[2bEuroRN85]

Hi everyone, I’m 22 from NY and I’m going to be done with BSN-RN in May. I am full of questions about the CRNA admission process. I got a job at a SICU and I will start in June. My schools of choice would be Buffalo or Albany. I have a 3.4 and plan on taking the GRE’s. I do not really want to wait 2 or more years to start school, because I would like to get it done before I have a family. I know most of these questions depend on the situation, but your best input would sooo soo appreciated.
1)What are my chances of getting in if I apply this fall?
2)What’s a good GRE score?
3)Are B’s in Biology, Chem. and Micro really bad, should I retake them?
4)Would I be able to find a job when I’m done?
5)How long will it take me to pay off the debt?
6)What can I do right now to help my chances of getting accepted?
7)What if I apply and not get in, would that school pretty much cross me off their list even if I have more experience next time I apply?
THANKSS !!

[MB37]

I can't answer all of your questions, but I'll give it a go. Also, I haven't looked into your schools of choice, so you should of course check with them directly.

What are my chances of getting in if I apply this fall?
Nil, unless you will have at least one yr of critical care experience out of orientation before school is set to start. That's a national requirement for all prospective SRNAs.

What’s a good GRE score?
Not sure about "good," but some schools set a minimun of around 1000. If you score in the triple digits esepcially you should probably retake it. 1200 is probably a "good" score that might make up for inadequacies elsewhere in your application.

Are B’s in Biology, Chem. and Micro really bad, should I retake them?
Depends. Did you get Bs in all of them? Combine that with the minimum amount of experience and a GPA <3.5, they certainly don't help your case. Will they preclude you from getting in by themselves? Probably not. Remember that many nursing schools don't accept students with much less than a 4.0 in prereqs, so most people you are competing against will have As in those classes. You may want to retake one or two at the graduate level to show improvement.

Would I be able to find a job when I’m done? In my area yes, don't know about yours. Set up a shadow and ask your CRNA.

How long will it take me to pay off the debt? Depends on how much you borrow, terms of your loan, etc.

What can I do right now to help my chances of getting accepted?
Get your 1-2 yrs of critical care. Get ACLS, PALS, CCRN, etc. as soon as you can. Consider signing up for a grad level course or two to boost the GPA, and make sure you make an A. My first choice lets you take some general MSN courses early, which both looks good on the ap and lightens your load once you get in.

What if I apply and not get in, would that school pretty much cross me off their list even if I have more experience next time I apply? Probably not - it shows persistence, especially if you've improved your application in more ways than just gaining experience. Many people apply earlier than they plan to attend, just to see what the interview process is like.

Good luck!

[armynse]

Originally Posted by EuroRN85

Hi everyone, I’m 22 from NY and I’m going to be done with BSN-RN in May. I am full of questions about the CRNA admission process. I got a job at a SICU and I will start in June. My schools of choice would be Buffalo or Albany. I have a 3.4 and plan on taking the GRE’s. I do not really want to wait 2 or more years to start school, because I would like to get it done before I have a family. I know most of these questions depend on the situation, but your best input would sooo soo appreciated.
1)What are my chances of getting in if I apply this fall?

I strongly urge you to reconsider applying so soon after you graduate. To apply without meeting the minimum requirements is an audacious move and you have no idea how it might be construed by the CRNA program receiving said application.

You must have at least one year of critical care experience as set forth by the AANA. That said, you will not be able to go to CRNA school any time soon.

For now, focus on graduating, passing the NCLEX, and learning to care for SICU patients. If you're still anxious to throw your hat into the ring, January would be a good time for you to revisit the possibility of applying to CRNA school.

Good luck in your endeavor...

[dfk]

by starting work in june, that will give you over a year experience by the time school starts in 2009. others have done it the same way as you have inquired about. of course, just over one yr is by far on the lower end of years of experience within the applicant pool. your best bet would be to contact the program(s) you are interested and inquire to them what you have here. obviously, some of your questions just can't be answered at this time. but one for sure, there will most definitely not be a shortage of jobs as a CRNA in the near or not so near future. any specific questions about albany, drop me a p.m.

[nurselizk]

Originally Posted by armynse

To apply without meeting the minimum requirements is an audacious move and you have no idea how it might be construed by the CRNA program receiving said application.

As armynse said, you can't be accepted unless you'll have a year's critical care experience not counting orientation, at the time the program starts. And your odds of getting in with the minimum experience are slim, but I don't share her concerns about how the program will take it. Many people apply the first time as a 'practice round', to (hopefully) get some interview experience or open the door to a conversation about what will make you a more competitive candidate. What's the worst that can happen? You try again a year later. Really, now...they won't reject you another year because you had the audacity to apply 'too soon.'

[CaslaRN]

Originally Posted by armynse

I strongly urge you to reconsider applying so soon after you graduate. To apply without meeting the minimum requirements is an audacious move and you have no idea how it might be construed by the CRNA program receiving said application.

You must have at least one year of critical care experience as set forth by the AANA. That said, you will not be able to go to CRNA school any time soon.

For now, focus on graduating, passing the NCLEX, and learning to care for SICU patients. If you're still anxious to throw your hat into the ring, January would be a good time for you to revisit the possibility of applying to CRNA school.

Good luck in your endeavor...

It really depends on when your school interviews. I have heard of others who apply with only 4 - 5 months experience. By the time they interview in January that would be about 6 - 8 months and by the time school start in August you would have the minimum of 1 year. Do what you think is best for you.