[phlipsidez]

Hello all,

I recently quit my job as an electrical engineer of 3 years to become an RN with hopes to become a CRNA. I am currently in an accelerated ADN and I was making A's in my first few classes but I haven't been able to pull it off in the last couple that I've taken. I made a 92 and a 91 when the cuttoff for an A is a 93 (so annoying)!! I honestly thought this little ADN program wouldn't be a problem for me, being a cocky engineer -- I have _definitely_ been humbled.

I know that there are only a small handful of CRNA schools that will accept an RN with a BS in another field (I am trying to avoid getting the BSN as much as possible). My question is, how realistic is it to get into CRNA school with 2 engineering BSNs (computer and electrical GPA = 3.38) and an ADN with hopefully at least a 3.5??? I'm just worried that having a low GPA in an ADN without a BSN will pretty much eliminate me from any chance of getting into a school. I realize that GRE's, letters of ref., etc., all are looked at too, but what kind of balance do I need among all these things???

Thanks for replying...

PS - the reason I didn't do a BS-BSN or BS-MSN program is because I would have had to take a bunch of pre-req's as engineering does not cover many of the basic life sciences that are needed for those programs. This would have set me back a year or more. The program I am currently in is a total of 15 months.

[shandsburnrn-SRNA]

Hey,

Your current GPA of 3.5 shouldn't be a problem at all. The BSN on the other hand probably will. My school, Barry University, will accept ADN's with other Bach. but I'm pretty sure they have to be health care or medical science based (i.e. chemistry, biology, etc). Here is the website for the program, you can call and find out for sure. http://www.barry.edu/anesthesiology/
Jocelyn Goulet 305-899-3541, Director of Anesthesiolgy Admissions

Good Luck

[neurogeek]

I suggest you call the schools you plan on applying to and ask them. I know some of them require a BSN in a science related field such as biology or chemistry. I don't know if any of them will consider engineering. I wish you the best of luck though. You obviously know what you want and are certainly on the right path!

[cathys01]

At most schools, the requirement is a BSN or a BS in a *related* field (ie. biology, biochemistry, chemistry). I would check with the schools you are interested in to determine what bachelor degrees they will accept before you go too far in the process...you may want to do an accelerated BSN instead (I've never heard of an accelerated ADN).

I'm just not sure you can do an advanced practice nursing field and not expect to do any "life science" prerequisites. You will have to take anatomy&physiology I & II, chemistry, pharmacology, microbiology at the ADN level anyway...

[phlipsidez]

Yeah, I've already taken micro and a&p I and II in this ADN program and aced them. I took chem and physics in engineering school and aced them too. Pharm, I got a B in

Anyway, like I said, I know not all schools take non-BSN RN's. Some schools only take BSNs, some take non-BSNs on an individual basis, and some take any RN with any BS, like these

http://chua2.fiu.edu/Nursing/anesthe...fo/ANPinfo.htm
12th paragraph

http://www6.miami.edu/sonhs/grad/anesthesia_FQA.html
6th paragraph

I'm just wondering how competitive my GPA needs to be with just an ADN to get into these schools. Does anyone know?

[phlipsidez]

Hey Sshandsburnn,

I was looking at the Barry U. website and it says "A non-science degree may be considered on a case by case basis."

So I'm guessing that if they have accepted RNs with a non-science degree in the past then it's possible with an engineering degree, as it is heavy science. It's just not life science.

Have you ever heard of an RN with a non-science bachelor's getting in there?

[Summitk2]

Originally Posted by phlipsidez

PS - the reason I didn't do a BS-BSN or BS-MSN program is because I would have had to take a bunch of pre-req's as engineering does not cover many of the basic life sciences that are needed for those programs. This would have set me back a year or more. The program I am currently in is a total of 15 months.

I think if you have trouble getting into anesthesia school, this decision will haunt you. I think you should've done the accelerated BSN. I imagine you may end up with your BSN regardless, in order to get in. Both programs you cited say they take applications from students with non-nursing bachelors degrees. I don't think this means a bachelors from ANY unrelated field. If I were you, I'd contact them directly by phone and get a clear answer. At the very least, you will be less competitive than those applicants with BSN degrees, which will be most of them.

[neurogeek]

Most schools have their stats posted on their websites so you can look there or call them for that info. Every school varies so it would be hard to say how competitive your GPA is without knowing which school you plan on applying to. Also, don't forget that once you obtain your RN you will still need 1 year of ICU, and possibly the CCRN. Good luck!

[jasy]

Originally Posted by neurogeek

Most schools have their stats posted on their websites so you can look there or call them for that info. Every school varies so it would be hard to say how competitive your GPA is without knowing which school you plan on applying to. Also, don't forget that once you obtain your RN you will still need 1 year of ICU, and possibly the CCRN. Good luck!

hey man,
I am in the same situation. I contacted Barry who said its Okay to apply since I have bachelors in electrical eng and doing masters in electrical engineering and this back ground will help alot in CRNA program. I quit masters in between. Ace GRE and get 1 yr of ICU and apply. you will be good, I applied to few schools waiting for interviews. If not i will do BSN in one year no big deal that will give me some time to save money. Go for it.

(edited out person's name by truamarus)

[jasy]

I am in the same situation. GO for it it shouldnt be a problem, only problem is lack of BSN wont give u too many of a choice. I mean we cant apply to too many schools. I suggest u to contact them.