[IcanHealYou]

I posted this on the general nursing forums but didn't realize there was a CRNA forum. So i'm reposting it here.

Hi everyone,
I am currently on my 5th year as an undergrad going for a Biochemistry degree. It's taking me 5 years becuase I have absolutely no idea what I wanted to do with my life. However today i read about CRNA's. I understand that I need a bachelor degree in nursing and must be an RN to be considered for graduate programs to be a CRNA.
Before this I wanted to become a pharmacist, but after looking at what I needed to do the applications and prerequisites seemed a little ridiculous to me because each of the schools had their own set of requirements. If i were to apply to many different ones, I would have had to take alot of extra courses.
My question is if I graduate with a Biochemistry degree, what steps would I have to take after I get my degree to become a CRNA. And just a couple more general questions. How long does it take? Is the coursework as tough as pharmacy coursework? Is it harder to get accepted into a MS program to become a CRNA as opposed to med,vet or pharmacy school?

Thank you in advance.

[NRSKarenRN]

Check out our thread: Read First: How to Become a CRNA FAQ

Since you will graduate with BS degree, look into Accelerated Programs ...nursing programs that can be completed in one year of full-time 12 month intense coursework.
Baccalaureate and Master's Programs

Upon graduating, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain licensure as RN. CRNA programs require 1 year experience in critical care unit prior to being accepted. As with other professions, each school has their own requirements for entrance.
CRNA programs are ~ 24 months in length so you are looking at 4 years from now to become CRNA. Coursework is equal to Pharmacy school or possbily even harder as your actions control whether someone lives or dies when administering medications and gases.

[IcanHealYou]

Thank you =D

[luhowRN]

A friend of mine in nursing school (an accelerated 18-month program) came from your exact background - biochem degree then BSN then CRNA school. His wife was a nurse, so he was able to talk with her lots about being a nurse, but ultimately only wanted to become an RN to pursue his CRNA. He actually liked being a nurse enough that he put a few extra years in before applying, but when he did apply that biochem background put him at the top of schools' lists...

I would go shadow some nurses before you pursue it all though, because if you don't like cleaning poo and some of the other delightful "nursing tasks", you won't get your required ICU experience in.

[IcanHealYou]

Wow thanks, thats really gives me a boost of confidence. And ill do whatever it takes, poo pee, whatever, bring it!

[coopsc1]

Maybe I can be of some help to you. I was actually in sort of the same situation as you. I actually have a BS in chemistry and a pharmD. I am now going to pursue a BNS/CRNA. I really like hands on patient care and I followed a CRNA and an anesthesiologist while on rotations in pharmacy school. I was in love!! I knew at that point that anesthesia is what I want to do.

If I were you, I would try to get into an accelerated BSN program and work as a nurse. If you decide that it is not for you then you can go to pharmacy school and work as an RN while in school. I wish somone would have given me that advice 4 years ago! Pharmacy school is a doctorate program and somewhat all encompassing. However, you can still work on the weekends and some afternoons with good time management.

Also, I would not let the money make the decision. Both CRNA's and pharmacist make great money, but after a certain point, all you pay is taxes. My fiance and I are both pharmacist and man, we pay out the A!! After student loans, house and car payment it feels like we have no money! Good luck to you and PM me if you have any other questions
SC