[attittaah]

Hi there,

I have plans of becoming a CRNA and I have read many posts concerning how to get there.Some have suggested taking graduate courses after you get your RN degree and some ICU experience. MY question is what specific courses do I have to take? I know some have said physiology, biochemistry among others but is that as specific as it gets.

If possible how much do these courses cost? Any answers will be appreciated.

Thank you.

[shandsburnrn-SRNA]

Hi,

I have just been accepted to CRNA school. I too saw many, many different suggestions on what would help me get in.

This is what I had when I was accepted. I have my BSN (of course) and just over 2 years in a medical college affiliated ICU (Level I Trauma Center), the Burn ICU specifically. I am also a Paramedic of 8 years with lots of experience intubating and using RSI medications. I have a real good GPA and not so good GRE score. I had no graduate level classes prior to being accepted into the program.

I would however suggest taking organic chemistry in addition to general chemistry, the admission committee I sat in front liked that. Having all your certs (ACLS, CPR, PALS) and instructor cert in at least one of them will help as will CCRN. And certainly additional chemistry, physiology, etc will help.

Another suggestion I can make is to talk with the admission committee of the schools you are interested in and ask them what they like to see in a "prime" candidate...many schools are different and have numerous interview techniques.

Good Luck.

[attittaah]

Hi Shandsburnrn

Thanks for your answer. Could you kindly give the full meaning of the abbreviations? I am very new at this.

Thanks.

[shandsburnrn-SRNA]

Sure,

GRE = Graduate Record Examination
(standardized test for graduate school entrance, kinda like the
SAT's at the end of highschool)
RSI = Rapid Sequence Induction
(consists of an IV sedative and paralytic to facilitate intubation)
ICU = Intensive Care Unit
ACLS = Advanced Cardiac Life Support
PALS = Pediatric Advanced Life Support
CPR = Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
BSN = Bachelors of Science in Nursing
CRNA = Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
CCRN = Critical Care Registered Nurse

I know you probably already knew the obvious ones, I just included them to be sure, no offense intended.

Good Luck!!

[attittaah]

Hi there again,

Kindly tell me if it is easy to get these courses (organic chemistry physiology and the likes) at any university? And how much do they cost? I hope they are not expensive.

Give me some links if you can.

Thanks

[mmc-rockstar]

I wouldn't jump to spend time or money on more classes unless they are needed. If your GPA is strong enough already, and your undergrad chem class is sufficient for the programs you are applying to...then...what's the point? Spend your time kissing butt to your manager...trauma director...and whoever else is going to write you an amazing letter. Also, spend the time on certifications...money on professional affiliations...and study ICU stuff for your interview. Good luck!!!

[FlGasman]

I just finished the first 2 semesters of crna school (4.0) . I would suggest brushing up on your organic chem and gen chem and general physics if you have a chance. Also it would help to take any class if you have been out of school awhile to get yourself in study mode. My first semester it was hard reading 5-6 hours at a time and absorbing/weeding out material, other students had been in school beforfe and i feel there brains were more ready for it. Just my.02 hope it helps!
FLgas