, even for the BSN at another school I am looking at.

My ADN program does not require Chem either, which I think is the norm. Most BSN programs in my area do, however, there is one which just dropped this pre-req. I am interested in that program, not because I wish to skip out on Chemistry, but because I can start the program and take Chem if I must along with the other courses rather than waiting another year while I complete Chem. I am concerned because I want to make sure I am academically prepared and competitive, should I chose the CRNA route.

[yoga crna]

You guys will not like my answer, but you need to have a very good chemistry background to make it through anesthesia school. Inorganic, organic and biochemistry are necessary to understanding anesthetic agents, physiology and pharmacology.

If you are looking for shortcuts, please do not choose the nurse anesthesiology profession. We are looking for the best and the brightest, not those who are looking for the easy way. Anesthesia is a very specialized clinical profession and involves a lot of knowledge. Also, you will be competing against others who have high GPAs in the sciences.

I have been doing anesthesia for a long time and have never been sorry for taking the hard science courses. Nursing is generally considered a "soft" science.

Yoga crna

[nurse4theplanet]

Originally Posted by yoga crna

You guys will not like my answer, but you need to have a very good chemistry background to make it through anesthesia school. Inorganic, organic and biochemistry are necessary to understanding anesthetic agents, physiology and pharmacology.

If you are looking for shortcuts, please do not choose the nurse anesthesiology profession. We are looking for the best and the brightest, not those who are looking for the easy way. Anesthesia is a very specialized clinical profession and involves a lot of knowledge. Also, you will be competing against others who have high GPAs in the sciences.

I have been doing anesthesia for a long time and have never been sorry for taking the hard science courses. Nursing is generally considered a "soft" science.

Yoga crna

This is exactly why I posted this question. Thank you very much.

As I stated above, I am not trying to skip out on Chemistry or 'cut corners' as you put it. And although I wish to enter this program to get my BSN sooner...I do not want to sabotage my long term goals. I will plan to take Chemistry at the University, which will probably be better preparation than taking it at my CC anyway.